The 3 Most Common Tithing MistakesSample
Hey, Friend!
It’s time for our final tithing mistake.
So without further ado, let’s look at…
Mistake #3: Giving Without Faith or Expectation
The third common tithing mistake is giving without faith or expectation of God's involvement in our finances.
Paul addresses this in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8:
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
It is not only acceptable, but Biblically encouraged to give with the expectation that God will abundantly provide for our needs and empower us to be even more generous in our giving.
It's not about giving to get but about trusting God's promise of provision.
Jesus highlights the importance of faithful giving in the story of the widow's mite, Luke 21:1-4.
He commends the widow who gave two small coins, saying she "put in more than all the others" because she gave out of her poverty.
So clearly, God values sacrificial giving that demonstrates faith in His provision.
And I think it’s also fitting to highlight what Paul wrote to the wealthy believers in 1 Tim 6.
(Sidenote: just a reminder in case that isn’t you, if you make $30k USD per year, you are in the 5% wealthiest in the world)
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs wealthy believers to "put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
This passage is such a stark reminder that true wealth isn't just about accumulating money but about using our resources for God's purposes and storing up eternal treasures.
So, as we give, we should do so with faith and expectation, knowing that God is faithful to His promises and that our giving can have eternal impact.
To avoid this mistake:
- Give with an expectant heart, looking for how God might work through your giving.
- Keep a record of how God provides for you after you give faithfully. This can serve as a personal testimony of God's faithfulness.
- Be open to giving beyond your comfort zone when God prompts you. These moments often lead to the greatest growth in our faith.
- Pray over your giving, asking God to multiply its impact for His kingdom.
Remember, tithing is not a magic formula to get what we want but a way to partner with God in His work and trust Him to provide the resources we need.
I pray we will be able to not just tithe but give to all things with trusting, loving, and expectant hearts!
Let's pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of partnering with You through our giving. Help us to give our firstfruits joyfully, recognizing that all we have comes from You. Guide us to understand the heart behind tithing, focusing not just on the amount but on cultivating generosity and compassion. Increase our faith as we give, helping us to trust in Your provision and to expect You to work through our giving. May our tithing be an act of worship that draws us closer to Your heart. Give us wisdom to avoid these common mistakes and to give in a way that honors You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
As a thank you for finishing the plan, I'd love to give you a copy of my award-winning book “Simple Money, Rich Life.” It's packed full of Biblical strategies to multiply your income, maximize your savings, and amplify your giving. Get it here .
About this Plan
Are you making these three tithing mistakes? This three-day devotional tackles the three most common tithing mistakes, offering biblical wisdom and practical tips to help you give with joy and purpose. Discover how to align your giving with God's heart and avoid these common pitfalls.
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We would like to thank Bob Lotich for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://seedtime.com/tithing-mistakes