One of the things that I found extraordinarily challenging in the early years of my spiritually mismatched marriage was Loneliness and its best friend, Hopelessness. They were a constant in my life.

I didn't know anyone living and trying to do the right thing in a marriage with an unbeliever. I was growing in my faith and one of the ways we grow is to observe other believers and emulate the ways they live out their faith. Well that can beyond difficult when those believers you want to imitate are married to a spouse who also believes.

When you're in an unequally-yoked marriage it may be difficult to follow that biblical mandate.

Actually, the New Testament teaches the practice of free-will giving, as mentioned by Paul in Acts 4:32-37.There the saints "...were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common."We are further told that, "the proceeds of the things that were sold were laid at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need."  Joses, a Levite from the country of Cyprus, was commended for his generous giving. This was the one named Barnabas by the apostles - who traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys, and delivered an offering to the elders in Judea on behalf of the disciples.

In Mark Chapter 12 Jesus had just taught about the evil, greedy practices of the scribes and leaders who enriched themselves at the expense of others.He condemned them for practicing favoritism in the synagogue, and taking advantage of widows.Verses 41-44 tell us that Jesus was observing how people gave into the treasury at the temple.A poor widow came near and threw in two mites, a small amount that was literally her "bread money".He called his disciples to Him and said, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

Paul also encouraged the believers in Corinth to be ready to give to the needs of the saints in II Corinthians 9:6-7.  He taught that the principles of giving would parallel seedtime and harvest; that sowing and reaping were in direct proportion to the desired outcome.Paul tells us, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."  God looks at the attitude of the giver and the heart's motive.

In I Chronicles 29 we see the leaders and people alike giving freely of their provisions for the temple, including precious stones, gold, silver and other items.Verse 9 says, "Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly."

Lastly, we see that giving God's way brings unmatched conditional blessings. In Malachi 3 God was chastising the nation of Israel for robbing Him in tithes and offerings.They were cursed because of their wickedness.  However, God promised them abundance if they would bring to Him their tithes in obedience.He would "prove" Himself trustworthy of their gifts and offerings.God told them He would "open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that could not be contained", and would rebuke the devourer of their crops and vineyards.Verse 12 says, "And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land." 

What does all of this have to do with us here and now?In a word... plenty! 

God still looks upon the heart and sees our motives.He understands our willingness to give and our desire to bless Him in adoration and gratefulness.He knows your secret longing to give to His Kingdom's work.He is aware of the struggle that surrounds your ability to give generously to your church or Christian charity.He wants to bless you and your family - that you might be a testimony to His faithfulness and abundant blessings.Remember, your "giving" might be of your time, talent or treasure.There is no set law of giving that you must abide by in a spiritually mismatched marriage. Don't live under a cloud of guilt or discontentment.God does not judge you according to your last gift in the offering plate.He loves you and knows your heart's desire.

On a personal note - I have been fortunate to be the owner of a small business for over twenty-five years.It afforded me the opportunity to give to the Lord.When I became a new believer in Christ, I vowed to tithe on my business income. This decision was separate from any decision made with my husband regarding our household earnings. He has not agreed to tithing on that income as of yet.  However, I often give gifts and offerings to various church programs and special needs, as well as support many local charities with his knowledge and blessing.I don't make an "issue" out of it all - but I do express my longings and requests at an appropriate time in a loving manner.  Sometimes he says, "Yes", and other times he says, "No".  God knows my heart and desire to give.Your spouse is blessed through your actions and submission.

You no doubt will have similar struggles and conflict.Be full of grace and spiritual sensitivity.Do not provoke your spouse, nor cause them any feelings of guilt or resentment.Rather, exercise your godly discernment and pray for their hearts to be softened towards giving to God.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.    http://www.Godmissionpossible.com