I have heard radio and TV pastors comment that not supporting such programs is like stealing. Since I do not support all the programming I listen to, am I in the wrong?


Often when I'm driving in my car, I'll listen to Christian radio programs. I find that I listen to these programs for one of two reasons. First, I may be listening just to hear what they have to say. Yet I may not be blessed or fed by the program.

Second, I may listen because the broadcast blesses me. I don't believe a curious listener has to support a radio or television program. However, I am of the opinion that a listener should send a financial offering to a Christian program which is listened to consistently and blesses the listener.

Here are two Scriptures that cause me to have this opinion.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
(Gal. 6:6)

For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you.
(1 Cor. 9:9-11)
I didn't request for anyone to go on the radio or television and have a religious program, thus I owe them nothing.

Nevertheless, if I'm going to watch or listen to the program consistently as a result of being blessed by that man or woman, then I should prayerfully consider sending them an offering (2 Cor. 9:6-8).

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