If you worked a minimum wage job and had a family that was struggling and hungry, would you still pay tithing out of your small check or would you use all your necessary funds to make sure your children ate?
The reason that I am asking is because there was a woman in my town who recently lost custody of her 4 grandchildren because they were severely malnourished and she couldn't afford to feed them all everyday on her small social security check, because she had to give her 15 percent for tithing. So, she made them take turns. She would feed one of them one day, a different one the next way, and so on.
2007-03-22 19:51:48 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is a story in the Gospel where Jesus points out that the wealthy man who gives lots of money did not give even ~close~ to as much as the poor woman who gave 2 pennies.
If you are so concerned about this woman, perhaps you could drop off a few sandwiches next time you think about them?
2007-03-22 19:54:45 · answer #1 · answered by Jay 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
God only asks for TEN percent of ones' earnings, *not* 15! Also, there *must* be more to the story than this, because in *my* experience with tithing, God ALWAYS pays back 1000% of the tithe. So, she should have MADE money!
In times of extreme hardship though, God understands if everybody can't give all of the time! That's where 'Love offerings' come in. God always reimburses these as well.
It appears that her mistake was in giving 15% instead of the mere 10%. I'm sure that the money went to good use, but c'mon, she *should have* used her head! Also, she shouldn't have fed one, one day, and let the others go hungary, then feed another the following day, and so forth. She didn't use her money *wisely*! I've known many a poor family whose children grew up on fine staples such as hot dogs, and mac'n'cheese. Or spaghetti with tomato soup poured over. Cheap, but filling, and they turned out just fine.
As I stated, there must be more to the story!
2007-03-23 03:18:33 · answer #2 · answered by MilkWeed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tithing is 10% of annual income. I am disability and a single mother and I don't have any savings. I give $3-5 a week to my Church. I think her grandchildren were taken away for other reasons than that. And a poor family can eat mac-n-cheese and hot dogs for a week. Get food from Salvation Army and even from the churches near by and dollar stores. That's how I do it some times.
When one gives to God, God will always give back. Without her grandchildren, she can afford to fill the refrigerator now. And maybe the kids are in a better living environment. I'm sure there's more to the story.
But as a Christian myself, there is no reason not to give. If you can't one week or one month, make it up slowly throughout the next few weeks or months. Or give $1. God helps those who suffer and sacrifice.
2007-03-23 03:05:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am encouraged by this woman act. Even though she is struggling, she has given everything that she could to God. She has great faith. Trust in the Lord, pray to Him, rest in Him and her breakthrough will surely come one day. "Surely goodness and mercy should follow me all of my days." God may be slow in answering, but once he answer, it will come as a great testimony for all.
The purpose of tithing 10% of your income is to honour God for what he has given you. When you give him that 10%, God will blessed the 90%, the rest is considered holy. Hence the devil can't touch the rest. This is also a way to let God participate in your finances. God frankly does not need your 10%, but by honouring God with your 10%, you are actually inviting all blessing to be on your finances. Of course, the tithing is to be given in a cheerful heart. If you are not comfortable in tithing, it is ok. God will never condemn you. Let her know about this if she doesn't. What you have given to the Lord, He will blessed you in 100 folds. Give God 10% of your time, he will blessed you with quality time. Most important thing is Live a life of no condemnation and guilt. Right believing produces right being. Have she been believing right?
At the same time, maybe the church or her sisters and brothers in Christ could help her too.
2007-03-23 03:28:10 · answer #4 · answered by Beloved 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tithing is 10% not 15%. I would tithe and trust God to provide. I would also seek help from the Church I attend. I too am on a limited income due to an injury that has cost me my career....but I still tithe. If you "eat" God's portion, you bring a curse upon your life. God can, does and will provide but you have to have sense enough to ask for help from those who are there for the purpose of helping people in those restricted circumstances.
2007-03-23 02:59:35 · answer #5 · answered by wd 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The woman was confused I guess, or she had a lot of guilt, feeling she had to tithe instead o feeding the children!
I give 10%. When I was low on money I always gave something, when I had no money I helped out during church functions, such as cooking, cleaning or child care.
2007-03-23 03:02:17 · answer #6 · answered by nicholettejohnson 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't tell anyone about what I tithe, whether I tithed, or who I tithed to. The same goes for offerings. The same for any giving to the poor.
Sometimes I hear about some of the giving that I have done. I would rather not hear about it.
2007-03-23 03:08:02 · answer #7 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A tithe is 10%. But I would still give 10% of my check no matter how small or large. I have (and as a Christian I should have) faith that God will provide for me and that nothing happens to me that is not part of God's plan.
2007-03-23 02:56:45 · answer #8 · answered by Michael H 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tithing is a religous bondage sometimes because it doesn't say 10% or in your case 15% of your money it says 10% of what God blesses you with which could be time,food, clothes,money or anything God blesses so no i don't think he would want you to starve. the Bible says as he purposes on your heart God loves a cheerful giver so i suggest you give what God ask of you not what the church does.
2007-03-23 03:15:15 · answer #9 · answered by Fisherofmen 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Im in this situation. I mean, I am not getting my chidlren taken away, but we are poor. My husband works hard, but nothing around us pays squat. We give 10 percent every week, FIRST. Our bills come next. God always provides for us though. We dont make alot, but he always provides for us no matter what. We are a family of 5, and make very, very little. My husband has searched for a job and searched, but Michigan is so bad off right now it isnt even funny. But God provides still!
2007-03-23 03:03:15 · answer #10 · answered by Bl3ss3dw1thL1f3 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋