Reflecting on why I give brings me back to my childhood, clutching small envelopes with a quarter inside each Sunday. As I dropped my envelope into the offering plate, the sound of the quarter clinking against the wood filled me with joy. This simple act, observed from my parents who also gave generously, planted seeds of stewardship in my heart. Just as they served, so do I, and now my children follow by our example. This cycle of giving and serving is what God calls us to do. It’s a privilege to give back a portion of all that belongs to Him—a practice deeply rooted in scripture and essential for our spiritual growth, enriching both our community and congregation.
Tithing our treasures is perhaps the most familiar form of giving. Malachi 3:10 challenges us to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” This passage highlights the profound blessings that come from trusting God with our financial resources, an act of faith that acknowledges God’s provision over our own.
We are also called to dedicate our time to God’s service. Ephesians 5:16 urges us to “make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Our time, a precious gift from God, should reflect our priorities and the values of our hearts. Through volunteering in the classroom or serving at the food bank, or simply being present for those in need, we honor God by using His gift of time to serve others.
Similarly, our talents are a call to stewardship. 1 Peter 4:10 instructs us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Whether it’s leadership, making auction paddles, singing in the choir, teaching, or any other skill, these talents are entrusted to us not merely for our benefit but for the common good. By dedicating our talents, we acknowledge that each skill is a blessing from God, intended to be used in service to His kingdom.
When we had the privilege of sending our children to OSL, our lives were immeasurably enriched. During this time, my desire to give—my instinct to contribute—was at its strongest. I felt a profound need to acknowledge and reciprocate the incredible blessings we received. With our time, talents, and treasures, we endeavored to give back as much as possible to match the generosity that had been extended to us. Yet, I’ve realized that God doesn’t demand such repayment; His grace alone is sufficient.
Driven by gratitude, I wanted to give back to the place that brought us so much joy, comfort, and blessings. This churchschool is a unique community—a sanctuary of learning unlike any other. My family has experienced vast opportunities here, and for this, I am deeply thankful.
How can I possibly repay or earn such remarkable gifts? The hallways of this school, its sanctuary, and the classrooms that embrace my children each day are sacred spaces. Here, their minds are enriched, their hearts are cherished, and their spirits are uplifted. What have I done to deserve such blessings?
God has chosen to place us here and bless our family abundantly. Time and again, I have seen the fruits of this blessing in the quality education and countless opportunities my children have received at OSL.
Let me share with you why my husband and I are committed to giving. In tithing our time, talents, and treasures, we embrace a unifying theme: everything we possess is a gift from God. We are simply stewards of His extraordinary generosity. This act of giving deepens our dependence on God, fortifies our community, and aligns our lives with His divine purpose.
We choose to tithe with our time, talents, and treasures because we believe it allows us to embody the greatest commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. As my confirmation verse from 1 John 4:7 beautifully puts it, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
I urge you to reflect on your blessings and to remember who bestowed them upon you. Tithing, in all its forms, is a transformative act of worship. It’s a declaration that God reigns over our lives, and it’s our daily mission to reflect His love to the world. By giving of our time, talents, and treasures, we further a message of hope—that ultimately, heaven is full and hell is empty.
Jennifer is a life-long member of OSL. She and her husband Jordan have served in a variety of roles. Jordan is on the Spiritual Life Team and Jennifer is currently on the Board of Directors. They are school parents, with one child currently enrolled and three children who graduated from OSL.