S1 Ep5 Giving

In the fifth episode of Season 1 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is...’, Simon and Bex take a deeper dive into the topic of Giving. They consider what the Bible says about the subject and discuss how various key points should be interpreted. Simon outlines his own thoughts and practice in this area with the aim of providing listeners with some points which may be helpful to them as they consider this aspect of their finances.

Key points that are covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex invites Simon to share his thoughts about tithing, a topic which can prompt a fair amount of debate among Christians. [03:09] Bible verses to which he refers when discussing the principles behind tithing, and how we should interpret them, include the following: Matthew 23.23 where Jesus endorses tithing but stresses that it must be accompanied by principled living and a focus on justice and mercy [07:24]; Mark 12.41-44 (the widow’s offering) as an example of proportionate and sacrificial giving [08:10]; 1 Corinthians 16.1-2 to highlight the importance of planned and regular giving [09:32]; and 2 Corinthians 9.6-13 as a passage that draws attention to the joy and blessing that is widely experienced when God’s people are generous in their attitudes and behaviour. [10:56]

• Simon comments that much of what he has been saying can be summarised as follows: “It's not about how much we give but about what we do with the how much that we have been given." [13:01]

• Simon explains the practices that he has adopted in this area in the hope that they will provide listeners with a helpful starting point for their own reflections on the topic. He covers the following points: (1) To whom should we give? [13:59]; (2) When should we give? (Part 1 – in general terms) [15:11]; (3) When should we give? (Part 2 – dealing more specifically with the practicalities of regular giving) [16:38] (4) How should we give? (Part 1 - the benefits of a standing order) [17:32]; (5) How much should we give? [19:18]; (6) How should we give? (Part 2 – the advantages of Gift Aid) [21:55]; (7) How can we factor in irregular giving? [24:14]; (8) How can we involve our family in this area? [25:10]

• In response to a question from Bex, Simon provides some thoughts on how people might start giving if this is something that they haven’t done before and they are finding the issue quite daunting. [20:27]

• Simon indicates that he is very happy to take queries and requests for further information from listeners on this topic. This can be done by emailing whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk [26:26]

• We would love you to join us for the next episode of ‘Where Your Treasure Is...’, when our theme will be 'Negative Money', covering topics such as Debt, Loans, Credit Cards, Overdrafts, Mortgages and Buy Now Pay Later. [26:58]