There are four types of giving as written in the Bible. You must know all of these. When you understand the differences between each, you will see how these acts can reward your life.
Here are the four types of giving according to the Bible:
1. Tithes
Tithes often get confused with offerings, but both are very different from each other.
According to the Bible, tithes are 10% of your income (Leviticus 27:30), and they can’t count as an offering. Anything you give more than the required tithe is what counts as an offering.
But tithes are more than an act of recognition. It’s also a way of giving thanks for all the blessings that you are receiving. All your income came from God. So, you can think of the tithe as a way of giving back in gratitude for what we received.
Tithing was mentioned in the Bible a couple of times. But the first act of tithing was done by Abraham. He just came from battle and was met by the Priest/King Melchizedek who attributed his victory to God and blessed him for it. Then Abraham gave him a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:19-20).
Though tithing was commanded in the Old Testament, the New Testament tells us that we should not neglect the weightier issues. Yes, it’s good to offer a portion of our income to God but we should not forget to offer justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). These should go hand in hand. We can’t practice one while neglecting the other.
2. The Seed or Offerings
Unlike tithing, offerings are more of free will here. It’s up to you how much seed you want to give.
Although the more you give, the more you will receive (Luke 6:38). Think of it as the more seeds you sow, the more plants you can harvest.
So where should you give your offerings or plant your seed? The Bible says that the source of your spiritual food should receive your offerings (1 Corinthians 9:11).
3. The First Fruits
The first fruits are usually done once a year or for every new blessing that you receive (Deuteronomy 14:22).
For example, the house of God should receive the full amount of your first salary that you get from your new job. An increase in your salary should also be given to your spiritual storehouse.
Any new blessings that you receive count as a first fruit, so all these should be offered to God (Proverbs 3:9).
Giving your first fruits once a year will show how grateful you are for the blessings that you received from Him.
4. Alms-giving
Unlike those three types of giving above which you should give to God, alms are for humankind. Your compassion and sympathy will lead you to help the less fortunate and the needy.
There are many ways how you can give alms. There are lots of soup kitchens out there that help the less fortunate where you can donate food, clothes, and even some cash.
Although most people do alms-giving, many do it the wrong way.
In the Bible, it says that you should give alms in secret so you can protect the dignity of those who are in crisis. Many are helping others but are bragging about it as well.
All of us can help the needy, but only a few can help others with the purest of intentions.
When you practice all these types of giving, then you can have your financial life under control. But remember, you need to have the right intentions and motivations when giving.
Your heart should be pure when doing selfless acts like giving and God will bestow more blessings upon you.