Comments on: Investing in charity

By: The Prudent Homemaker

The Prudent Homemaker — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:06:17 +0000

Often it’s when we are feeling like we have nothing to give (money-wise) that we need to give most of all. By serving others, we concentrate less on what we don’t have, and worry more about others’ needs (which also helps us to appreciate all that we DO have even more).

I wrote a list of ideas for serving without spending money here:

http://theprudenthomemaker.com/helpingothers.aspx

By: Susie G

Susie G — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:42:18 +0000

Technically, as far as the Bible goes, tithing is a Jewish concept, not Christian. Just sayin’.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:27:54 +0000

Becky,

There are several ways to give. The point of this article was to look at different ways of giving to charity organizations. Since Tithing was already discussed many times, I thought it would be interesting to look at other options.

When the Bible was written, there were no organizations searching to cure cancers or to take care of orphans. I am sure those organizations would be part of giving to others, don’t you think?

What I want to say is; as long as you give, I think you are making a good move.

By: Spencer

Spencer — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:12:13 +0000

My wife and I don’t send money to charity right now since we’re still early in our Total Money Makeover, but when we do, we’ll probably keep our money local. My wife has volunteered at our local Hospice and we’d love to be able to contribute there. We’d also like to take a closer look at Kiva.org. It might not be considered a charity per-se, but it does make a difference in someone’s life and is a win-win for everyone.

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By: Sissy

Sissy — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:15:40 +0000

Thank you for a thought provoking post. I personally like to choose local organizations that I can help with. Sometimes I am able to donate money and sometimes I am able to donate needed items. There is no set rule, but I truly believe that we are called to give out of our abundance. It is hard to see sometimes just where that “abundance” lies, but it’s there…if you are a gifted couponer…your “abundance” may be all the free/or nearly free items you obtain; if your “abundance” is of time, then your gift of time can be priceless to an organization…you can make a difference…just today I saw a posting for people needed for one morning for newsletter folders for a local organization…almost anyone can do this…if you are blessed financially…well, you know where your abundance is…the point being, we all have an abundance of something that we can share with those less fortunate and no matter how bad our situation looks, we don’t have to look far to see someone who has it worse…and out of that…we should also have an abundance of gratitude.

By: Stew

Stew — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:49:07 +0000

Becky, let me add two more articles to your highlighted posts:

http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2009/06/giving-under-grace/

and

http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2009/06/one-hundred-percent-living/

By: shelley

shelley — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:43:52 +0000

I’ve been a tither and giver for over 15 years. I am still under the poverty line with 6 dependants. I give to my church because I can trust where my money goes. We have a large overseas ministry, and have blessed many pastors by buying them motorcycles; we’ve dug wells; built churches; gave to orphans at Christmas time; gave money for operations, etc. I tithe and give about 15% of my income, plus at Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles give my best offering to my pastor, as well as First Fruits offerings. I’ve given oodles of clothes, household goods, etc. plus a car and helped give to other families to buy cars. God has prospered me from $621/mo. to almost $40,000/yr. Because of faithful tithing and giving, I have paid off my house and over $15,000 in credit card debt by God prospering me because I’m a giver. God cannot do w/out a cheerful giver!! I’d love to become like Oral Roberts, who increased his giving more and more until he was living off of 10% of his income and giving God the 90%!!! Thank you Jesus for prospering me!! I get my bills paid by giving!! Praise you Lord for your faithfulness!!!!!

By: Becky@FamilyandFinances

Becky@FamilyandFinances — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:56:17 +0000

For those worried about whether your donations are being spent responsibly, check out this great website:
http://www.charitynavigator.org/

This is going to come across harsh, and I don’t mean it to be, but why is there no mention on tithing here? This used to be a Christian blog. There are even posts in the archives about tithing:

http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/07/ten-benefits-of-tithing/
http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/03/joyful-sacrificial-tithing/

I guess I’m just a little disappointed in how this post was written. We may not be under the Old Testament Law and required to tithe 10%, but we’re definitely required to give. Personally, I think 10% should be everyone’s goal (Christians, that is).

Also, I don’t believe that debt or anything else should be an excuse to not give. I’ve heard countless stories of people who have put their faith into action and trusted God to provide by tithing while they were still in debt. These people are always blessed for their faithfulness, more than they ever thought possible.

Just my 2 cents!

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:11:19 +0000

Charity is for suckers.