March 7, 2023 — “Give Proportionately”

“If the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has – not according to what one does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

To give in a proportional manner is our way of giving in relation to our abundance. We are to give according to our “means,” focusing not on a specific amount, but on what proportion that amount represents of our income or budget.

“We ask the Lord to give us hearts that are generous and willing to share with those in need around the world. We ask to be trustworthy channels of the Lord’s resources. May we glorify God by our obedience to the gospel and by our generosity based on its teaching: It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (adapted from heartlight website, based on 2 Cor. 8:12)

In many Lutheran churches today, pastors and church councils ask people to think in reference to proportional giving – not in giving a “specific amount”. In other words, we can decide that we are giving “X” amount to the church every week, or month, but as our income increases or decreases, does the “X” change accordingly? When we decide to give according to a percentage of our income, 2%, 3%, 5% or 10%, as our income goes up or down, then the amount changes with it.

Proportional giving encourages us to give thought to our gifts rather than to allow them to become mindless, habitual repetitions.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, let your glory shine through me. Thank you, Lord, for your inexpressible gift, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pastor Dave