Tithing should never be a guilt trip 🫣

You wouldn’t guilt someone into getting baptized, right? When pastors speak about baptism and all it signifies, there may be a few in the audience who feel called to rise and do so right there and then. 

But some people may need more time to think about it, tune into their hearts, and consider if they’re ready to take that step.

Talking about giving has similar criteria. Guiltily tithing 10% of your income is not the same as joyfully and peacefully doing so. 

That’s why how we approach the topic of giving can make all the difference for those on the fence about what it means to give.  

Speak on the ground level of giving

Some leaders—to avoid ruffling feathers—speak about giving from the 30,000-foot level. When really, they should start from the ground level. 

What does that mean? 

The 30,000-foot level covers the basics of God’s nature. He is a giving God, He gave his only Son to pay for our sins, and we should reflect His nature. Those are all good virtues. 

But it doesn’t help someone understand their day-to-day relationship with money and how giving ties into that.

The ground level of giving focuses on scriptures such as Genesis 4. Let’s take a closer look at that story.

Genesis 4: the first lesson on giving

In Genesis 4, we witness what it looks like to give the first and best of your harvest and what the difference of heart posture can do.

Cain brought an offering of the fruits of the ground to the Lord, and Abel offered his first and best to the Lord. Abel gained favor because he gave  God the firstborn of his flock, untouched and pure. 

Though we don’t know exactly what Cain’s offering was, it was deemed less favorable. God spoke to him saying if he did well, he would be accepted, and if not, sin would be at his door, yet he should overcome it.

In other terms, it seemed God was telling Cain to try again and overcome his anger and disappointment. Of course, we all know what Cain chose to do instead of improving his heart posture and offerings.

We can choose to recalibrate instead, and check our heart posture.

Action Items: 

1. Speak on giving from the ground level, not the 30,000 foot level

What are the roots of giving? Understanding the impact of heart posture can make all the difference in how your congregation views tithing. Give them the language and texts to dive into what it means to offer your first and best.

2. Remember that one's heart will always be revealed

We can’t hide our hearts from God. He will always know where our hearts are when giving. If we’re operating from a place of guilt, He will know. If we’re reluctant, He will know. 

Tune into the why of giving to better support your flock as they grapple with the same questions.

3. Keep the transformational mindset vs. a transactional mindset

Giving with a joyful, obedient heart can lead to transformation in one’s life. Letting go of control and giving it to God is one of the most powerful things you can do.

And that starts with turning away from the transactional mindset. It’s not about the dollar signs, it’s about our hearts. That is where the transformation happens.

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