Reflections

Exodus 35:21-22 (NIV) 21  and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. 22  All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.

The Israelites began to come forward and to give willingly unto the building of the tabernacle. All kinds of things were given as a freewill offering.

A freewill offering is an offering given freely, without compulsion, without obligation. A giving because our hearts moved us. Hence it must be distinguished from tithes. Tithes are required by God. A tenth of our gross income is a tithe unto God. It is an obligation to God, not in a legalistic sense but as a principle.

Freewill offerings are given on top of the tithe because we want to give freely extra. Are we giving biblically today? Where we give of our tithes and generously give beyond that, as a freewill offering?