The Four Types Of Giving According To The Bible
Did you know that there are four types of giving as written in the Bible? You must know all of these. If you understand the differences of each, then you will see how these acts can reward you in life.
Here are the four types of giving according to the Bible:
Tithes
Tithes often get confused with offerings, but both are very different from each other.
According to the Bible, Tithes are 10% of your income, and it can’t count as an offering. The money belongs only to God, and you should give it only to Him regularly.
Tithes are more of an act of recognition. It’s also a way of giving thanks for all the blessings that you are receiving. It’s to honor and acknowledge that He is your provider.
All your income came from God. So, it is only right and just that you give back the 10% so he can continue blessing you for the 90% that’s left of your income.
The Seed or Offerings
As mentioned, offerings differ from tithes. Unlike tithing, which has a required amount of how much you should give, offerings are more of a free will. It’s up to you how much seed you want to give.
Although the more you give, the more you will receive. Think of it as the more seeds you sow, the more plants you can harvest.
So where should you give your offerings or plant your seed? The Bible says that the source of your spiritual food should receive your offerings.
The First Fruits
The first fruits are usually done once a year or for every new blessing that you receive.
For example, the house of God should receive the full amount of your first salary that you get from your new job. An increase in your salary should also be given to your spiritual storehouse.
Any new blessings that you receive counts as a first fruit, so all these should be offered to God.
Giving your first fruits once a year will show how grateful you are for the blessings that you received from Him.
Alms-giving
Unlike those three types of giving above which you should give to God, alms are for humankind. Your compassion and sympathy will lead you to help the less fortunate and the needy.
There are many ways on how you can give alms. There are lots of soup kitchens out there that help the less fortunate where you can donate food, clothes, and even some cash.
Although most people do alms-giving, many do it the wrong way.
In the Bible, it says that you should give alms in secret so you can protect the dignity of those who are in crisis. Many are helping others but are bragging about it as well.
All of us can help the needy, but only a few can help others with the purest of intentions.
When you practice all these types of giving, then you can have your financial life under control. But remember, you need to have the right intentions and motivations when giving.
Your heart should be pure when doing such selfless acts and God will bestow more blessings upon you.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving on the poor and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about stories of caring and Christian topics.
