The answer here is: all believers should give from biblical motives in line with biblical principles, not according to any organisation’s agenda! First of all, the Bible says we should give in secret, but knowing that God is watching us. Remember what Jesus said about the poor widow: “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44). It is giving with a sincere heart, not out of pride, a desire for human recognition, power that matters for the Lord (Matthew 6:1-4). Also, this is what the Bible says: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:2), which means you have to prepare what you will give at home by praying over it, and regularly! God wants your best, not your left-overs: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). That is why your offering or tithes have to be prepared: you should not wait until the offering basket comes next to you to be surprised: ‘Oh no! I have nothing to give today’… REALLY? Someone prepared is not surprised! Also, never forget that the Bible says: “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering” (Matthew 5:23-24). How many times have you offered offerings to God that He did not accept because you have not yet made peace with someone? Finally, know that every offering or tithing is a sacrificial giving to God for the work of His Kingdom, therefore it should not be tainted with personal motives, regrets, etc… but instead we should imitate the churches of Macedonia: “For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favour of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) For, your giving to the Lord is not enough if you have not yet given yourself to Him too… Even a pagan can be willing to support the work of God, the saints of God, do what seems to gloirify Him (and unfortunately, some churches would take such offerings!) but God wants our hearts first above anything we can give or do to support His work! Stay blessed in Jesus’ name. [facebook] [retweet]