This week we discussed the biblical principle of tithing and the different ways we are called to live that out as believers. Tithe is a word from Scripture that literally means 10, and it comes from Israelite law where the people were called to give the first 10% of their income (usually crops or livestock) to God. We are also called to be generous givers, not out of obligation, but because we know that everything we have comes from God. This includes Jesus who came to give us eternal life, and in response to God's generosity to us we are generous to others around us.

We took a look at the early church in Acts 2 and saw there were 3 ways they lived this out that we can learn from as Christians. First, we should be open-hearted with our time. We need to be ready to use our time to look not after our own interests, but the interests of others around us. The Holy Spirit places people in our lives for a reason, and we need to be others-focused instead of self-focused so we can be ready to be used by God to reach and bless others.

Second, we should be open-minded with our talents. Our talents are our spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and passions from God we can use to bless others. For example, many believers have the gift of hospitality, and use that gift to create warm, welcoming environments for others around them. It is important we reflect on what talents God has given us, and how we can intentionally use them not for selfish purposes, but to serve others.

Third, we should be open-handed with our treasures. The early church sold all their possessions to live communally and gave to anyone who had need. While we are not necessarily called to sell all our possessions, we are called to be generous givers with our money and possessions, recognizing that all of those things are gifts from God and therefore we should give generously since it was never ours to begin with.