“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.” – Malachi 3:8
The Call to Honesty
As we explore the topic of stealing from God, it is essential to recognize how honesty plays a vital role in our relationship with Him. We, as believers, are called to live lives that are true and transparent, not just with others, but also with God. When we neglect to offer Him our tithes and offerings, we are, in essence, withholding what belongs to Him. This act of dishonesty can affect our spiritual walk. God desires our authenticity and faithful service, reminding us that He blesses those who give generously and from the heart.
Proverbs 11:1
“The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” – Proverbs 11:1
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Malachi 1:14
“Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.” – Malachi 1:14
Psalm 119:36
“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” – Psalm 119:36
The Importance of Tithing
Tithing represents more than just giving money; it showcases our acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty over our lives. When we honor God with our resources, we demonstrate faithfulness, and in return, He promises to open the floodgates of heaven. By understanding the importance of tithing, we ensure that we are not stealing from God but rather supporting His church and His work on Earth. It strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. Let us take that step of obedience and witness how God blesses our efforts.
Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” – Deuteronomy 14:22
Leviticus 27:30
“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.” – Leviticus 27:30
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” – Matthew 23:23
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9
Generosity is a beautiful trait that reflects God’s nature. We know that God is the ultimate giver, and when we choose to be generous with what He has gifted us, we align ourselves with His heart. God wants us to freely give, not only to our churches but also to those in need. By practicing generosity, we avoid the trap of keeping everything for ourselves, which can lead to stealing from God. Let us embrace generosity, as it enriches our lives and those around us.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” – 2 Corinthians 8:12
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
God desires our first and best, not what is left over. This notion of offering our firstfruits comes directly from honoring God with our initial blessings and proceeds. By doing so, we acknowledge His provision in our lives and our trust in His plans. The act of giving first demonstrates our priorities. Instead of holding back, we show our faithfulness in His abundance and ensure we are not taking gifts meant for Him. Together, we can offer our best and witness how He blesses our endeavors.
Exodus 23:19
“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” – Exodus 23:19
Proverbs 3:10
“Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:10
Nehemiah 10:35
“We promise not to neglect the house of our God.” – Nehemiah 10:35
1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” – 1 Corinthians 16:2
Leviticus 23:10
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest.'” – Leviticus 23:10
When we understand what it means to steal from God, we are more aware of the potential consequences that follow. Our actions can lead to spiritual stagnation and even a sense of disconnection from God. He desires us to engage in opportunities that foster growth, while stealing from Him limits those chances. By recognizing the repercussions, we motivate each other to live lives that reflect His glory and stand firm against practices that draw us away from Him.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.” – Proverbs 28:24
Matthew 25:29
“For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” – Matthew 25:29
James 4:17
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” – James 4:17
Romans 2:6
“God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.'” – Romans 2:6
When we recognize that we may have stolen from God, it is essential to admit our wrongdoing and turn back to Him. Repentance paves the way for healing and restoration. God is always ready to forgive us and desires a relationship with us. By encouraging one another to seek repentance, we can experience the joy of being reconciled with our Creator. Together, let’s take those steps toward renewal and embrace the freedom found in His forgiveness.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins. Then times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Ezekiel 18:30
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses, so sin will not be your downfall.” – Ezekiel 18:30
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on stealing from God, we realize the importance of honesty, generosity, and the consequences of our choices. We should honor God with our resources and embrace the practice of tithing, recognizing that our gifts contribute to His work. Being generous with others is vital, and our firstfruits must always be directed to Him. When we stumble, it is essential to seek repentance, allowing God to cleanse us and restore our connection with Him. Together, we can grow in grace and live lives that reflect God’s love and faithfulness.
If you want to explore more enlightening topics, consider reading about forsaking God or forgiving debts. They may provide more wisdom and guidance for our spiritual journey.