QUESTION RECEIVED FROM A PASTOR: We have a family in financial need in our church, and this question comes to me from one of our members. It has been suggested by a member to give of her tithes to this family to help them in need (and it is important to note that this will be a short term need) and bless them.
My initial thought is considering God asks us to be obedient in tithing, we should continue to tithe to the church; however, God may be teaching this family to have a greater dependency on Him during this time ... yet be teaching this member to help this one family by giving sacrificially. I was wondering if I could get the thoughts (of perhaps another Pastor) on this issue as to whether or not they should help this family with all their tithes, or should they tithe regularly and perhaps help this family above and beyond (if they are able). Thanks and God bless you!
MY ANSWER: It is great to help others. Yet is this tithe given to a family really a tithe to the Lord?These are thoughts for you to consider as you want to help others and honor the Lord.Does this direct giving shortchange the storehouse and restrict the local church for doing more for more people?Malachi 3:10English Standard Version (ESV)10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.Does the family in need have family they can go to?If we keep this family from receiving help from family are we taking away family connecting and growth?Yes we take care of our church people first then the community. These questions are to examine the many aspects of giving or tithing to the church.My simple remark that is that if people all church members tithed then we could take care of a lot of folks-and have to have meeting s on what to do with the extra funds..
Matthew 6:1-4English Standard Version (ESV)Matthew 6Giving to the Needy 1"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.I would really like to hear from pastors and church people how we can best give to those in need as the church.
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