I realized today that there are many gimmicks used in the church and other ministries to encourage people to give. Many ministries even use levels of giving; the more you give, the greater the gift you get back. And if we can’t be convinced to give for a gift, we will then be guilted in some way.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”
The Amplified Classic reads, “[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. 7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. 8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. 9 As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! 10 And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. 11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.”
That being said, I don’t think it’s wrong for a ministry to give away a book or something to people who give, but when we start seeing giving tiers, that takes the emphasis away from giving and puts it on getting.
We can go all the way back to the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and the offerings were freewill. Granted, we are commanded to come before the Lord three times a year, but even then, our giving is based on the blessings we have received from God.
I am a firm believer in giving and, yes, even tithing. I also believe that we will be blessed in our giving when we do it with the right heart, but if ever you feel manipulated by a giving message, or if you ever feel guilted by a fundraising email, DON’T GIVE. Even when it’s a cause you care about, give to another organization that supports the same cause; never give out of compulsion, guilt, or the desire to receive a gift back.
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