You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”- 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
When my husband and I were young newlyweds, we were still learning how to manage our finances. We were committed to obeying the Lord in every area of our life, but we were tested when my husband was laid off. Money was so tight we had to choose between paying our rent and buying groceries or giving our tithes to the church.
My husband insisted on paying the tithes to trust and obey God’s Word. I’ll admit I was scared. Still, I supported him as we wrote out our tithe check. I fought the temptation to fear and remembered that God is our faithful Provider. I kept reminding myself of Malachi 3:10 which says, “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My temple. If you do,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put Me to the test!'”
That same Sunday, we received notice from our landlord that because of the temporary layoff, we would receive an extension on our rent payment. Not only that, one of our church members came to us after church and said that the Lord told her to give us 25 dollars specifically so we could buy meat for the week. What a blessing! We tested God in the one area in Scripture it says to test Him, and He provided for us.
Did you know that finances and possessions are discussed in Scripture over 2000 times? Over 100 of these are specific to tithing and giving offerings. These references reveal God’s generous, faithful character to His people and His desire to see this same generosity and faithfulness demonstrated through His people. God gives to us so that we might give to others. This is true, not just in our financial blessings, but in every area of our lives.
Maybe today, you are struggling with giving a tenth of your income to the Lord. Remember that God wants us to respond to His Word, not because we must or as a legalistic ritual, but as a loving and joyful response to His excellent character. 2 Corinthians 9:6–9 tells us how to give in a way that brings honor to God. It outlines three things God wants for us in our giving:
1. God wants us to give generously. He doesn’t want us to use our resources to control others or fulfill a selfish desire. “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT
2. God wants us to give joyfully. No one likes to be on the receiving end of a penny pincher. “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'” – 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
3. God wants us to give freely without fear or worry. “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 NLT
The tithe is not intended to be a financial burden, but an expression of joyful trust in the character of God to provide for His people. When we tithe, we are making a financial decision to recognize that God is the Source of our life.
Pause and Reflect
1. List at least three times you know God has provided for you financially.
2. How can you continue honoring Him and responding to His generosity and faithfulness in your giving?
