Be mindful of the fact that giving a tithe doesn’t mean you now have a ticket to heaven. Our motives for giving are important to God, and only when done properly will we receive God’s blessings. It is important to note that tithing holistically is the offering of one’s life;
35 “We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the first fruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.36 “As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.”
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Secret Power of Tithing
The concept of tithing is often associated with religious or spiritual practices, particularly in Christianity. Tithing typically involves giving a portion (usually 10%) of one’s income to support the church or charitable causes. Tithing originated from Abraham, the father of (the Christian) faith gave a tithe to Melchizedek, a priest and king
19 “and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
21 “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.
26 “Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the LORD’s offering.”
Jesus’ Teachings:
While Jesus does mention tithing on occasion, His emphasis often goes beyond the mere external act of giving. In Matthew 23:23 (New International Version), Jesus criticizes the religious leaders, saying, “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.” This suggests that a heart of generosity and a commitment to justice are essential.
Widow’s Offering:
In Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4, Jesus observes a poor widow putting two small coins into the temple treasury. He commends her for her sacrificial giving, highlighting the value of the heart behind the offering rather than the amount.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (New International Version):
“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.”
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the voluntary nature of giving and encourages cheerful and purposeful giving rather than giving out of compulsion.
Acts 4:32-35 (New International Version):
This passage describes the early Christian community sharing their possessions and resources with one another, and there was no one in need. While it doesn’t specifically mention tithing, it reflects a spirit of communal support and generosity among believers.
The New Testament does not prescribe tithing in the same way as the Old Testament, it upholds principles of generosity, cheerful giving, and concern for justice and mercy. The emphasis is often on the heart behind the giving and the motivation to support others in need.
The perceived “power” of tithing is often described in spiritual or moral terms. Some believe that by giving a portion of their income, individuals are demonstrating faith, trust, and gratitude. One of the key passages that is frequently cited in discussions about tithing comes from the Old Testament in the book of Malachi.
Malachi 3:10-12 (New International Version) states:
“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. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.
This verse is often interpreted as a divine invitation to test God’s faithfulness by faithfully giving a tenth (the tithe) of one’s income. The promise associated with this act of obedience is that God will respond with abundant blessings.
Proverbs 3:9-10 (New International Version) states:
“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.”
This passage from the book of Proverbs connects honoring the Lord with one’s wealth and suggests that there will be material abundance in return.
Another relevant passage is found in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 6:38 (New International Version) states:
“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.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings and is often understood as a general principle of generosity. The idea is that by giving, individuals open themselves up to receiving blessings in return.
While these passages are commonly referenced in discussions about tithing, interpretations may vary among different Christian denominations and theological perspectives. Some see the “secret power” of tithing as a spiritual principle that involves trust, obedience, and the recognition of God’s provision in one’s life. Others may focus more on the act of generosity itself and its impact on the individual and the community. Proponents of tithing suggest that it can lead to various benefits, both spiritual and practical, such as:
Spiritual blessings:
By faithfully tithing, individuals may experience spiritual blessings or a sense of fulfillment. It is seen as a way of acknowledging one’s dependence on a higher power and expressing gratitude for the blessings received. So, we must first offer our lives before God as an acceptable tithe and then our financial and material wealth.
Financial prosperity:
There are beliefs that tithing can lead to financial blessings, though this perspective is often contentious. Some argue that the act of giving generously can create a mindset of abundance and attract positive energy.
Community support:
Tithing is often directed towards supporting the community, whether through charitable activities, outreach programs, or maintaining religious institutions. This can contribute to a sense of community and shared responsibility.
OTHER BLESSINGS OF TITHING:
(1). It enables you to prove your faith in God as your source. Romances 12:1, Mark 12:41-44
(2). It enables you to prove God in your finances. Proverbs 3:9-10
(3). God promises to open the windows of heaven upon you. Malachi 3:10-12
(4). God will pour out blessings upon you. Malachi 3:10-12
(5). There shall not be room enough to receive the overflowing blessings. Malachi 3:10-12
(6). God will rebuke devourers for your sake. Malachi 3:10-12
(7). Devourers and parasites will not destroy your harvests. Malachi 3:10-12
(8). There shall be no miscarriage or losses, neither shall your vines cast their fruits before the time. Malachi 3:10-12
(9). All Nations shall call you blessed. Malachi 3:10-12
(10). You shall be a delightsome land. Malachi 3:10-12
Conclusion
It’s important to note that perspectives on tithing vary widely, and not everyone agrees on the spiritual or practical benefits associated with it. Some individuals and religious groups emphasize the importance of giving, while others may focus more on acts of kindness, charity, or social justice. But the Christian is told: Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Ultimately, whether or not one believes in the secret power of tithing is a personal and often subjective matter influenced by individual faith, values, and cultural or religious beliefs.
