Paying tithes and offerings is and remains a thorny issue in the lives of many Christians and a point of discussion in the church. But why do people have so much difficulty in giving money? It’s very simple, the fruit of giving is a fruit of the new creation. If Christians don’t bear the fruit of giving, there’s something wrong.
The new creation bears the fruit of giving
When people become the new creation, they bear the fruits of the new creation through the change of heart, the change of nature, and the renewing of the mind 與神的話語. A fruit of the new creation is the fruit of giving.
The saints at Philippi bore the fruit of giving
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God (Philippians 4:15-18)
在腓立比書中 4:15-18, we read about the fruit of giving in the lives of the saints at Philippi. Unlike the other churches, the saints at Philippi had financially supported Paul and the work for the Kingdom.
Paul had not asked for money. He had not asked the saints to support him financially, but the saints gave it to him.
It was not about the money. But the fruit of giving was for Paul a sign that the rebirth in Christ had taken place and his teachings bore fruit in their lives.
They were no longer the old creation, who is selfish, 貪婪, and doesn’t care about others. But they had become the 新創作 and bore the fruit of giving.
They didn’t give because they were asked to give. They also didn’t give to receive more back. But the saints gave freely with no strings attached.
The saints gave from their new heart, their new nature, and their renewed mind.
The saints at Philippi cared about Paul
They were born of God and had the nature of their Father and looked after (the need of) their brother Paul, who had jeopardized his life for them to bring and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and deliver and redeem them from the power of the devil, 死亡, and hell.
Through Paul and his preaching, God’s love was revealed to them. They believed the words of Paul and accepted God’s love, 和 悔改, were baptized, 和 received the Holy Spirit.
They were thankful to God and loved Jesus and the Father above all. From their faith, gratitude, and love for God, they gave their offering.
By giving their offering they acknowledged God as their Lord and gave thanks to Him and honored Him. They could say they loved God, but by giving their gift they showed Him that they loved God and pleased Him.
Just like the poor widow in the temple in the Old Covenant. The poor widow didn’t have much, but gave all she had to God because she loved God above all (馬克 12:42-43, 路克 21:2-4).
Paul accepted their gift not to become wealthy, but to meet his needs.
When people don’t bear the fruit of giving
The new creation is not like the old creation selfish and covetous. The new creation doesn’t make a fuss and come up with arguments that should release them from giving. But the new creation has a fear of the Lord God and loves Him and gives freely.
If people don’t bear the fruit of giving and come up with all kinds of excuses to not give their tithes and offerings, then they are carnal and not spiritual.
Because through the rebirth in Christ and the true teachings in the Word, the new creation, who has been quickened and has become spiritual in Christ, shall bear the fruit of giving.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that if people refuse to give, they are led by a spirit of greed and the love for money, instead of the Holy Spirit and the love for God.
Because everyone, who is led by the Holy Spirit bears the fruit of giving and therefore give, just like the first church and the church at Philippi. Not to receive more back, but out of gratitude and love for the Father and His Son and to worship and honor Them.
‘成為地球之鹽’
