Leviticus 27:14-34
And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord. – Leviticus 27:32
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Giving Rightly Versus Giving The Right Thing
This chapter highlights the difference between tithes and dedicated gifts. Tithes are obligatory (vv. 30–33) while dedicated gifts are voluntary and redeemable by adding on 20% to their assessed value accompanying certain conditions (vv. 15, 19 and 27).
God is very particular that the dedicated gifts do not come tithes of the land, the herds and flock, and the first-born of an animal (v 26) because they already belong to the LORD. God expects us to keep our commitments to Him and be honest in all our dealings with Him. The act of dedication supposes that giving rightly to the LORD is more important than giving the right thing to the LORD. The act of one’s dedication exposes the giver’s attitude.
For example, when someone donates a valuable item—such as furniture, a piano, or even property—to a church, do they expect their name to be prominently displayed in recognition? Do they impose conditions on how the gift should be used? I’ve heard of donors giving away pre-loved items to churches simply because they were no longer useful or were taking up space at home. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with donating pre-loved items, we must carefully evaluate our motives and the manner in which we dedicate our gifts to God.
Therefore, we must be intentional and discerning when dedicating our valuable possessions to God—offering them according to His terms, not ours. In today’s context, this may mean:
1. Give with an open mind – Offer what the church actually needs, not just what you think it needs.
2. Give with open hands – Once a gift is given, let go of expectations for recognition or special treatment.
3. Give with an open heart – Allow the receiving church to determine how the gift can best serve its ministry.
When we dedicate our service and possessions to the LORD out of genuine gratitude, God honours and evaluates our gifts accordingly—just as Jesus commended the poor widow who gave two small copper coins, declaring that she had given more than all the rich people combined (Luke 21:1–4).
Be careful of how you want to impress God with your gift. Give rightly your gifts according to God’s terms and not yours. That would impress God of your genuineness and generosity.
Reflection:
How do you measure the genuineness and generosity of your dedicated gifts to God? How can you discern if God is truly pleased with what you offer to Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, May it not be the size of my gift that seeks to impress You, but the gratitude and thankfulness that flow from my heart. Teach me to offer myself to You rightly— to honour and glorify You through my service, my possessions, and my whole being, for all that I have comes from You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Click to read
Giving Rightly Versus Giving The Right Thing
This chapter highlights the difference between tithes and dedicated gifts. Tithes are obligatory (vv. 30–33) while dedicated gifts are voluntary and redeemable by adding on 20% to their assessed value accompanying certain conditions (vv. 15, 19 and 27).
God is very particular that the dedicated gifts do not come tithes of the land, the herds and flock, and the first-born of an animal (v 26) because they already belong to the LORD. God expects us to keep our commitments to Him and be honest in all our dealings with Him. The act of dedication supposes that giving rightly to the LORD is more important than giving the right thing to the LORD. The act of one’s dedication exposes the giver’s attitude.
For example, when someone donates a valuable item—such as furniture, a piano, or even property—to a church, do they expect their name to be prominently displayed in recognition? Do they impose conditions on how the gift should be used? I’ve heard of donors giving away pre-loved items to churches simply because they were no longer useful or were taking up space at home. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with donating pre-loved items, we must carefully evaluate our motives and the manner in which we dedicate our gifts to God.
Therefore, we must be intentional and discerning when dedicating our valuable possessions to God—offering them according to His terms, not ours. In today’s context, this may mean:
1. Give with an open mind – Offer what the church actually needs, not just what you think it needs.
2. Give with open hands – Once a gift is given, let go of expectations for recognition or special treatment.
3. Give with an open heart – Allow the receiving church to determine how the gift can best serve its ministry.
When we dedicate our service and possessions to the LORD out of genuine gratitude, God honours and evaluates our gifts accordingly—just as Jesus commended the poor widow who gave two small copper coins, declaring that she had given more than all the rich people combined (Luke 21:1–4).
Be careful of how you want to impress God with your gift. Give rightly your gifts according to God’s terms and not yours. That would impress God of your genuineness and generosity.
Reflection:
How do you measure the genuineness and generosity of your dedicated gifts to God? How can you discern if God is truly pleased with what you offer to Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, May it not be the size of my gift that seeks to impress You, but the gratitude and thankfulness that flow from my heart. Teach me to offer myself to You rightly— to honour and glorify You through my service, my possessions, and my whole being, for all that I have comes from You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.