“Give to everyone who asks you …” – Luke 6:30

“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” – Psalm 37:21

“… the righteous gives and does not hold back.” – Proverbs 21:26

I spent the morning helping Harley pack up her apartment in Arlington. I know how hard it is to get people to help you move (especially during normal work hours), so I felt her pain. I felt compelled to lend a hand, when she posted a bulletin on MySpace pleading for help. I don’t really know her, but I couldn’t help but remember the verse where Christ says to “give to everyone who asks you.”

No matter how inconvenient.

I had to take the morning off of work and will lose the pay for those hours. But that’s okay.

Giving a tithe (or tenth) to God doesn’t just mean money. He wants us to honor him with a tenth of everything. One hundred percent is his, and he only asks for a tenth back. And it’s not just giving to the church. It’s helping those in need. Lending a hand. Lending your time to help.

Serving others is the new tithe.