BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

The Stewardship Principle

Stewardship is the recognition that God owns all that we possess. It acknowledges that our Lord provides the resources for our life, and, through us, the resources for godly work and for His church. We are managers, overseers, of what God has provided for our life. We are accountable for all that has been placed into our life, not just for a portion of the amount. Our giving is an expression of our love and gratitude.

The Voluntary Principle

Paul stated the voluntary principle when he said, "For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has - not according to what one does not have".
(II Corinthians 8:12).

Again he said, "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver". (II Corinthians 9:7).

No one should determine the amount of another person’s commitment. Each person and household is challenged to seek God’s will in determining a personal giving commitment.

The Sacrificial Principle

In the Old Testament people came to worship with a sacrifice in hand. The word "sacrifice" can be defined as "to set apart" or "to make holy." Sacrificial giving is the act of making sacred, or setting apart, our financial resources for God. Jesus chose those who gave sacrificially as models for giving. The widow who gave two mites, the boy who gave his lunch, and the woman who gave her alabaster box of perfume are prime examples.

The Scriptures make clear that God measures the gift, not in relationship to others, but in relationship to one’s resources and in what is left over after the gift. The Apostle Paul said, "For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has".
(II Corinthians 8:12). And Jesus said, "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required". (Luke 12:48).