“Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution'...” (rf. Exodus 35:4-5a)
As stated above, this is an example of the “freewill offering”. Indeed, it is actually the establishment of the practice. In context, the Lord is making preparation for the construction of the Tabernacle, the place of His worship for His people. Not only has He given specific instructions on how it is to be built, He is also providing the materials necessary through the gifts given by His people. They will be the resources by means of how they each respond in their hearts to the goodness each has received from the hand of God. This is a way each can show to God his/her gratitude by a tangible action.
Note that this “freewill offering” is separate from, over and above, the required tithe, as seen by no mention of the tithe. The absence of the “tithe” signifies that God has already addressed that subject. This offering is a unique action, different from that already commanded before. This offering is based solely on the need of the moment and is to be an opportunity to reveal one’s heart toward the Lord. Therefore, only as one is moved within does one give. It is as Paul states in II Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” When one is presented a need and is offered the opportunity to give to that need, the Lord is also providing a chance to disclose the degree of gratitude one feels toward Him for the blessings that the one has experienced. If one then gives “grudgingly” or “sparingly”, then it shows a great lack of appreciation for the goodness of God in one’s life. If, on the other hand, that person cheerfully gives in abundance toward the need, that person will be blessed immeasurably in return because he/she has revealed a heart full of wonder and awe at God’s grace and mercy.
Therefore, as we have learned throughout these summer months, the Lord has shown us in His Word how we are to use our funds in worship and praise to Him. We are to give of the income that passes into our hands, that which is within our power to control, the tithe, the full 10%, which belongs to the Lord. We are to never use any of that amount for our own purposes. To do such is to steal from God, an action for which we will pay dearly (no pun intended). Secondly, anytime we feel under compulsion to give any amount to the Lord above and beyond, it is considered a gift to Him, paralleling the vows of the Old Testament. Finally, if a need is presented to us, it is an opportunity to show our gratitude to the Lord by giving an amount that we deem is worthy, thus it is a “freewill offering” or in our day, a “love offering”.
In all of these truths, we must remember that no matter how much we give to God, God always gives to us more. He has promised to provide for all of our needs. He has also stated that He has given to His people “abundant life”. So, we need never to fear that we will run out of funds in order to live. As David clearly states in Psalm 37:25-26:
“I have been young and now I am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his descendants begging bread.
All day long he is gracious and lends,
And his descendants are a blessing.”
Remember: God never made a promise that He does not intend to keep!
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