"Obligatory"

 "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils." (Hebrews 7:4 KJV)

  "I look up to the mountains - does my help come from them? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!" (PSALM 121:1-2 NLT)

 Yes, we are learning a new word today; or at least I am! Seems to be that I have been having some sort of doubt about my tithing, as if there might be a chance that I am giving too much. But in reality, my issue is something more, as it is, there is something or someone else that matters much more than any amount of money! 

 Now about this word, "Obligatory," which is taken from one of the meanings of the word, "gave," in the verse that I am sharing on today. Basically, the word is one that means '"to give what is due" much like if you owe someone wages or a reward. In other words, there is an obligation involved in this giving, not that you are forced or have been given a command, but that it is what you have said in your heart that you would do! 

 Looking at it that way, it is more of a promise, than it is a requirement; although, a requirement is still the reason that you can overrule the doubt...

"Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you." (2 Corinthians 9:6-10 NLT)