“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
The Command of Tithing
As we explore the topic of tithing, we find that God’s command is clear and direct. Tithing is not just a matter of giving; it is an act of obedience and faith. By acknowledging God’s provision in our lives, we show that we trust Him to meet our needs. Each time we choose to give a portion of what we have received back to God, we affirm our commitment to Him. The scriptures instruct us to set aside a portion of our earnings as a way of honoring God for His blessings. By doing so, we demonstrate not just our generosity but also our faith in His ability to provide for us. Our willingness to tithe reflects our heart, revealing our love for God and others. We are called to give joyfully and sacrificially, believing that He rewards such faithfulness.
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
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10
Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” – Deuteronomy 14:22
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 3:8
“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 Heart of Giving
When we think about tithing, it is crucial to remember that the heart behind our giving matters as much as the act itself. God desires us to give out of love, not obligation. Our motivation for giving should stem from gratitude for the many blessings we have received. In this way, tithing becomes a joyful expression of our faith, rather than a legalistic requirement. We are encouraged to examine our hearts, ensuring that our intentions are pure. By fostering a spirit of gratitude, we honor God and create an attitude of generosity. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, we are more likely to give cheerfully. It’s a great reminder that all we have is a gift from God, and returning a portion to Him is a way of acknowledging this truth. Tithing is an incredible opportunity to participate in God’s mission and to bless others through our generosity.
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
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
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
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
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
The Blessings of Tithing
Tithing brings with it a promise of blessings from God. When we faithfully give back to Him, we can expect blessings to flow into our lives in various forms. This can mean financial security, but it can also encompass peace, joy, and health. Through tithing, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and His provision in our finances. We commit to putting Him first in all that we do. As we make tithing a priority, we begin to experience an abundance that goes beyond just our material needs. The blessings of tithing are a testament to God’s faithfulness, assuring us that He will provide for us, even in times of uncertainty. When we place Him first, He makes a way and takes care of our needs in ways we might not expect. The more we give, the more we are reminded of His generosity, and our trust in Him grows stronger.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
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
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
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
Ecclesiastes 11:1
“Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.” – Ecclesiastes 11:1
Tithing in New Testament Teachings
The New Testament echoes the importance of generosity and giving. It reminds us that tithing is not solely about compliance with the law, but it extends to a heart of giving and love for others. New Testament teachings focus on the spirit of giving, emphasizing that our gifts should be given with love and sincerity. Instead of focusing on strict rules, we are taught to give according to our ability and willingness. The early church exemplified this by collectively sharing their resources, addressing the needs of the community. As we consider tithing, we are invited into a transformative experience that deepens our relationship with God and each other. The essence of tithing transcends mere legalism and reveals a lifestyle of generosity reflective of Christ’s love.
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
Acts 4:34-35
“There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” – Acts 4:34-35
2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11
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
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
Tithing and Trusting God
At the heart of tithing is an invitation to trust God with our resources. It is a step of faith that requires us to let go of control and rely on God’s provision. Trusting God begins with recognizing that all we have comes from Him. We remind ourselves that His plan for our lives is good, and He is faithful to fulfill His promises. When we give to God, we are saying “I trust You, God” with my finances and my life. Our trust in God can calm any anxiety about our financial situation. Tithing teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Him above everything else, strengthening our faith as we step out in obedience. We can lean into God’s promises, knowing that when we honor Him with our tithes, He delights in us and takes care of our needs. As we navigate life, we are reassured that God is our faithful provider.
Psalms 37:25
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” – Psalms 37:25
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Matthew 6:31-33
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:31-33
Psalms 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalms 23:1
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” – Proverbs 28:27
Tithing also plays a vital role in supporting our community. Through our contributions, we are able to uplift those in need and provide resources for local ministries and outreach programs. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors, and tithing enables us to put our love into action. Our faith in supporting the community can be a great testimony of God’s love. When we view our tithing as a means to bless others, we reflect Christ’s heart for the world. Generosity never just affects the giver but also transforms the community. As we come together in giving, we create a supportive and loving environment where needs can be met, and lives changed. Joining together in support through our tithes strengthens our bonds as a community of believers and amplifies the impact we can have on the world around us.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 15:26
“For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.” – Romans 15:26
1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” – 1 John 3:17
Acts 11:29
“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.” – Acts 11:29
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” – Luke 4:18
Final Thoughts
Tithing is more than just a duty; it’s an act of love, faith, and trust in God. By giving back to God a portion of what has been blessed into our lives, we deepen not only our relationship with Him but also magnify the importance of community and support for one another. We are assured through scripture that God honors our generosity and blesses us abundantly in return. Each time we choose to tithe, we are embracing a lifestyle of trusting God and acknowledging our dependence on His provision. Our giving reflects our hearts—may it be filled with gladness, sincerity, and a deep desire to serve His kingdom.
As we think about how to live out our calling as stewards, I invite you to explore more topics such as cheating with money or sowing seeds for greater insight in our financial walk with God.