At Grace Covenant we believe that the act of giving is broader than simply giving money to the church. The Bible teaches that our time, talent and treasure are to be employed for the expansion of the Kingdom of God in service of worship to the Almighty. This being said, we believe the Bible teaches it is God’s will for his people to regularly and systematically give of their income as an act of worshipful devotion and gratitude to him for his grace. In studying the OT and NT, we see the theme of giving consistently emphasized for God’s people. On Sundays, when we call for tithes and offering to be given, we view this as a part of worship ordained by God and pleasing to him. What’s more, it is to the spiritual benefit of his people when they actively and joyfully participate in this regular practice. There is much debate about what makes a “tithe” in the Bible. At Grace Covenant, we believe that God owns all that we possess, and that he asks us to liberally give of it. Below you will find several bedrock principles from scripture that help to guide our giving at Grace Covenant:

1. Our Giving is Worship! (Philippians 4:18-20)

18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2. Our Giving Leads to Other’s Worship! (2 Cor 9:9-13)

9As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

3. Our Giving Leads to Blessings in the Gospel! We are to be generous. (2 Cor. 9:6-8)

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

4. Our Giving Should Be Regular and Systematic. (1 Cor. 16:1,2)

1Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

5. Our Giving is Born of God’s Love, Not Legalism. (2 Cor. 8:7-9)

7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.