Q.
How
important is it to be obedient to the Holy Spirit in giving?
A.
In giving according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, sometimes we will be
asked to give an amount that we feel we are incapable of giving or is beyond our
seeming level of generosity. But we should remember to consider the scriptures
that God is a rewarder of those that
diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is
impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and
that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Being obedient to the Holy Spirit can
be seen as being in the spectrum of diligence. Undoubtedly, God takes pleasure
in those who obey Him.
Q. If
my spouse does not desire to tithe, how can I, being that I am one with him/her,
carry out my obligation to tithe?
A .
Tithing is something done on an individual basis. When it cannot be done
collectively, you must learn to tithe from the things that you know to be yours.
Your time is yours and the virtues you possess, along with whatever amount of
money you consider as being under your authority. Deal with it from this
perspective and be at peace.
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not
given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound
mind."
Q. When
I tithe monetarily, should I tithe from my gross or my net income?
A.
As we have just studied, in essence when we tithe monetarily, we tithe time. You
must consider the fact that you are being paid hourly or by salary as from a
gross standpoint. Legally and morally, the gross amount you make is your actual
pay and would be considered your first fruits from which to tithe.
Q.
What do I do if I cannot afford to tithe, let alone alone give offerings?
A.
The scriptures teach us that we are under grace, that God gives us mercy. You
are probably one who has not been taught the concept of tithing in depth or are
new to the faith and therefore, must begin to plan on a future level, budgeting
tithes even as you would any other aspect of budgeting. Meantime, you may want
to sow more time to prayer. Tithing is something we should plan for. Many times
things are purchased without considering the tithe and because of a poor check
and balance system, the tithe is neglected. Romans 12:11, "Not
slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."
Q. What
if monetary tithing is not bringing my desired results?
A.
When fruit is not being borne through tithing and giving, checks should be made
concerning the different aspects of giving. Do we have the right attitude? Are
we standing on the word of God in faith so as to obtain His promises, 1 Corinthians 1:20, "Where
is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not
God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" If this does not work,
stop tithing until you get a bearing on your faith, then resume. Sometimes we
are reaching beyond our faith and need to fortify it for a time.
Q. How
do I determine what amount I should give above and beyond my tithe?
A.
Anything given above a tithe is considered an offering. To determine what should
be given as an offering, one need only to go by the leading of the Lord and give
what He is telling you to give. The Lord knows the needs of the church and will
lead you in your offerings. Learn to be led in your offerings and you will be
blessed in return.
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