Giving at Mariners

Giving at Corinth and Galatia

“Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering…”
(1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-2)

The Apostle Paul challenged the Christians in the church in Corinth, just as he challenged the Christians in Galatia, to give (1) regularly and (2) proportionately based on their income.

Some believe that “proportionate” is a reference to the Old Testament tithe (10% of one’s income).  Others believe that the tithe is not repeated in the New Testament and the new command is to give generously.

Giving at Mariners

We believe giving to your church is good for your heart, as giving fights greed and positions your heart to be passionate for Jesus’ Kingdom because “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

What do we believe about “the tithe?”

We are charitable and understanding of both positions about proportionate giving (some believe in the tithe and others believe in generosity without the tithe).  We observe that Jesus assumed the tithe even when confronting religious leaders and encouraged them to continue to tithe (Matthew 23:23-24), and we are encouraged by Christians who view generosity as “giving more than the tithe” because they believe if the law, which leads to death, commanded the tithe, then shouldn’t grace demand more?  

We also know that the first step of obedience in giving is often the most challenging, so we encourage Christians to begin regular and proportionate giving, at any level, and watch God prove Himself faithful in provision. In fact, giving is the only command in Scripture that God invites us to test His response to our obedience (Malachi 3:10).

No matter where you begin, we encourage you to give—not because you are trying to earn His grace, but because you have received His grace (2 Corinthians 8:7-9).