The concept of contributing, particularly in the context of giving and supporting the community of believers, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. The act of contributing is often associated with generosity, stewardship, and the expression of love and faith within the Christian community.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the principle of contributing is established through the laws and practices given to the Israelites. The Israelites were commanded to bring tithes and offerings to support the Levitical priesthood and the work of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. 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 command underscores the idea that contributing is an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's provision.

The concept of contributing extends beyond tithes to include offerings for the poor and 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 Teachings

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further develop the theme of contributing. Jesus emphasizes the heart attitude behind giving, as seen in Mark 12:41-44, where He commends the poor widow for her contribution of two small coins, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others."

The early church exemplified a spirit of generosity and communal support. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to distribute to anyone in need. This practice highlights the importance of contributing to the welfare of the community and supporting fellow believers.

The Apostle Paul provides further instruction on contributing in his epistles. 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 out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." Paul emphasizes that contributing should be done willingly and joyfully, reflecting a heart transformed by the grace of God.

Spiritual Significance

Contributing is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual discipline that reflects one's faith and trust in God. It is an expression of gratitude for God's blessings and a tangible way to participate in His work on earth. The act of contributing is also a means of storing up treasures in heaven, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to contribute to their local church, support missionaries, and assist those in need. The principle of contributing extends beyond financial resources to include time, talents, and spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6-8 exhorts believers to use their gifts in service to others, whether through teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy.

In summary, contributing is a vital aspect of the Christian life, rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified by the early church. It is an expression of love, faith, and obedience to God, reflecting a heart transformed by His grace.1. (v. t.) To give or grant i common with others; to give to a common stock or for a common purpose; to furnish or supply in part; to give (money or other aid) for a specified object; as, to contribute food or fuel for the poor.

2. (v. i.) To give a part to a common stock; to lend assistance or aid, or give something, to a common purpose; to have a share in any act or effect.

3. (v. i.) To give or use one's power or influence for any object; to assist.

3923. pareisphero -- to bring in, to supply besides
... in, to supply besides. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: pareisphero Phonetic
Spelling: (par-ice-fer'-o) Short Definition: I contribute besides Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3923.htm - 7k

2841. koinoneo -- to have a share of
... Phonetic Spelling: (koy-no-neh'-o) Short Definition: I share, communicate, have
fellowship with Definition: (a) I share, communicate, contribute, impart, (b) I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2841.htm - 7k

4851. sumphero -- to bring together, to be profitable
... From sun and phero (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), ie
(literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4851.htm - 7k

4820. sumballo -- to throw together, hence to discuss, consider ...
... properly: I throw together, hence: I ponder, come up with, encounter, with or without
hostile intent; I dispute with; mid: I confer, consult with, contribute. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4820.htm - 7k

4323. prosanatithemi -- to lay on besides, hence to undertake ...
... besides (mid.) NASB Word Usage consult (1), contributed (1). contribute,
consult. From pros and anatithemai; to lay up in addition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4323.htm - 6k

2023. epichoregeo -- to supply
... From epi and choregeo; to furnish besides, ie Fully supply, (figuratively) aid or
contribute -- add, minister (nourishment, unto). see GREEK epi. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2023.htm - 7k

8334. sharath -- to minister, serve
... A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute
to -- minister (unto), (do) serve(- ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. ...
/hebrew/8334.htm - 6k

5414. nathan -- to give, put, set
... causes (1), certainly be given (1), certainly give (1), comes (1), commit (1),
committed (1), conferred (1), consider (1), consign (1), contribute (1), cried ( ...
/hebrew/5414.htm - 9k

What the Mechanical Arts Contribute to Exegetics.
... Book II. Chapter 30."What the Mechanical Arts Contribute to Exegetics.
47. Further, as to the remaining arts, whether those by ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 30 what the mechanical arts.htm

How Little the Precepts of Philosophers Contribute to True Wisdom ...
... Chap. XXVII."How Little the Precepts of Philosophers Contribute to True
Wisdom, Which You Will Find in Religion Only. What, then? ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxvii how little the precepts.htm

The Social Challenge to the Church
... To this it may be replied that, as with the church, only those contribute
who have resources from which to contribute. The only ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter iv the social challenge.htm

In what Respect Philosophy Contributes to the Comprehension of ...
... of one individual; and as both the sun, and the fire, and the bath, and clothing
are of one getting warm: so while truth is one, many things contribute to its ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xx in what respect philosophy.htm

Ninth Proposition of Arminius
... What does the child contribute towards his procreation? He does not indeed
exist. What does an angel contribute towards his sonship? ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/ninth proposition of arminius.htm

2 Cor. Ix. 1
... But if this be a disgrace, not to contribute quickly; consider how great it
were to contribute either not at all, or less than behoved. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xix 2 cor ix.htm

Appendix ii. Conflation and the So-Called Neutral Text.
... effect of Conflation appears to be well described in his words on p.133:"Now however
the three great lines were brought together, and made to contribute to a ...
/.../appendix ii conflation and the.htm

The Resurrection-Body Different from the Present.
... of the body which are nourished, or rise again with the parts that rise, since no
longer does blood, or phlegm, or bile, or breath, contribute anything to the ...
/.../chapter vii the resurrection-body different from.htm

Further Activity and Death of Muhlenberg.
... In a congregation of three hundred members scarcely fifteen can be found able to
contribute toward the building of churches; and the responsibility for debts ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/further activity and death of.htm

On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
... 402 Q. Are we obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors? A. We
are obliged to contribute to the support of our pastors ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 36 on the third.htm

Contribute (4 Occurrences)
... to give to a common stock or for a common purpose; to furnish or supply in part;
to give (money or other aid) for a specified object; as, to contribute food or ...
/c/contribute.htm - 8k

Pool (25 Occurrences)
... 10. (vt) To put together; to contribute to a ... 11. (vi) To combine or contribute with
others, as for a commercial, speculative, or gambling transaction. Int. ...
/p/pool.htm - 40k

Contributed (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Contribute. Multi-Version Concordance
Contributed (13 Occurrences). Mark 12:44 for they ...
/c/contributed.htm - 10k

Order (809 Occurrences)
... 16. (n.) The placing of words and members in a sentence in such a manner as to
contribute to force and beauty or clearness of expression. 17. ...
/o/order.htm - 48k

Go (17871 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To proceed or tend toward a result, consequence, or product; to tend; to
conduce; to be an ingredient; to avail; to apply; to contribute; -- often with ...
/g/go.htm - 19k

Temper (14 Occurrences)
... blended," the body. Each member has its place and function and must contribute
to the welfare of the whole frame. The same Greek ...
/t/temper.htm - 13k

Tend (24 Occurrences)
... be directed, as to any end, object, or purpose; to aim; to have or give a leaning;
to exert activity or influence; to serve as a means; to contribute; as, our ...
/t/tend.htm - 14k

Reluctantly (2 Occurrences)
... Reluctantly (2 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 9:7 Let each contribute what he has decided
upon in his own mind, and not do it reluctantly or under compulsion. ...
/r/reluctantly.htm - 7k

Redound (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To flow back, as a consequence or effect;
to result; to conduce; to contribute. 2. (vi) To be ...
/r/redound.htm - 7k

Render (95 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To inflict, as a retribution; to requite. 4. (vt) To give up; to yield;
to surrender. 5. (vt) Hence, to furnish; to contribute. ...
/r/render.htm - 36k

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