Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of contributing, particularly in the context of giving and supporting others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. It encompasses financial support, sharing of resources, and offering one's time and talents for the benefit of others and the glory of God. The act of contributing is often seen as a reflection of one's faith and obedience to God's commandments.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the principle of contributing is closely tied to the laws and practices of the Israelites. The Mosaic Law included specific instructions on tithing and offerings.
Leviticus 27:30 states, "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This commandment established the practice of giving a tenth of one's produce to support the Levitical priesthood and the work of the Tabernacle.
The concept of contributing extends beyond tithes to include freewill offerings and support for the needy.
Deuteronomy 15:10-11 instructs, "Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further emphasize the importance of contributing to the needs of others. Jesus Himself highlighted the value of generosity and selflessness. In
Luke 6:38 , He taught, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
The early church exemplified a spirit of communal support and contribution.
Acts 2:44-45 describes the early believers: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This passage illustrates the willingness of the early Christians to contribute their resources for the common good.
The Apostle Paul also addressed the importance of contributing to the needs of others. In
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , he writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Paul emphasizes that contributions should be made willingly and joyfully, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes.
Spiritual SignificanceContributing is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act that reflects one's relationship with God and others. It is an expression of love, compassion, and stewardship. The Bible teaches that contributing to the needs of others is a way to honor God and demonstrate His love to the world. In
Matthew 25:40 , Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me."
The act of contributing is also linked to the blessings and rewards promised by God.
Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This verse underscores the reciprocal nature of giving, where those who contribute to others' well-being are themselves enriched.
In summary, the biblical principle of contributing encompasses a wide range of actions and attitudes, all rooted in a desire to serve God and others. It is a vital aspect of Christian living, reflecting the heart of God and the teachings of Scripture.
Greek
1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning... Cognate: 1261 (from 1260 , "") - reasoning that is self-based and therefore confused --
especially as it
contributes to reinforcing others in discussion to
...Library
In what Respect PhilosophyContributes to the Comprehension of...
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies: Book I Chapter XX."In What Respect Philosophy
Contributes to the Comprehension of Divine Truth....
Causes and Circumstances of Dreams what BestContributes to...
... Chapter XLVIII."Causes and Circumstances of Dreams What BestContributes
to Efficient Dreaming. They say that dreams are more...
Trypho Asks Whether a Man who Keeps the Law Even Now Will be Saved...
... Chapter XLVI."Trypho asks whether a man who keeps the law even now will be saved
Justin proves that itcontributes nothing to righteousness....
How we are to Conform Ourselves to that Divine Will, which is...
... And therefore when we resist, Godcontributes nothing to our disobedience, but leaving
our will in the hands of its liberty permits it to make choice of evil...
1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... Now he becomes a fool unto the world, who slights the wisdom from without, and is
persuaded that itcontributes nothing towards his comprehension of the faith....
Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is Achieved...
... instantaneous. 4. Again, the movement of the free will whichcontributes
to the justification of the ungodly is meritorious. It...
Of the Origin of the Word "With," and what Force it Has. Also...
... which we found, derived from untutored custom, abiding in unperverted churches;"
a word for which the arguments are strong, and whichcontributes in no small...
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... What can be more acceptable to God and advantageous to man than a life lived, in
its own calling, in the way thatcontributes to the honor of God, and that by...
Summary of the First Part of the Foregoing System.
... The objection of the sceptic is thus stated by Leibnitz: Whoever can prevent the
sin of another, and does not, but rathercontributes to it by his concourse...
Elegance and Grace
... In short, every word thatcontributes neither to perspicuity nor ornament, may be
called vicious. A perverse affectation is faulty in all respects....
Thesaurus
Contributes (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Contributes (1 Occurrence). Romans 12:8 or he
who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it
...Contributed (13 Occurrences)
Commentaries
... Frequently, however, one writercontributes many valuable works, and sometimes,
by cooperation of like-minded scholars, commentaries on the whole Bible are...
Contributing (4 Occurrences)
Contributory (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) One whocontributes, or is liable to be called upon to contribute, as toward
the discharge of a common indebtedness. Multi-Version Concordance...
Comfort (130 Occurrences)
... consolation. 6. (n.) A state of quiet enjoyment; freedom from pain, want, or
anxiety; also, whatevercontributes to such a condition. 7...
Papyrus (4 Occurrences)
... All this vast and growing body of materialcontributes to our knowledge of
Ptolemaic and imperial times, often in the most intimate ways....
Chronology
... beginning; such as the Exodus (Judges 11:16, 26 1 Kings 6:1). The general lack of
uniformity among writers on Biblical chronologycontributes further toward...
Archaeology
... Milestones were erected to mark the distances, usually inscribed in both Latin and
Greek, and the decipherment of these milestone recordscontributes to the...
Minor (2 Occurrences)
... Milestones were erected to mark the distances, usually inscribed in both Latin and
Greek, and the decipherment of these milestone recordscontributes to the...
Resources
Do we contribute anything to our own salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christian parents respond to having a child with Down syndrome? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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