The tithing thing (2)

Another Bible passage that mentions tithing is Genesis 28. Jacob was a lying, cheating-his-own-brother-out-of-an-inheritance rogue. But then he met God, and he walked (well, limped) away a different man. After that happened he said to God, 'Of all that you give to me I will give you a tenth' (Genesis 28:22 NIV). Jacob met with God, was changed, and so he promised to give him a tithe. Again, just like with Abraham, this was before the Levitical laws were a thing, so Jacob wasn't under any obligation. It was the fact that he'd experienced the loving presence of God firsthand that led him to tithe.

This is the second thing to learn about tithing: it's inspired by love. Loving and giving are completely tied together. The Bible says so. John 3:16 NKJV says (we can probably recite it from memory): 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life'. We've all heard it, probably many times, but have we ever noticed: 'God so loved... that he gave.' He loved us first, then gave everything of himself to us.

Loving someone or something creates openness and sometimes even a longing to help. And that's when we get inspired to give.



So what now? Which person, situation or place gets your compassion going? Use this as motivation to give, in whatever way you can. Do something generous that will really make a difference. Start with love and move into action.





— SCRIPTURE —

'I will give you a tenth.' Genesis 28:22 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Acts 18-19, Matt 5:1-5, Ps 144:1-8, Pro 11:10-11