If we do anything that is not because of Christ, in obedience to the Word of God, and at the leading of the Holy Spirit----you can have a mansion and it will be as worthless as a filthy outhouse. Are we not to give and do by faith and because of our faith and love of our Savior? And the brethren?

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

According to the Apostle Paul, giving was to be As God had prospered a person. It becomes a misconception for those that believe if one does not tithe according to the Law of Moses that they then would not give fully and willingly to the work of the Lord and the care of the brethren with all that God has supplied

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;. 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

1John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

The people of Israel were commended for giving from a willing heart. It was not a new concept. A willing heart cannot be commanded. It's done because of love.

Some have wrongly mocked the concept of giving as one is led by the Spirit, or walking by the Spirit, which is to be our spiritual condition. They appear to have forgotten some basic precepts of what it means to belong to Jesus Christ, claiming that being led by the Spirit, or walking in the Spirit is 'liberal' theology and means not following the Word of God. Yet the Word of God is very clear about the need to be 'led of the Spirit'.

As stated previously, some ministers and other Christians state that if you don’t tithe, God will not bless you at all. The 'prosperity gospel' preachers advocate the tithe, often in this manner promising hundred fold returns if you will just sow a "seed". Many across the range of beliefs, advocate the concept of 'faith promises' and giving what you don't have, claiming "you can't out give God." For them, giving almost becomes a competition to see if a person can 'out give' God, and results in trying to control God or tempt God. 

One friend related an incident to me about a woman who ended up homeless, because she had given her food and rent money for the month after being challenged by a preacher in a local church to step out in "faith" in order to receive God's abundant return. This writer has also known individuals that give well beyond their means on a regular basis and end up needing support or welfare themselves, because they cannot then meet their own obligations. Forgotten is the clear command to take care of one's own.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Does giving what one does not already have, support a Scriptural concept of giving?

2 Corinthians 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

2 Corinthians 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Notice that when a need was identified amongst the saints in the Scriptures, then each gave according to their ability, as God had provided for them.

1Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 

Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen

We're told to give 'bountifully' to the care of the saints and the poor as a person purposes in their heart, with what we have been given by God, not with what we do not have.

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

In other words, give, knowing that God will provide for all our needs, so that all that He wants accomplished and cared for is done. His will be done on earth.... It's noteworthy that the word "purposeth" means the following. From Strong's Greek :

4255. proaireomai proaireomai, pro-ahee-reh'-om-ahee
from 4253 and 138; to choose for oneself before another thing (prefer), i.e. (by implication) to propose (intend):--purpose.

If a person determines, after seeking God's will, that they can give ten percent, fifty percent or more, of their monthly income every month for the care of the saints, and they give it willingly, then they are in obedience to giving according to the Scriptures. However, it needs to be understood that this giving does not override giving freely or make the giving of all that we have to God irrelevant  It is merely one aspect of our giving. It is not a beginning or an end to what we are to give. Many in fact, miss caring for the brethren in need, for example needs due to job loss or illness, because of partiality or self focus, or to having 'already given their tithe', instead of being available to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Many seem unable to understand that we are to seek God's will in all we do, including our giving and caring for others. If we do not know how much to give, it becomes a matter of prayerfully seeking God's will in the matter. God said that if any of us 'lack wisdom', He will provide and we are called to pray concerning all matters in our lives. Giving may not always entail money, but our time, or a commodity. As He leads.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

The Scriptures say that God loves a cheerful giver,  because He is a cheerful giver and we are created in His likeness as His children.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

If a person has little in the way of money, yet spends many hours giving their time and their resources to feed the poor and visit shut-ins, and share Jesus Christ with the lost, is their 'offering' of their time worth less than someone who by rote or feels it is required to give ten percent of their dollar income and goes to church to fellowship but never actually reaches out to the lost, the poor, the homeless? Who goes to church lunches, and breakfasts and banquets for 'fellowship', but omits giving to the poor saints, and feeding the poor? Jesus' example of the widows mites was a clear answer on that. As was Jesus' statement about having a meal where one was inclined to invite guests.

Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. 

We are admonished to keep the Words of Jesus. How many apply this principle of giving, as stated by our Lord, and rather than having their annual Christmas banquet, or monthly church 'potluck', do invite the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind and serve them with the goodness God has provided to each that serve Him? There is need for fellowship and nothing wrong with that amongst the brethren but many times, that is where the 'sharing' stops. Jesus also said:

Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

Jesus taught that we must forsake ownership of all that we have or we cannot be His disciples. 

Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

All means ALL of what we have, including ourselves, not just some of it. All earthly possessions including our money, all of our will, all of our 'rights', and our families. Paul wrote of us being servants. Servants are not owning or in control of anything. They do the Master's bidding, and are given responsibility as He sees fit, with all glory going to Him, as He provides all that we need to serve Him. We were bought with a price, meaning in reality, we belong to Him.

1Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.... 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Jesus clearly said to the rich man in Matthew 19:21, [*80]  to sell everything and give to the poor and follow Him. Are all who tithe or don't tithe, including the pastors, selling all and giving to the poor? Do we have to, or is having possessions given by God, about understanding where they come from and who really owns ALL of them, and that every single person is to give all that we have, including ourselves, to Him? [Please See Carrying My Cross]

2Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

We're to give willingly, and our giving is not to be tallied or kept track of according to our Lord.

Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

That unfortunately will eliminate many who tithe, or who will not give unless they can obtain a tax receipt so they can use their 'tithe' or 'giving' as a deduction. For many give according to that secular 'allowance'. Once the allowance is tallied, the giving is done. Many tithe on their net income after deductions are taken, versus their gross income, which is before any money is paid to others. Yet many would then say "I pay my tithe to God first, off the top, because the first ten percent is His," when in reality He is paid after the taxes, pensions, insurance, union dues or other taken 'off the top'. Many people give in a sanitized manner, writing a check or stuffing an envelope with money, so that they never have to actually interact with the poor, the fatherless, the needy and the lost.

It's noteworthy that the widow was commended by Jesus for giving from her want, and even under the Law, Zacchaeus gave his tithe but then stated to our Lord, that he gave half of his goods to the poor:

Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Do these people, who wrongly base an individuals spiritual condition on giving the Tithe of the Law, really think God does not know what the needs of all are, and if one does not give in one area because they are called to give in another, that God will be unable to lay it on a willing heart to give more if that is what is needed in the 'church' or somewhere else? Because He has provided for all our needs and for all the things He wants done by us. He will leave nothing undone, including the means to accomplish it all. We are His Body, which is His Church. He is over it all.

Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Every part of what we have belongs to Him. We are merely stewards of what is His. The Old Testament people did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We do. And our giving is to reflect not only that, but the love that comes from Christ, and obedience to His Word, which includes instruction on giving and care of the saints and the poor and needy.

The God we serve is more than able to provide all that is needed. Because it is all His to start with.

Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen