Gross Love

Around 7 PM tonight it occurred to me that some folks might read today's earlier "Tithe First" post and get the impression from the imaginary budget I used that I'm suggesting tithing should be based on post-tax, post-withholding, net income.

Sorry, but for folks looking to cut corners around God and set set-asides for themselves, I've got bad news.

We should never we think we're smarter or more important than God, and waste time figuring out workarounds to keep for ourselves what God said belongs to Him.

What did Jesus surrender, and do without, to take our place on the cross? Did He hold something back for Himself, or did He willing surrender everything in our place?   Was the Son of God's sacrifice based on Net, or Gross?  

Christ gave up everything because He loved us more than any thing in the world.  His love was gross ... unqualified, without profit, without deductions and without withholdings.

So if tithing still seems financially difficult, remember that a Tithe means 10% ... and represents the bare, basic minimum: we haven't even started talking yet about Offerings.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:10

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

- 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8

Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." 
      And they were amazed at him.

- Mark 12:17