By Neibert David
Tithing
Tithing is a principle that God introduced in the earth realm before the law was given to Moses. Tithing is based on the principle of giving, the principle of sowing and reaping, and the principle of gratitude. These are universal principles that govern the world, and they operate in finances as well as any other area of human life.
Perfect giving comes out of love for the other individual. For example, God demonstrated His love for Adam and Eve when He made clothes for them after they sinned against Him. (Genesis 3:21) He sacrificed an animal to make and gave them the clothes they needed.
God’s greatest gift to humankind is His Son. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son…” What did God demonstrate? What did God exchange?
God demonstrated His love for humans by giving His “only Begotten Son because He wanted a relationship with human beings! God sowed His relationship with His Son to reap a relationship with us! The purest form of giving is motivated by love!
The principle of giving is found in Luke 6:38 which says: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” When we give out of a pure heart we are tapping into the principle of giving.
The principle of sowing and reaping is found in Galatians 6:7-8 which says: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
When humans sow good things, they will reap good things, and good things will come back to them. Although it may take some time, and in the mean time, it may look like God is not doing anything, but Galatians 6:9 reminds us that we should “not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
The principle of gratitude can be found in various Scriptures in the Bible, but specifically 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The will of God in Christ Jesus for each human being is to give thanks in every situation. God may NOT be calling human beings to stay in bad circumstances, but even in those circumstances He is calling them to give Him thanks even if they are only giving thanks for life. We must be grateful people!
Tithes Before the Law was Given
Before the law was given to Moses, Abram gave a tithe to Melchizedek king of Salem who was the priest of God Most High. He gave the tithe in response to a blessing Melchizedek gave to him. Genesis 14:18-20 says: “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: ‘Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ And he (Abram) gave him a tithe of all.” Abram’s response to being blessed by Melchizedek was to give a tithe.
Tithing is, in essence, giving thanks to God for what He has given to us. Just like God set the terms of human beings to be saved, He has also set the terms for humans tithing. Tithing means a tenth. It is giving back to God a tenth of the hundredth that He has given to us.
Introduction of Tithe in the Law – It is Holy
God introduced the tithe and the amount of the tithe to the nation of Israel when He gave them the Law. Leviticus 27:30-32 says: “And all the tithe of the land whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. And concerning the tithe of the herd of the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord.” God considers the tithe holy to Him. Tithing is not optional, it is holy!
Tithing in the New Testament
Jesus affirms the tithe when in Luke 11:42 He says: “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Jesus did not abolish the tithe, He confirmed that they should keep tithing.
God addresses the attitude with which believers should be giving whenever they decide to give. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” If believers are giving the tithe to the Lord, it should be done with a cheerful heart. God is looking at the heart of believers as they give to Him. His goodness was redemptive toward all humans when He gave His only Begotten Son.
God’s Heart on Tithing and Offering
Malachi 3:8-12 says: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, in what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offering. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,’ says the Lord of hosts; and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of hosts.”
Above is the Lord’s response to believers who do not tithe and give offering. God considers them robbing him! Believers are to tithe and give offerings to Him, and He will show them exactly what to do with His tithes and offering and where to sow them.
