There are a host of things that I am not “fond” of when it comes to attending any traditional church but right now I am thinking about the tithes and offerings. When I visit a church I do not attend with the intention of giving any money UNLESS the Spirit prompts me to do so. There have been occasions in which people have offered to give or actually given me money to place in the offering plate / basket. One lady once told me that she did not want me to “miss out on my blessing” because I had nothing to give! (She needs to read my ebook BROKEN AND NOT ASHAMED.)
I am a giver and not just to my church, but I don’t give because people are watching me as the offering platessssss go past me. I don’t give because people think my blessing is tied to the dollars and cents I put in a church bank account. And I am offended by people handing me money to put in the offering plate AS IF GOD DOES NOT KNOW IT IS NOT MY MONEY!!!! Don’t assume I do not have money because I have not given.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:7
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Think about it: God loves a cheerful giver. Who wants to give because they have to? And who wants to give because people around you think you are not saved because you don’t have at least a dollar to put in the offering plate?
Perhaps the reason I am not giving is the message does not agree with Scripture, which is usually the case. Or, maybe I am not giving because I do not believe the church stewards the money it receives properly. Another reason I may not give is because I see the fruit the church has produced. Ultimately, I do not give because the Spirit of God has not prompted me to do so.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:10
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
I believe YHWH provides seed to be sown on fertile ground. My giving is based on where the Spirit of the Lord directs which is why I am blessed.
written by Marsha L F Randolph
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