Stewardship Weekend: Five Rules for Giving

Money is something we all think about. We think about how much we earn, how much we spend, and whether or not we have enough. It influences our decisions, our priorities, and sometimes even our relationship with God. But how often do we stop and ask ourselves what God has to say about our money?

Throughout Scripture, we're reminded that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Our responsibility is to be faithful stewards of what he has entrusted to us.

As we prepare to celebrate Stewardship Weekend at Nativity this November let's reflect on five biblical rules for giving.

Rule #1: Give as an Act of Worship

We often think of worship as attending Mass, praying, or singing. But scripture teaches us that worship also involves what we do with our money.

In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel each bring an offering to God. Yet God looks favorably upon Abel's offering and not Cain's. This reminds us that giving isn't simply a financial transaction. It's a spiritual act that reflects our hearts.

When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that he deserves to come first. Giving is an act of worship because it places God above our possessions.

Rule #2: Give in Your Place of Worship as an Act of Worship

Our parish is more than a building. It's our spiritual home, where we gather to worship, celebrate the sacraments, grow in faith, and introduce others to Jesus Christ.

In Mark 14, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. Others criticize her actions, but Jesus recognizes her offering as something beautiful. Her gift was an act of worship at the feet of the Lord, literally her place of worship.

When we support our parish financially, we're not simply funding programs or maintaining buildings. We're participating in the mission of helping people encounter Christ and grow in their relationship with him.

Rule #3: Tithe

The word tithe means one-tenth. Throughout the Old Testament, God's people were instructed to return the first tenth of what they received to him. Tithing teaches us to put God first. Often, we pay our bills, cover our expenses, save what we can, and give God whatever remains. But tithing challenges us to reverse that thinking.

For some people, giving ten percent may seem overwhelming. If you're not currently giving anything, begin somewhere, pick a percentage. If you are giving, but not tithing, consider taking another step toward the tithe.

Tithing isn't about giving God what's left over. It's about making him a priority from the beginning.

Rule #4: Give Beyond the Tithe

While tithing establishes a regular commitment, scripture also invites us to go beyond it.

Sometimes God presents opportunities to support special initiatives, strengthen ministries, or respond to extraordinary needs. These moments challenge us to ask a different question. Rather than simply asking, "How much am I supposed to give?" we begin asking, "God, what are you calling me to do?"

Giving beyond the tithe reminds us that stewardship isn't about meeting a minimum requirement. It's about remaining open to God's direction.

Rule #5: Give to the Poor

Throughout his ministry, Jesus repeatedly called his followers to care for those in need. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that when we care for the hungry, the sick, and those who are struggling, we are serving him.

Giving to the poor reminds us that what God has entrusted to us was never intended solely for ourselves. Whether through supporting charitable organizations or helping someone in our own community, caring for others is an essential part of Christian discipleship.

Taking the Next Step

As we prepare to celebrate Stewardship Weekend, I encourage you to prayerfully reflect on these five rules and consider where God might be calling you to grow.

Maybe it's beginning to give, working toward the tithe, or finding new ways to support the Church and those in need.

Whatever that next step looks like, remember that God isn't simply interested in our money. He's interested in our hearts.

Because stewardship isn't ultimately about changing how much we give. It's about changing how we live, who we trust, and where we place our hearts.