This is the third article in our series regarding a biblical study of giving. As stated in session one, we quickly discovered when consolidating all the giving related passages, all our acquired notes, and our published “Getting Your Financial House In Order” book, that this subject is too extensive for one Loose Change article. Question #1 was “Why Do We Give?” Question #2 was “How Much Do We Give and When Should We Give?” Now we answer questions #3 and #4.
3. Should I give from my Net Income or my Gross Income (Revenues)?
You could answer somewhat facetiously from the content of the Malachi 3 passages from our Question #2 article last month, “Well, do you want a net income blessing or a gross income blessing?” Understand, our levity is primarily intended to raise our attention level. There is so much more to consider regarding this often-asked question.
First, let’s keep in mind that those items or deductions that reduce our gross pay to a net amount can also be a part of God’s provision and can reap a benefit (as originally intended). Social Security, Medicare, Federal and State income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes all have benefits associated with them when handled with a biblical mindset. Social Security taxes provide income toward retirement; Medicare payments provide medical insurance for our later years, etc. These are all benefits that add to our increase and can be a part of God’s provision for us and others. To give or tithe only on the net increase can represent an impoverished understanding of God’s blessing for our material lives. Also remember, as we previously stated, that if God’s people were giving 10% or more of their income to their church or other fruitful charities; some, or many, of these existing government-initiated programs would not be needed and could technically be eliminated.
It is understood that sometimes people’s trust level only allows them to begin giving to God’s work using some initial percent of income; and this is often calculated on their net income. As previously stated, “Nowhere in the Bible does God talk about giving less than ten percent.” So hopefully, we step out in faith and start there (giving ten percent). However, once people start giving, they soon discover both God’s obvious and hidden blessings. They may start with ten percent of their net income, but they soon move up to giving God ten percent of their gross income. Remember though, ten percent is the biblical starting place, not the goal!
A caution for those who are self-employed: It is to be noted that most wise Christian businesses owners give from their net profit, i.e. their gross revenues minus the legitimate, legal, morally correct, and Holy Spirit led costs of doing business. It is possible for a business owner that blindly gives ten percent of their gross revenues to God, to tithe themselves right out of business! Some businesses don’t even operate on a ten percent margin!
It is also noted that we have met many generous Christian business owners who don’t know their actual net profit until the end of their fiscal year. Some of these business owners handle this by giving donations monthly or quarterly, just as they would pay their Quarterly tax estimates. Then at the end of their fiscal year they have a rendering with their financial statements, and then give whatever balance or percent that they have originally purposed in their heart to give. This way they are giving throughout the year and then giving any final amounts at the end of their fiscal year. We have also met many business owners who do give ten percent (or more) of their gross revenues to God’s work. However, they have a strong grasp of their business, sales patterns, balance sheet and monthly financial statements.
4. Who should we direct our giving toward?
. Following are biblical examples of where to give:
Our local church and those ministering to us. The local church and our pastors today are one of the Old Testament equivalents to the priests and Levites found in Malachi 3. This giving can include on-line churches when someone worships from home. This option became increasingly prevalent when Covid and the pandemic hit. When feasible, we do want to remember to meet with an actual physical body of Believers. It is important that the Body of Christ meet together to share talents and giftings, and to minister one to the other (Heb. 10:24-25). If we should ever discover that our pastor or local church leaders are violating scriptural principles, initially we should not withhold our giving. However, we should make a proper and biblical appeal regarding the discerned issues. If our appeal process fails and we have demonstrated the proper submissive spirit and attitude (i.e. not being prideful), then we may need to consider finding a new church or place to worship. Remember, Christ warned us of the many false prophets that will come in the last days (Matt. 7:15;24:11, 24; Mk 13:22; II Peter 2:1; I John 4:1)
I Corinthians 9:14 states, “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” Besides our local church, this includes other non-profit and fruitful charity organizations that are proclaiming God’s Word and practicing sound biblical principles.
To our family members (I Tim. 5:8). However, usually not without some form of accountability, and often not without engaging a third-party counselor (financial or otherwise). This helps keep all the family member’s emotions in balance.
From Matt. 25:24-40; those hungry and thirsty, those needing hospitality or housing, those needing clothing, those who are sick and in prison.
Christians in need. This also includes widows, orphans, and single parent moms/families - I John 3:17-18 states, “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
Not to everyone that asks. II Thess. 3:10 “. . .if anyone is not willing to work then he is not to eat, either.
Those without Christ. Matt. 6:42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” In context here, it is referring to lost and unsaved people.
This concludes question #3 and #4 in this series regarding giving. Should you have any questions, comments, or a related testimony you would like to share, please contact us. Our hope is that these articles, Bible passages, along with the leading of the Holy Spirit, prompt you to continually step out in faith when it comes to giving.
If you question or doubt your eternal salvation, contact us and ask for: “The ABC’s of Salvation.” Our next Loose Change article will address questions #5 and #6 in this series regarding, “What are the eight most often asked questions about giving.”