How Generosity (Tithe), God's Vision for Your Life, & Purpose Intersect
Ancient languages like Aramaic, Hebrew & Greek are significant because they were the original languages the Word of God was delivered in. There are many intricacies that get lost in translation, and diving into the original language has become readily available for FREE via bible study apps like LOGOS. The following is a word study I was inspired to dig into deeper, after I was read the book Business Secrets from the Bible: Spiritual Success Strategies for Financial Abundance.
Original Hebrew:
עשׂר
Translated to english as “ ‘asar”.
Pronounced: aw-sar'
Definition: to tithe; to give or pay a tenth; to receive a tithe.
עשׁר
Translated to english as “ ‘asar”.
Pronounced: aw-sar’
Definition: to become rich; to make rich; to gain riches.
Note: the dot changed over the middle character. Root letters/characters are the same.
עֹ֫שֶׁר
Translated as “o’shar”
Pronounced: o’-sher
Definition: great fortune, abundant wealth.
Note: The root letters/characters are the same, only now additional dots have been added, these dots change the “a” to an “o” and the “s” to an “sh”.
The Connection Between Tithe, Gaining Riches, & Abundant Wealth
God made these concepts of tithing/generosity, gaining riches, and stepping into abundant wealth, connected. So connected in fact, that in the original Hebrew they are the same root words. Why? Perhaps to be a constant reminder that they are inseparable. Perhaps as a reminder of God’s vision and plan to abundantly bless you in this life. Perhaps as a reminder to choose to participate with Him and trust Him with 10% so we can trust Him to to take the 90% provision to another level. God’s the only boss that pays 90% commission.
VISION
“When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised you, then you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.”
“‘Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.”
“And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.”
PURPOSE
“You will be ENRICHED in EVERY WAY so that you can be GENEROUS on EVERY OCCASION, and through us your generosity will result in THANKSGIVING TO GOD.”
2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
Enriched
Definition: 1. improve or enhance the quality or value of. 2. make (someone) wealthy or wealthier.
Synonyms: enhance, make richer, improve, add to, augment, supplement, complement, boost, upgrade, reinforce; lift up, refine, polish, heighten, deepen, elevate, intensify, exalt
Every way
Definition: in every way; in every direction, manner, or respect:
Meaning in every area of your life; in every capacity; physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, relationally, financially, materially, etc.
Generous
Definition: (of a person) showing a readiness to give more of something, than is strictly necessary or expected. To show kindness towards others.
Meaning we go above and beyond what’s expected.
Occasion
Definition: a particular time or instance of an event. (aka “Divine appointments, God-cidents”)
Thanksgiving
Definition: the expression of gratitude (readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness)
Synonyms: gratefulness, thankfulness, thanks, appreciation, recognition, acknowledgment, hat tip, credit, regard, respect;
CONCLUSION
God has a VISION to bless us so MASSIVELY and so ABUNDANTLY. Imagine a routine day where we are buying your own coffee in the morning and paying for someone else’s, then buying our own gas and filling up someone else’s tank, then buying our own groceries and paying for someone else’s, taking our own kids to school, then helping to pay for someone else’s kids education, getting our kids a doctor’s check up, and paying for someone else’s medical expresses.
This ABUNDANT provision that God has intended us to have, has a PURPOSE. So that we can show GENEROSITY, and in doing so, show God’s character. People who don’t know God, don’t see God. They see us. We are the representative and conduit of God’s feeling towards them, and we Introduce them to Godly character. We are called to show His character which awakens people to God’s character, and bring them into relationship with Him.
Bill & Melinda Gate’s foundation has a full time staff that works to distribute $3M in charitable grants a DAY. Think of the amount of supply they must have to live that out. God wants us to have that level of abundant supply, seemingly endless, with a purpose attached to it.
Will you trust Him?
Will you believe for more?
Will you be more generous?
Will you participate with His plan?