FREEWILL OFFERING

A freewill offering is giving that is done willingly rather than by compulsion. It is something that is freely chosen and decided by the giver out of a heart that is moved by spiritual capture and necessity and not by the coercion of man. The threats used in religious circles to extract money from people are often very close to witchcraft. Forcing somebody by guilt and manipulation is the lowest of lows, especially “in the name of the Lord,” or “it’s all for God,” or “if you expect to be blessed, you better give a lot,” and other such nonsense. That is not freewill, it is guilt, intimidation, bullying and fear.

I have a policy that helps me in my giving decisions. As a starter, if I receive a tithing envelope, a letter in the mail asking for money, a charity wanting money, a “special project” giving drive, a “matching fund opportunity,” a building project or any such language, and they provide a suggested amount with a box to check, like check here for $5000, or here for $1000, or here for $500 and on down to where it is suggested, “do the best you can;” I know immediately I will give nothing because it is no longer freewill offering. It is suggested and manipulated giving. I don’t need anyone to help me decide how much I will give as if I need a reminder to help me know which box to check and therefore how much I will give. These suggestions are offensive, deliberate, intrusive and unbiblical. This does not move me to give freely. It has the opposite affect….to give nothing. When anyone presents these offensive suggestions, my decision is already made because my free will has been violated. If the Holy Spirit cannot direct my heart to give openly and with a free will the amount I should give, then these obnoxious little forms certainly can’t. Freewill is the ability and discretion to choose freely and any other kind of giving is suspect in my mind.

(This entry first appeared in Journal fifteen years ago and my opinion has not only not changed…but has become more convinced and offended by shyster, gimmicky methods of asking for money from ‘non-profit organizations.’ Just wondering when churches will start sending out those free little stick on address labels.)

“But when you give to someone, don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.” Jesus.