Lawn Care and Love Offerings: A Reflection

My neighbor, fresh from starting a lawn care side hustle, asked if I'd be a customer. I usually handle the yard myself, but you know, life happens! When I heard his price, though, I nearly choked. Sixty bucks? Back in my lawn-mowing youth, I charged a fraction of that! Times, they are a-changin'.

From Pocket Change to Online Giving

That got me thinking about giving in church. Dropping a dollar in the collection plate used to feel significant. Now? Not so much. That’s where Paul’s wisdom on giving in the New Testament really shines.

A "Love Offering" for the Ages

Paul organized a "love offering" from the Greek churches to support the Jerusalem church, which faced famine. He wanted to show love and gospel partnership.

He told them to contribute weekly, in proportion to their blessings. As 1 Corinthians 16:2 says in the Amplified Bible, give in proportion to your prosperity. It’s systematic: regular giving that grows with your income.

Tithes and First Fruits

Many churches emphasize the tithe as a systematic giving model. Giving to God at the start of the month, the "first fruits," echoes Old Testament principles.

Giving in a Digital Age

And these days, the "collection plate" might be your phone. Churches adapted during Covid-19, embracing online giving alongside broadcast worship. Online banking makes regular contributions easy.

The Heart of Giving

However we give, giving matters. It cultivates generosity over selfishness and honors God. He's given us so much; we honor Him in return with our best.

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