Yesterday I wrote about why we give our offerings. Today I am going to wade in the difficult topic of “how much?”

The Old Testament law was very prescriptive on the requirements for tithes (10%) and offerings for different occasions, but since Jesus came to fulfill the law, we are not made right with God by following all the rules of the law, including these. We are made right by what Jesus’ has done for us in his death and resurrection. So we need to look to the New Testament for guidance, since the Old Testament rulebook is superseded.

We must remember first, that everything we have is God’s already. When we give, we are only giving back from what he has first given us.

We can read what Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” In simple terms, we can’t out-give God.

Jesus gives some guidance in Matthew 23:23, After calling the Pharisees hypocrites for over-emphasizing following the rules of the law, Jesus says, “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

So what does this boil down to? There is some indication that a tithe (10%) is the target, but we need to decide for ourselves what to give. Set our own goals. Stretch and give God the opportunity to show us his blessing. Remember what God told us through Malachi, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”

Dear Lord, the hymn goes, “We give the but thine own, what e’r the gift may be, all that we have is thine alone, a trust O Lord from thee.” Help us give from our faith and in response to your grace, knowing that you will always provide us what we need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.