“I don’t understand why they give so much to the church!” That was his comment after preparing the annual tax return for his brother-in-law. He wasn’t a Christian and seldom attended church, while his brother-in-law was a Christian who was very active in his church. It just didn’t make sense to him why anyone would give that much. It was a lot of money and they could do a lot with it.

I know about the situation because I’m related to each of them.

Many people don’t understand why some Christians give so much to God’s work through the church…why they tithe…why they give sacrificially beyond the tithe to missions, capital campaigns, and other needs.

But it’s not just people who are not Christians that don’t understand. Some people who go to church every Sunday and claim to love the Lord don’t understand it.

So why do some Christians give so much? I’ll answer that question with these words: love, faith, obedience, vision, perspective, and recognition.

• Love – because love always gives. Jesus is our example.
• Faith – because God is trustworthy. He will provide what we need.
• Obedience – because God commands us to tithe and be generous.
• Vision – because most people are lost and need a Savior. We see them and how our giving can make a difference.
• Perspective – because we understand that life is about more than money and stuff. We live for a higher purpose.
• Recognition – because we know that all our blessings (including financial blessings) come from God and tithing/generous giving gives God the honor He deserves.

Do you understand why some Christians give so much? Are you more like my relative who prepared the tax return or his brother-in-law? Which one do you want to be like?

Pastor Steve Hogg