Editorial May 17, 1941 Issue

Giving and Withholding

George Shaw Cook

In the Bible are numerous references to tithes and tithing. One of these, which carries with it a promise of abundance, will be found in Malachi, and is as follows: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

In the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 595) Mary Baker Eddy defines "tithe," in part, as follows: "Contribution; tenth part; homage; gratitude." It is evident that a tithe, in the light of this definition, does not necessarily mean a contribution of money or material things, nor is it limited to a tenth part of one's income or increase. A contribution of gratitude, service, and thoughts of kindness, love, and appreciation, may prove of greater value to the recipient than a mere gift of money. It is obviously with this fact in thought that Mrs. Eddy wrote (ibid., p. 79), "Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us."

Our contributions to The Mother Church and the branch churches should not consist solely of money, although such contributions are needed and should not be neglected. Carelessness or indifference with respect to financial contributions is not likely to find its way into the experience of alert and grateful church members. There are, however, many other ways in which members of churches may bring their tithes into the storehouse. For example, one may contribute his presence at church services and at business meetings. He may likewise contribute thoughts which will be conducive to harmony and to right activity.

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