In the Old Testament, God asked His People to make a first offering of ten percent of what He had blessed them with. This is known as a tithe, which is translated “ten percent”. The New Testament is silent about percentages of giving, offering us instead the example of the widow who gave all she had (two copper coins). Jesus holds her up as the example for Christian giving, because she did not simply give out of her abundance (i.e. ten percent), but she gave in proportion to her faith.

We realize that Christian Stewardship is not about percentages or minimums and maximums, rather it is about giving to God with cheerful, loving and thankful hearts. As you prayerfully consider stewardship, a simple option to help in this discernment process is to look at your annual income and divide your giving from last year against your current annual income. Whatever percentage you gave last year, simply round up.

As an example, if you have an annual income of $80,000 and you gave $3000 in 2020, you gave 3.75% of your annual income; you could consider a small incremental increase to move to 4% (rounding up) which would result in a $200 increase for 2021 ($3000 to $3200). This is a simple way to grow your stewardship and thankfulness towards our Lord and His Church in a practical way.

Whatever you give in time, talent, and treasure may God richly bless you for your prayerful consideration and giving!