[Jesus continued,] “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”
Key Thought
Jesus reminded the Pharisees, and us, that giving is important. Tithing was only a part, but an essential part, of what God instructed the Israelites to give, [1] and following instructions to New Testament Christians, we are to give “in keeping with [our] income” and to help the poor. [2] Jesus told the Pharisees that they shouldn’t neglect their tithes. However, tithing down to the minute detail isn’t the ultimate issue in giving. Working to ensure that justice and God’s love are a part of our personal lives and our world is crucial. The reason we are generous is that our Father is generous. The reason we are loving is that God has loved us. The reason we work for justice is that God wants justice for the oppressed. We want to be about our Father’s business and live out our Father’s character. Giving is one aspect of living for the Father. Love and justice are the heart of it!
[2] 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; James 1:27.
Today’s Prayer
Father, help me not lose sight of the forest for the trees. I confess that I sometimes get so caught up in my personal responsibilities to give that I lose sight of why you call me to be generous and loving. Give me a heart that works for justice for the oppressed, downtrodden, forgotten, and marginalized. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Amos 5:14-15, 21-24Malachi 3:5Isaiah 1:17Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.