"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

-Winston Churchill

 

This is the time we set aside each year to corporately honor the Lord with our first significant sacrifice of the year.

Why is giving first fruit important?

 

1) It sets the tone for the rest of the year by showing God how committed we are to giving him the first of everything, from what we produce, i.e. our finances, to our time, gifts, and labor.

 

2) It’s biblical. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” “We obligate ourselves to bring the first fruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord,” according to Nehemiah 10:35.  And Exodus 23:19, “You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God.” 

 

3) Giving first fruits not only shows God our gratitude for His provision thus far, but shows our sacrificial faith that He will continue to provide and bless our efforts in the new year.

 

What Should I Give?

 

Let’s be clear about something. While there is a spiritual precedent for giving firstfruits, it is not a biblical mandate. You won’t be cursed if you don’t give. Rather, it is your expression of thankfulness and faith in God. It’s your way of saying to God, “I appreciate You, and the gifts and abilities that you have entrusted to me. Because I love, honor, and revere You, I am giving back a portion of what you’ve given to me.”

 

When it comes to what you should give, you may want to consider your first hours pay, first weeks pay, first month, etc. or if you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, perhaps the profits from your first deal...this about sacrifice, so it will look different for everybody. What matters is that you show some form of heartfelt sacrifice as we believe God together in 2023 and beyond.