Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Tithing

Reading: Malachi 3:6-12

Key Verse: “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 you will not have room enough for it.” verse 10

A tithe is an offering to God and literally means “tenth”. The practice pre-dates the Law as in the cases of Abram and Jacob (Gen.14:19, 28:22). Under the Law, tithes and offerings were given by people in the OT to support the priests and Levites who had no other form of income (Num.18:21, Deut.18:1-4). It appears that construction of the Tabernacle and Temple was funded not by tithing but special freewill offerings. 

In Malachi, God was angry that people were cheating on their obligations by reducing the value of their tithes through offering diseased and crippled animals (Mal.1:6-14). This pervasive attitude had also affected the priests in their ministry and behaviour (Mal.2). God called the people to repent of their hypocrisy and faithfully follow His instructions to receive His blessings.

Should Christians tithe? Do OT requirements apply to us? There are various points of view for and against. Certainly we need to beware legalism but to avoid hypocrisy we should “put our money where our mouth is.” If we are to “seek first the kingdom of God” then regularly supporting the house of God should be a high and significant priority coupled with freewill offerings because we have a “Heart for the House.” 

Prayer: Lord teach me about giving and bless me with a generous and compassionate heart