Interesting thread, can I chime in with my experiences.
Feel free to disagree as I know everyone’s experience is different and to be honest
the whole issue of giving tends to be done according to each person’s experience.
I dont agree with tithing, why? Well because a tenth is not enough. Lol
Its not a case of how much of your own money you give to God, it’s more a
case of how much of God’s money you keep, because it all comes from God.
People should give what they feel led to give, it also should be given because
you want to give with a joyful heart, not because another person tells you to.
Lets face it, if a person gave you a gift every week but they found out you really
were reluctant about it and didn’t want to, you would tell them not to bother! You
certainly would not appreciate it in the same way.
Best thing to do is pray and ask God to show you what He wants you to do.
He is a better teacher than man and when God is the teacher, and He shows you,
giving becomes a joyful thing.
People sometimes think of giving as always financially, giving of your time
has immense value too. In fact giving money is easy compared to giving of
yourself. It’s easy to throw money at a situation then wipe your hands of it
and think Ive done my bit.
You also can’t outgive God. I’ve seen that time and time again in my life.
I never give with the intention of getting something back, ever. But I have been
astounded by the amazing way God has provided over the years. Yes sometimes
that has been financially, in fact many times in the most unexpected ways.
Its not even always been when I’ve needed it! I think God likes to give us
pleasant surprises and little gifts for no reason other than He loves us. Just like
we do for each other.
I know this sounds stupid, but one Christmas I bought some flowers for God.
I put them in my bedroom but told God they were really for Him. I can’t explain
it but I felt really joyful and just knew God was pleased with them. That christmas
just felt so special.
More than anything He wants us, time with us.
Back to the money issue, pray and ask God to show you what and to who or
where. Who knows He might show you He wants you to give more than a tithe!
He might also show you that He does not want you to give anything for a while,
that He would rather you start to budget and act responsibly to clear the millstone
of debt from around your neck, so that you can then start to give without fear and
in freedom. I know people who have done that and God has blessed them greatly
for taking responsibility for their finances. God does not want us to be in bondage
to anything including debts.