GIVING

Some seventeen different words are found in the Greek N.T. that represent, in one way or another, the concept of "giving." (a) While God does not "need" anything from man (Acts 17:25), he has always demanded that those who wish to serve him should give of their resources for the welfare of others in a variety of prescribed ways (see TITHE). (b) Frequently "giving" is viewed as an overture of worship (Num. 18:11; cf. Heb. 5:1; Mt. 2:11; Phil. 4:18). (c) Since giving is a form of worship, and inasmuch as worship must be according to truth (Jn. 4:24; 17:17), it is clear that the Christian is not without direction in the obligation to give of his income. Some basic facts regarding giving, as gleaned from 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, are as follows: (a) Giving is the duty of "each" Christian who has prospered. (b) Giving is to be "upon the first day of every week" (Greek text). (c) It is to be into the "store" (treasury) of the local church. (d) The amount must be commensurate with one's prosperity. While the foregoing is required as a Lord's day feature of worship, Christians are at liberty to give at other times as they have opportunity (Mk. 14:7; Gal. 6:10).