Exploring the Text: Giving tithes and offerings
When it comes to giving tithes and offerings, we often consider it an obligation, something that must be done and often without any joy. When we read this passage, however, we get a very different perspective. The giving of tithes and offerings was not intended to be a drudgery, but rather intended to be an act of remembrance, thankfulness, and celebration.
As people brought their tithes and offerings, they would recount what God had done for them. The would remember his goodness and his deliverance. They would celebrate and rejoice in their relationship with him, even drawing other people into the celebration. In the same way, when we give back to God, whether it is from our money, our time, or our efforts, we should do so remembering what God has done, with thankful hearts, and with festive joy. After all, we are just returning to God a little of what he has already given us.
When it comes to giving tithes and offerings, we often consider it an obligation, something that must be done and often without any joy. When we read this passage, however, we get a very different perspective. The giving of tithes and offerings was not intended to be a drudgery, but rather intended to be an act of remembrance, thankfulness, and celebration.
As people brought their tithes and offerings, they would recount what God had done for them. The would remember his goodness and his deliverance. They would celebrate and rejoice in their relationship with him, even drawing other people into the celebration. In the same way, when we give back to God, whether it is from our money, our time, or our efforts, we should do so remembering what God has done, with thankful hearts, and with festive joy. After all, we are just returning to God a little of what he has already given us.