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As you give, you will receive. Give generously, and you'll receive in like measure.
Malachi 3:10 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house. And try Me now in this, says the Lord, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."
Tithing is an Old Testament term that applies to people living under the Law of Moses. The Greek and Hebrew words for "tithe" literally mean "tenth" (according to Strong's Dictionary), so the basic meaning of tithing involves giving 10% of something.
For those of us in New Testament times who are living under grace, the tithe is no longer mandatory; it is now voluntary according to our hearts. But the concept of tithing still works. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." Luke 6:38
Giving is of God. Giving is an act of worship. It is a portion off the top of our wages earned in the workplace. God is faithful. So knowing that you reap what you sow, be sure to sow plentifully! "So let each one gives as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." II Corinthians 9:7-8
You Can Test God with Tithing
God is really amazing. In the bible He says that we can not ask for proof about His existence because that is a sign of unbelief. But with respect to giving and tithing, He told us that we can test Him in this (Malachi 3:10).
Truly, God is amazing. His grace is always sufficient to our needs. He has come so we may have life and that we may live a life full of abundance (II Cor 9:7-8). God, you are great and awesome!
Giving and Tithing - The Law of Reciprocity
"Give and it will be given to you" defines a remarkable spiritual principle. It can also be called the law of reciprocity, which is quite evident in the physical world: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Smile at another person, and he'll probably smile back at you. Be critical of others, and they'll respond in kind. As you give, you will receive. Give generously, and you'll receive in like measure.
Why Should We Tithe?
God is helping us to understand the law of reciprocity. Under the law failure to tithe is robbing God of what is due Him. In Malachi 3:8-9, God spells out the results when the nation of Israel does not repay Him what they owe: "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse, the whole nation of you because you are robbing me."
When we tithe, we receive many blessings from God. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap" (Luke 6:38). And what blessings were promised to the people of Israel, if they would once again tithe!
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3:10-12).
The Importance of Being Earnest in Your Giving
Yet, we should give not only because God expects us to. Our sincerity in giving is equally important.
We're told: "He which soweth sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who soweth bountifully will also reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (II Corinthians 9:6-8).
God's Outpouring of Blessings
When we're generous to Him and to others, God rewards us in a very generous fashion. "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor (humble); his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God" (II Corinthians 9:8-12).
What Should You Do Now?
In the Old Testament, the Jews were instructed to take their tithes "to the storehouse," which was the temple; the center of religion for the entire country. Today, it's important that you give your tithe to the place that feeds you spiritually.
Who has given you one or more of the following is who you give your tithe to:
- Joy;
- Peace;
- Inspiration;
- Instruction in Godliness;
- Reminded of your divinity;
- Made you feel glad to be alive;
- Gave you an answer to your question;
- Encouraged you to go for your dreams;
- Helped you feel the power of the Holy Spirit moving you to tithe, give or abundantly share.
Done on a regular basis, giving serves you as a constant reminder that God is your sole provider. You alone will decide how to account for your stewardship of the financial blessings God gives you and how to honor Him with your tithes and offerings.
Click the big green button above to tithe or share your abundance today. May you be richly blessed as you are obedient in your stewardship to your Heavenly Father!
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Daniel Sweet is President and founder of God's Word First Int'l Christian Ministry. He is an ordained minister, biblical scholar, teacher and an expert on the subject of Leadership. Daniel Sweet and his wife, Debbra Sweet, hold an in home fellowship. They have overseen the growth and development of multiple in home fellowships and have been instrumental in helping many people come to the knowledge and truth of God’s Word. |
