Generosity brings freedom 

Giving away your money brings freedom. Why? Because it loosens the grip we have on earthly possessions. It helps bring us into a greater level of faith and trust, and redirects the focus from "what we have" to "what we can give."

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Generosity brings blessing

Tithing brings Luke 6:38 to life–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.

Sharing testimonies of God's radical responses to our own generosity is a great way to bring this verse to life. Remind your church that when they give, they can expect to be blessed in return. (Luke 6:38).

 

The "abundant life" is not about having a bunch of stuff

Part of your task as a church leader is to help your church members understand the true meaning of life–not everlasting life, but life on this side of heaven. 

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

While most would agree that life isn't about having a bunch of stuff, it's all-too-easy to have "blind spots" of greed that limit us from generosity. Christ Jesus warned us to be on guard from greed.

 

True rest and comfort exist only in Jesus

It's easy to believe that true rest and comfort come with having possessions and money–especially if you're facing financial stress. With that in mind, it can feel extremely difficult to tithe. 

But Jesus said that He is the source of true comfort. 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Remind your church community that Jesus gives us rest–not a larger bank account. Matthew 11:28 reminds us of this beautiful reality. 

 

We give because we're blessed

Authentic generosity comes out of a place of gratitude. Helping your church community to acknowledge how they are blessed by God is a great start to authentic gratitude. 

James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

 

We give because we trust God

Generosity also stems from trust. It can be tempting to worry, but Scripture tells us that God knows our needs and will meet them. 

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:26)

Matthew 6:26 gives us assurance that God will provide for us, even when we give from what feels like deep poverty.

 

Giving is not an outward act

In the midst of teaching on tithing, it's important to remind your church family that giving is not just an outward act. 

Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. (Luke 11:42)

Luke 11:42 shows us the danger of giving away a tenth of what you have, but neglecting to love others (and God) well. Authentic generosity is not just an obligation; it's a heart response. 

 

Tithing is not an exemption from paying taxes

Some churchgoers may want to ask, is tithing the same as paying taxes?

Mark 12:15-17 gives us some insight on this point. In Mark 12:15, the disciples as Jesus a question about paying taxes. 

"Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 

Jesus then responds.

They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Much to the disappointment of His disciples, Jesus doesn't advocate for tax evasion. 

 

Generosity is an act of obedience

If the Bible tells us to be generous, then we're meant to obey with action. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)

James 1:22 makes it clear: Obey Scripture when you hear it. 

 

Giving is a result of seeing Jesus

In Matthew 2:1-11, we see the birth of Jesus and the Magi's response: a fragrant offering of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Though these aren't men in extreme poverty–like the poor widow who gave two mites–their offering is still significant, because it's in response to a promise fulfilled.