No, God does not expect those with meager incomes to give beyond their means.
Les Feldick teaches that Christian giving is based on 'as God has prospered' rather than a fixed percentage or amount. He emphasizes that God does not mandate a specific sum, but expects believers to give willingly according to their ability. This principle applies to rich and poor alike, without coercion.
2 Corinthians 8:12 — This verse directly states that giving is acceptable according to what a person has, not what they do not have.
1 Corinthians 16:2 — Paul instructs giving 'as God hath prospered him,' indicating giving is proportional to income.
The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:12: 'For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.' This reinforces that giving is measured by one's ability, not by an external standard. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul instructs: 'Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.' This indicates that giving is to be proportional to one's prosperity. The Bible does not mandate a specific percentage for New Testament believers, as tithing was part of the Old Testament Law.
Les Feldick emphasizes that God does not compel believers to give a set amount. He states: 'God's not going to zap you if you don't give 10 percent.' Instead, giving is a matter of free will, guided by the principle 'as God has prospered.' He clarifies that tithing was part of the Law, but for Christians, giving is an opportunity to express love and gratitude. He also notes that even early churches with limited means were encouraged to give, but with a willing heart, not out of compulsion.
Les Feldick clarifies that tithing was part of the Law given to Israel and is not mandated for the Church. He says: 'Now Paul doesn't use the word tithe, because that was part of the Law, but that doesn't say God doesn't expect you to give.' He suggests that 10% can be a guideline, but it is not a requirement under grace.
According to Les Feldick, the measure is 'as God has prospered' you. He explains: 'We can give as much as we want, but He is not putting the thumb on our head.' Giving should be voluntary and cheerful, not out of pressure or to impress others.
No. Les Feldick emphasizes that God does not expect anyone to give beyond their means. He states that believers are to give as they are prospered, and God respects free will. The example of the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8 shows they gave out of their deep poverty, but it was their willingness, not a mandate.
Les Feldick notes that giving is important for the work of the ministry, and even those with little can participate. He himself says he trusts God to supply needs and relies on the faithful giving of God's people, implying that all believers have a part to play.
Are Christians Required to Tithe? 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Explained
death of the cross on top of that. Now why is Paul using that in relation to Christian giving? We have to take that same kind of an attitude. If God in the person of Christ was willing to leave that area of absolute control of the universe, and took on Himself the role of a slave for our salvation, then who are we to say, but I can't give anything, I can't give so much, alright let's move on.
Giving Under Grace
Les Feldick teaches that Christians are not mandated to give a set amount like 10%, but are free to give as God has prospered them, and God will not punish them for not giving a specific percentage.
Purpose of Giving
Les emphasizes that giving should be done willingly, not to impress others, and as God has prospered the believer.
Tithing and the Law
Les clarifies that tithing was part of the Law, but that does not negate the expectation for believers to give.
Prosperity and Giving
Les teaches that God does not mandate poverty or wealth for believers, but giving should be in response to God's grace in our lives.
Poor Churches Giving
Les points out that even early churches with limited means were encouraged to give, but for specific purposes like helping poor saints in Jerusalem, showing that giving is based on willingness and ability.
Why Christians Are Divided — 1 Corinthians 3 Explained Verse by Verse
Again a lot of people ask if we have somebody that underwrites us because we never ask for money. No I never ask for money because I trust the God that I serve is able to supply all our needs, and so far He has. Even as we increase our outreach, why the funds have been coming accordingly. So no, no one underwrites us, we just totally rely on God's people.
How Are We Reconciled to God? 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 Explained
We don't ever have a surplus, but on the other hand, we don't have anybody knocking on our doors asking for their bills to be paid, so we just trust the Lord as we go. But on the other hand, we do have to let people know that we are not underwritten. We do depend on your financial help, and we just thank you so much.
2 Corinthians 8:12: For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
This verse shows that giving is measured by what a person has, not by an impossible standard.
1 Corinthians 16:2: Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Paul's instruction to give proportionally to one's prosperity.
No, Les Feldick teaches that God does not expect you to give beyond your means. Giving is based on what you have, not what you don't have. God respects your free will, and giving is a personal decision.
No, tithing was part of the Law given to Israel. For Christians, giving is under grace, not Law. Les Feldick says 10% can be a guideline, but it is not a mandate.
The principle is to give 'as God has prospered you' (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving should be voluntary, cheerful, and according to your ability.
Watch the Teaching: Are Christians Required to Tithe? 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Explained