Giving Because We Have Received

Genesis 28:20-22

²⁰Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, ²¹so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, ²²and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

(ESV)

Thought:
God has been incredibly gracious to Jacob in choosing him to be the recipient of this promise, not for any real reason in and of himself, and so Jacob responds in gratitude.

Everything that God gives to him, he will give a tenth back. Recognising all of it has come from God. A very early form of what in the Old Testament in Israel was referred to as tithing. Now there is a simple but necessary lesson in his, that we ought to always display our gratitude to God, by giving back to him what he has given to us. It isn’t that he needs it, but he wants to see us appreciate where everything comes from, him.

Most of what we are given, is given for our enjoyment but most importantly it is to be used for the blessing of others. But I want to highlight one caveat that the devil loves to exploit. Realise that Jacob says he will give a tenth of everything he receives from God as a sign of gratitude of how undeserving he is to have any of it. But many people teach that it is in giving that tenth that it therefore causes God to give more back to us. What we often refer to as the prosperity gospel, but realise it is subtle.

People will talk about releasing the 90% by giving 10%, that God will multiply your wealth as you multiply your giving to him. But this reverses what Jacob is saying, Jacob is saying I have received therefore I give back to God, prosperity gospel says I give to God, therefore I will receive from him. One is gratitude for what is undeserved, the other is giving to God, so that he will give back to you. One is thankfulness, the other is manipulation and greed.

God will not always bless you with material wealth, you might give 10% and then he’ll make you lose the rest because your business goes bankrupt. The gospel and the stories of the Old Testament are not a vehicle for wealth creation. They are stories that point us to the one thing we really need which is God, and to praise him and thank him for whatever he gives, whether little or much, whether he gives or takes away, we say “blessed be the name of the Lord”.

Reflection:
Jacob’s vow challenges us to examine why we give. True gratitude gives back to God because He has already been generous, not to persuade Him to give more. This passage invites us to see everything we have as undeserved grace and to use it for His purposes and the good of others. Whether God gives or takes away, our posture remains the same: thankful trust in His wisdom.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for every good thing You have given me. Guard my heart from giving in order to get, and teach me to give out of gratitude for Your grace. Help me use what You provide to bless others and honour You. Whether You give much or little, keep my heart content and thankful, trusting that You are always good. Amen.