"Tithing and giving are just manipulation tactics churches use to get money."
How it sounds in your head: I've seen televangelists with private jets while members struggle. Pastors drive luxury cars funded by guilting people into giving. It's all a scam to fund their lifestyles. The 'prosperity gospel' is just greed dressed up as faith.
"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
-- Acts 20:35Trauma from religious abuse and greedy leaders creates cynicism that blocks legitimate biblical generosity.
He HAS seen corruption—real scandals, real manipulation, real hypocrisy. The abuses are documented and widespread, making all teaching on giving suspect.
Paul refused money from the Ephesian church, working as a tentmaker with his own hands to support himself AND help the weak. He modeled that true ministry GIVES rather than takes, proving the message wasn't about enriching himself.
I REFUSE the lie that giving is manipulation—IT IS WRITTEN that it is more blessed to GIVE than receive. Yes, false teachers exist, but I don't let THEIR corruption steal MY blessing. The BARAK blessing flows to GIVERS, not hoarders. When I give, I'm not funding corruption—I'm obeying GOD and releasing heaven's windows over my life. IT IS WRITTEN in Luke 6:38—the measure I use determines my return. I give with discernment, but I WILL give, because my Father is a GIVER and I'm made in His image.
Your Father knows you've been hurt by greedy leaders—He hates their hypocrisy more than you do. But He doesn't want THEIR sin to block YOUR blessing. Like the father who ran to the prodigal despite the older brother's bitter accusations, God pursues you with generosity even when others misrepresent Him.