Split the Difference

For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. —2 Corinthians 8:3-5

Many of us want to be in control of our money, especially when it comes to giving. Instead of giving our tithes and offerings, we want to control how we distribute our charitable giving. Many have asked if it is okay to give 50% of their offering to the church and 50 % to the poor. In today’s text, we see that the Macedonian churches “gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” God first, then others. In other words, they did not split their offerings.

The Well Church, the Bible does not give us specific instructions on how to give. However, the example of the Macedonians indicates what our attitude should be towards giving. Let us remember the love of Christ when we offer our offerings to the Lord.