Gods Money Matters – Articles
If I Am Tithing Why Should I Also Give Freewill Offerings?
We said God wants us to tithe because
- He first gave and it makes us more like Him,
- It strengthens our faith and trust in Him
- It brings about financial discipline.
We also discussed how God wants us to tithe to the Storehouse – which I believe means our local church.
Why the need for free will offerings?
So we’ve got the tithing matter sorted, but what about free will offerings. What are free will offerings for?
I believe that tithes are not a choice – we are commanded to give the tithe.
However, on the other hand, free will offerings are a way for us to express our gratitude, thanks and love for God and what He has done for us. It is an outpouring of our heart. That’s why it is called Free Will Offerings.
Since offerings are extra, over and above the tithe, there is no set formula for how much to give.
I believe offerings should be given from the overflow in your budget – the extra that you have left over once all your other obligations have been met. So this pre-supposes you know what your obligations are… and the best way to manage this is with a budget!
I’ve met some Christian clients who are struggling financially. They have been extremely generous with their offerings. Their church or some other worthy cause has been raising funds and they have generously responded to the cause. I love the heart of these people however it has at times caused some to get into financial trouble – as they have given generously but without considering their other financial commitments.
How can I prepare for offerings?
I’ve found a great way to ensure that this problem doesn’t happen to you.
There are always great causes that will touch your heart and that you’ll want to give to. Why don’t you set aside an amount every week into a separate bank account specifically for offerings… and when these causes and needs arise to give to then simply give from the offerings account – rather than from your primary bill paying account. This was you can give without over extending yourself, giving wisely and freely as a good steward would.
So why not be more deliberate with your free will giving and offerings. After all, in Acts 20:35 we are reminded that Jesus said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’