Giving is about worship

Giving is an act of worship. Psalm 24 reminds us that ‘the Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it”. As Christians we believe that everything we have comes from God and that we are called to be good stewards of all our possessions, including our money. It is an expression of thankfulness and love for God. It comes from a heart of worship, for everything we give already belongs to him!

Giving is part of our discipleship 

Giving is part of what it means to follow Jesus. It is our desire that everyone grows in their relationship with Jesus, and by committing to devote our time, energy, skills and money to God, we acknowledge His Lordship over all of our lives. Good stewardship of our money is not just about our giving to the Church – it affects how we spend all of our money and use all of our possessions. How we use our money can reveal our priorities and what’s going on in our hearts. Everything we have is from God, and we honour Him when we give financially to bless and serve the church and those around us.

Giving is biblical

The Bible teaches us a lot about handling our money and giving. It says give because we want to, not because we ‘have’ to. It says to give regularly, proportionally (according to income) – and in faith: trusting God to provide. Many people find the Old Testament practice of setting aside ten percent (a ‘tithe’) of their income as a helpful guide in working out their giving to God. 

Giving is part of our commitment to the church

As members of Christchurch, we commit ourselves to many things including offering to God our time and our talents. Giving financially to God’s work through the church on a regular basis is part of this.

Give expectantly 

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

Give proportionally & regularly 

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income. 1 Corinthians 16:2

How to give?

Many bible references lay down some helpful guidelines: 

Give cheerfully 

Everyone should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 

Give generously 

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 

Give eternally
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-20