What Jesus Did! 'Tithing the Heart' — Luke 11:42

Sunday, August 2, 2015

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"But it will be bad for you Pharisees! You give God one-tenth of {everything you own}—even your mint, your rue, and every other little plant in your garden. But you forget to be fair to other people and to love God. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things—{like giving one-tenth}."
— Luke 11:42 NLT
Illustration of Luke 11:42 NLT — "But it will be bad for you Pharisees!"

Key Thought

Jesus reminds the Pharisees that tithing is important. They shouldn't neglect their tithes. However, tithing down to the minute detail isn't the ultimate issue in giving. Working to insure that justice and God's love are a part of our personal lives and our world are crucial. The reason we are to be generous is because our Father is generous. The reason we are loving is because God has loved us. The reason we work for justice is because God works justice for the oppressed. We want to be about our Father's business and living out our Father's character. Tithing is one aspect of that. Love and justice are the heart of it!

Today's Prayer

Father, help me not lose sight of the forest for the trees. I confess that I sometimes get so caught up in my personal responsibilities to give that I lose sight of why you call me to be generous and loving. Give me a heart that works for justice for the oppressed, downtrodden, forgotten and marginalized. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
  • Malachi 3:5
  • Isaiah 1:17

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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