The tithe is first mentioned in Gen. 14:20 when Abram tithed to the priest Melchizedek. In Gen. 28:22, Jacob vowed to give God a tenth of all he should ever receive. In Mal. 3: 8-10, God states that anyone who withholds tithes is actually stealing from Him. And Jesus never did away with the tithe. In fact, New Testament teaching on giving is “proportionate giving” based on how God has blessed, “as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor 16:2). But while we should give as God blesses, the starting point minimum is to be 10 percent. Does God need your money?
No. Tithing is a matter of love and obedience.
But what 10 percent are we to give? Before or after taxes and deductions?
The Bible says, “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” (Pr.
3:9). We are to give of our firstfruits, not of our leftovers. Our gross incomes are our firstfruits. The net incomes are our leftovers.
Both in Pr. 3: 9-10 and Mal. 3: 10-11, God promises to bless us if we tithe, making sure that all our needs and obligations are met. In Mal. 3:10, God invites us to test Him on this matter; to “prove” Him. Andwearetobring our tithes into the storehouse-- the local church.
The church depends on its congregation for financial support, and poor giving hurts many churches.
By the way, you don’t own anything. Not your possessions, not your family. It all belongs to God (Ps 24:1). It’s all on loan to you from Him.
He can take it ALL back anytime He desires. All He’s requesting is for you to return at least 10 percent. Is Jesus Lord of your paycheck?
