Tithing is honoring God by giving back to Him what was already His

I wear my heart on my sleeve. Quite honestly, I have a difficult time not oversharing, overstating, or simply being too wordy. That’s just who I am. But sometimes, I believe God allows us to be transparent because somebody else needs to hear what He is teaching us.

I tithe regularly, and typically I don’t have an issue doing so. But this particular Sunday, sitting in service, I was having a difficult time wrapping my mind around tithing a certain amount.

I know what Scripture says about tithing, and I am extremely grateful for everything God has given me and every way He has shown me favor. He only asks for a tenth back. I have witnessed through my mother, who has been retired for more than 20 years, the powerful testimony of how faithfully honoring God with her finances has sustained her. I should know how faithful God is to His Word. He has shown me personally, too.

But Sunday was different. I was struggling. So, despite everything I was feeling, I stayed faithful to the God I serve and gave back the tenth that was already His to begin with.

Tithing is not giving to get. Tithing is honoring God by giving back to Him what was already His. Everything we have comes from Him, and He entrusts us with what He places in our hands.

In Malachi 3:10, God tells us to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and says, “Test me in this.” He promises to open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing beyond what we have room to receive. And isn’t that just like us as human beings? The moment we begin to have those thoughts of doubt, God shows up and proves why He is God.

Sunday morning, I had a hard time. Sunday, I went to church and paid my tithe.

Monday morning, I received a call about a new opportunity to feed my family and grow my finances. Tuesday, the job was accepted.

Coincidence? I’ll let you decide. But I know what I believe. God is faithful. God is so good!