Giving an offering from goverment assistance

Sorry for posting without voting, but I need to think about it. It's a situation where one wrong breeds a situation with no good outcome. Sort of like divorce.

The money was stolen from its rightful owners, and given to someone else. It's possible that the person receiving it is not a thief, but simply living within a bad system.

One thing that I do have a problem with are people who give beyond their tithe but continually wind up needing assistance from others.

 

Before she passed away--I kept up with one of my favorite Aunt's finances---she received in the neighborhood of $312.00 per month in Social Security benefits while in the nursing home---the home took $290.00 per month.

As you can see--there was no way we could tithe 10% of that $312--because there wasn't 10% left to tithe---she and I put our heads together, prayed about it and gave an offering "Out of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to the love and devotion of the Lord Jesus Christ!"

Blackbird

 

Just to clarify, I was not really referring to Social Security. In theory it's money that has been confiscated from us and then given back in retirement.

 

If we give because we are forced to give, is it really giving?

I still remember the lad who gave freely of his pittance until one day he had not a pence to give. He took offering plate from the server and placed his foot on the plate saying, I have nought else to give,so I give myself to my Lord.

Did he not give as the Lord intended? There are some who give and give and give. To the poor, ten per cent is far too much, to the rich, it is far too little. If we give from the heart then we have given just right.

Cheers,

Jim

 

As a student using governmental financial aid, I give whatever is given to me.

For me, that's "income" if you don't have a job. You live off it.

We should give as much as we can. Case closed.

If we need to rankle over the decision, then we give grudgingly. Please don't do that.

 

How about this, give as much as you can where there is need, knowing that true riches are to be had in trusting and knowing Jesus Christ. I think 10% for most Christians is to little, and too much for those who are poor. The OT tithe wasn't even 10%, so I'm not sure why the number is so ingrained on everyone.

 

And of our time.... 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks in a year and yet most give 1 hour a week to Jesus.

Diane

 

If you're referring to welfare, as in getting a check from the government that isn't ss or whatever, then isn't it pointless as it's not really in existance any longer?
When I got divorced I went and applied. I was told that you must be working 40 hours a week in order to get cash assistance, and that you could only get it for 3 years of your whole life. On top of that if I got it any child support ordered from my husband would go directly to them and they'd keep it. On top of that once I got off of the assistance I would have to pay it back.
Maybe that's just in Ohio, but I'd imagine since it's a government thing it's the same all over. It was reported in our paper a few years ago that only 9 people in our county were getting cash benefits.
Anyhow, I don't think there's a certain percentage requirement on tithes. Give what you have. I don't believe tithing your electric bill is faith, it's just stupid. I've tried it a couple years ago. ROFL I got my electric shut off!
I'm amazed at the amount of hatred among Christians for those who have or do get help from the government. I went to a church ONCE, everyone was driving BMW's and Mercedes and the place was beautiful. The majority of the sermon was spent bashing those "lazy leeches on welfare eating steak with our tax money". If there was no government assistance like that I seriously doubt we'd be paying less taxes, it just would be used to fund more abortions or some other idiotic cause.
Gina

 

Georgia has a program that helps those who are unemployed get back into the work force. It has an uplifting name and gives money to help subsidize those who need help while they work at lower paying jobs. Childcare is paid for too. I wish I could remember the name but it's not degrading at all. (Workfirst?)

The waiting rooms at the welfare and other state departments have computers with job listings, etc. They work really hard to find the people work and then help them survive while money increases. From what I've read, the welfare roles have dropped by 64% !!

Diane

 

Gina, those type of critics didn't live through the Dirty Thirties....I would never wish welfare or poverty upon anyone, but glad that my country takes the pittance in taxes to provide for those who cannot provide for themselves......the poor we have always.....

Cheers,

Jim

 

As a reminder, tithe isn't an offering. An offering is given. A tithe is paid.

If we practice tithing, then it doesn't matter if the income is public assistance, lottery winnings, or retirement savings interest.

But rather than split hairs about what is income and what isn't just tithe what you feel you're called to do, and don't worry about it.

As for offerings, give what you can, not what you want. God loves a cheerful giver.

 

The Old Testament Tithes were 30%. Interestingly the Worldwide Church of God used to teach that this was still the required gift!

 

we are to trust God to take care of us and our needs. I dont read anywhere in the bible to trust the government to take care of us. isnt it the churches responabilty to take care of the poor and not the goverment? If God care for the sparrow surly He will take care of us.

 

Taking public assistance is NOT "trusting" in the government. It's taking advantage of a government program to which one is duly entitled.

 

I chose “other”
I don’t think there is a set amount of money that anyone should try to give but give at least something. No matter where the money is coming in from. It is not the AMOUNT of money or the percentage but where your heart is when you give.
God knows where your heart is and where you store your treasures, so take heed.
What I mean is if you are driving a $50,000 car and your budget is tight because of it and you can only give $10 a week. Your heart is in the wrong place.
Just my opinion though.
God loves a cheerful giver as someone stated earlier.