A free will offering is a voluntary contribution or donation given out of one’s own free choice, without external compulsion or command. The concept of free will offerings originates in the Bible, where they were a common form of sacrifice and offering brought by the Israelites to the Lord.
Examples of Free Will Offerings in the Bible
Here are some key examples of free will offerings mentioned in the Bible:
- Exodus 35:29 – The Israelites brought free will offerings of gold, silver, bronze, fabrics, spices, oils, and precious stones to construct the Tabernacle.
- Leviticus 22:18-23 – Free will offerings could be sacrificed from the herd or flock as burnt offerings to the Lord.
- Numbers 15:3 – Free will offerings were sacrificed along with other required offerings.
- Deuteronomy 16:10 – Israelites were to give as they were able from their free will offerings during the Feast of Weeks.
- 1 Chronicles 29:6-9 – Leaders of Israel gave freely and wholeheartedly to the building of the temple.
- Ezra 1:4-6 – Those whose hearts were moved contributed silver, gold, goods, animals, and valuables to help rebuild the temple.
- Ezra 3:5 – After resettling in Jerusalem, the Israelites began to offer free will offerings of animals and money.
These passages demonstrate how free will offerings were a common form of sacrifice and giving in ancient Israel. The key distinguishing feature is that they were voluntary, given freely out of one’s own volition, not out of obligation or external requirement.
The Nature and Purpose of Free Will Offerings
Free will offerings had several key purposes and characteristics:
- Voluntary – They were voluntary gifts, not required by law. This distinguished them from tithes or required sacrifices.
- Wholehearted – They were to be given generously and wholeheartedly, out of a willing spirit.
- Generous – There was often an emphasis on giving freely and abundantly from what one had.
- Expressions of Gratitude – Free will offerings expressed thankfulness, praise, and gratitude towards God.
- Acknowledgment of God’s Provision – They recognized that all one’s possessions ultimately come from and belong to God.
- Dedication and Commitment – The offerings represented a dedication and commitment of self and possessions to God.
- Support of the Temple – Many free will offerings helped construct and support the temple and its operations.
- Care for the Needy – Offerings assisted the poor and helped provide for the broader community.
So in summary, free will offerings allowed Israelites to voluntarily and generously give back to God out of gratitude and devotion. This demonstrated love for both God and neighbor.
Free Will Offerings vs. Tithes and Required Sacrifices
Free will offerings differed from tithes and required sacrifices in several ways:
- Tithes – Tithes were required contributions, a percentage owed back to God. Free will offerings were above and beyond tithes.
- Vows – If someone made a specific vow or pledge, they were obligated to fulfill it. Free will offerings had no such obligation.
- Sin and guilt offerings – These were required sacrifices for atonement and purification from sin. Free will offerings were separate from this atonement system.
- Temple tax – A half-shekel tax paid annually was mandatory. Free will offerings were over and above this.
- Mandatory festivals – Certain sacrifices were commanded during festivals and feasts. Free will offerings were supplementary.
- Amount – Required offerings and tithes had set amounts. Free will offerings had no fixed amount.
So while tithes and required sacrifices fulfilled various religious obligations, free will offerings were additional voluntary gifts given out of devotion, thanksgiving, and love. They expressed the worshipper’s willing heart towards God.
The Role of Motive and Attitude in Free Will Offerings
Since free will offerings were voluntary, the motive and attitude behind them were very important:
- They were to be given from a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). God loves a cheerful giver.
- Offerings given grudgingly or under compulsion were not acceptable (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- The Lord looked at the willing heart more than the actual amount given (Mark 12:41-44).
- Giving was to be done secretly rather than for public recognition (Matthew 6:2-4).
- Offerings presented with pride, arrogance, or hypocrisy were condemned (Luke 18:9-14).
- They were to be given in simplicity and sincerity of heart (Romans 12:8).
- God cares about true generosity that comes from inward love, not outward pressure or guilt (2 Corinthians 8:8-12).
So the attitude and motivation behind free will offerings were just as important as the actions themselves. Giving was an act of worship meant to flow from a heart of gratitude, love, and devotion.
Free Will Offerings and Tithing in the New Testament
While Old Testament law mandated tithes and offerings, the New Testament does not prescribe specific giving amounts. However, the principles of voluntary offerings and generosity continued:
- Believers still gave voluntary offerings to the church and those in need (Acts 11:29, Romans 15:26, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3).
- Giving was to come from the heart, freely, not reluctantly or under compulsion (2 Corinthians 8-9).
- Believers were to give to needs that arose (Ephesians 4:28).
- Giving was to be generous, cheerful, purposeful, and sacrificial (2 Corinthians 8).
- Believers supported gospel ministers and Christian workers through voluntary giving (1 Corinthians 9:9-14).
- Giving was a sign of God’s grace and an expression of unity in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
- Believers were to use finances and possessions to further God’s kingdom (Luke 16:9-13).
While tithing is not explicitly commanded, believers are called to generously and voluntarily give in support of gospel ministry, to meet needs, and to further God’s work on earth. The emphasis is on willing sacrifice from the heart, just as with free will offerings.
Principles for Free Will Offerings Today
While specific free will offering rituals and sacrifices are no longer practiced today, the principles still apply to financial giving:
- All we have comes from God, so giving back recognizes His provision (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
- Giving should come from a willing heart of gratitude and devotion to God (Exodus 25:2).
- Our offerings help support gospel ministry and meet real needs (Philippians 4:16-18).
- Giving is worship that demonstrates our trust in God as Provider (Mark 12:41-44).
- God cares more about willingness than amounts (Luke 21:1-4).
- Giving should be discreet and humble, not showy (Matthew 6:2-4).
- Generosity pleases God and blesses others (Acts 20:35).
- Giving frees us from money’s control and builds heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19-21).
While free will offerings are no longer required by law, they model sacrificial generosity that believers can emulate in financial giving today. The principles still apply as we voluntarily and cheerfully give out of grateful hearts.
Questions about Free Will Offerings
Here are answers to some common questions about free will offerings:
Were free will offerings really optional for Israelites?
Yes, they were voluntary gifts separate from required tithes and sacrifices. However, those with willing hearts responded generously when needs arose.
Didn’t free will offerings just go to the priests?
While portions supported the priests and Levites, many offerings went to constructing and maintaining the tabernacle and temple. They also assisted the poor and needy.
Weren’t free will offerings sometimes commanded?
At times leaders encouraged people to give freely towards a particular need. But the defining feature was the voluntary spirit in which gifts were given.
Didn’t Jesus say not to give offerings?
No. Jesus condemned hypocritical, self-righteous giving done for show (Matthew 6:2). But he affirmed giving from the heart to please God.
If we’re not under the law, do free will offerings apply?
We’re no longer bound by specific Old Testament rituals and amounts. But the willingness to generously and voluntarily give remains a marker of devotion to God.
Isn’t free will giving just an excuse to give less?
Free will offerings represent sacrificial generosity, not stinginess. True love for God and others motivates us to give freely and abundantly.
So in summary, free will offerings were voluntary gifts that expressed worship, gratitude, and devotion to God. While no longer required by law, the principles still challenge believers to freely, generously, and wholeheartedly give back to the Lord with willing hearts.
Bible Verses about Free Will Offerings
Here are some key Bible passages about free will offerings and voluntary giving:
Exodus 35:4-5, 21-29
Moses told the people of Israel to bring freewill offerings to construct the Tabernacle. The people responded wholeheartedly, bringing all kinds of valuable materials as offerings.
Leviticus 22:18-23
The Lord instructs the priests how to offer freewill offerings from the herd or flock as burnt offerings with a pleasing aroma to Him.
Deuteronomy 16:10
On the Feast of Weeks, the Israelites were to give freely and generously from their freewill offerings in proportion to how the Lord had blessed them.
1 Chronicles 29:6-19
The leaders of Israel give abundantly and wholeheartedly from their own possessions to the building of the temple. The people rejoice and offer sacrifices.
Ezra 1:4-6
People whose hearts were stirred freely contributed valuables, goods, and animals to assist those returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.
Ezra 3:5
After returning from exile, the Israelites immediately began offering freewill burnt offerings morning and evening as the foundation of the temple was laid.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Believers are to give what they have decided freely and cheerfully, not out of reluctance. God loves a cheerful giver and will bless their generosity.
So we see the consistent biblical theme of giving voluntarily and wholeheartedly out of grateful hearts eager to worship and honor God through offerings.
Conclusion
In summary, free will offerings were voluntary gifts brought by Israelites as sacrifices and aid for the temple and community. They expressed gratitude, devotion, and love for both God and others. While no longer bound by specific rituals and amounts, believers today are still called to freely and generously give back to the Lord with willing, cheerful hearts. Just as with the Israelites, our offerings should come from a heart of worship that desires to honor God and meet needs. Freewill offerings provide a model of wholehearted generosity and sacrificial giving that pleases the Lord.