The Torah prescribed that one tenth of an increase in livestock, grain, fruit, oil, and wine be offered to God. Such contributions from the people of Israel sustained the Levites and priests in their service to God. Yet, Jesus reminds his listeners that there is something more important than fulfilling an obligation to give a certain percentage of the harvest.

The law also calls for justice, mercy and faith. These cannot be fulfilled by way of a ten percent offering. They flow out of a deep concern for others and a belief in a loving God. They often involve a giving of self.

Paul describes a profound generosity by early missionaries for the good of the Church in Thessalonica. He uses the image of a nurse and a child to portray the relationship between those bringing Christ's message and the growing community of believers. Such dedicated self-giving springs not from obligation, but from a heartfelt concern for the local people. Paul and his companions share out the Gospel as well as their very lives.