Rabbi Daniel Lapin talks a lot about giving and tithing in his book 'Thou Shall Prosper' and its importance in our lives.
If we learn to tithe our money, aside from helping another individual, it also puts us in a different state of mind. When we give from the first fruits of our labors, we say that it has been such a blessing that we can give a portion back. We are not needy, but rather benevolent with our money and use it to help others and ourselves.
He gave an example in the book about how giving opens a new channel to receive. Many years ago, in Jerusalem, it was under siege, and people decided to tunnel a passage from inside out behind the enemy lines to bring in food for the city, allowing them to hold fast. Years later, when the city was under another ruler, an attacking army heard of this tunnel and used it to advance on their campaign taking it. Giving is like this: when we give, we open a channel that goes both directions!
Going into a business interaction, if we show that we are needy, you reek of desperation and get across a message that we will provide sub-par service or products. On the other hand, if we go into that relationship with confidence, not needing the outcome to be in our favor to live, but rather a pleasant outcome, we are now better positioned to get to an agreement both parties are happy with!
Key takeaways:
1) Giving our firstfruits puts us in a position of benevolence and gratitude
2) Giving opens a new channel in which we can receive more
3) Showing you're desperate will make you reek of a low-value product