What Are The Principles Of Giving?
We believe that the Bible gives practical advice on financial giving:
The best way that we can capture the spirit of biblical generosity is to say to ourselves not how much must I give, but how much dare I keep? Not shall I give, but how much of the money that I hold in trust for Jesus can I take for my private use? The question is not can I afford to give, but can I justify the life-style that consumes all of my income?
And behind that is the question: Do I love to use God’s money to spread justice, mercy and hope in the world, or do I prefer to use His money to purchase more and more personal comfort?
Here are some of the guidelines we believe that the Bible contains on financial giving:
individually
Everyone is invited to participate.
regularly
Plan your giving, perhaps weekly or monthly.
spontaneously
Give without planning as well, let your hold on your money be a light one.
proportionately
The proportion of your income that you give is far more important than the amount.
freely
Your primary commitment should be to your own community, though this should not limit your generosity.
cheerfully
Give joyfully. No-one should give either reluctantly or out of guilt.
The best way that we can capture the spirit of biblical generosity is to say to ourselves not how much must I give, but how much dare I keep? Not shall I give, but how much of the money that I hold in trust for Jesus can I take for my private use? The question is not can I afford to give, but can I justify the life-style that consumes all of my income?
And behind that is the question: Do I love to use God’s money to spread justice, mercy and hope in the world, or do I prefer to use His money to purchase more and more personal comfort?
Here are some of the guidelines we believe that the Bible contains on financial giving:
individually
Everyone is invited to participate.
regularly
Plan your giving, perhaps weekly or monthly.
spontaneously
Give without planning as well, let your hold on your money be a light one.
proportionately
The proportion of your income that you give is far more important than the amount.
freely
Your primary commitment should be to your own community, though this should not limit your generosity.
cheerfully
Give joyfully. No-one should give either reluctantly or out of guilt.