JULY 23, 2025
Topic: “INTIMACY IN GIVING (Part 1): TITHE“
Text: Malachi 3:8-12
Memory Verse: “Genesis 14:19-20 – “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 gave him a tithe of all.”
In recent times, there had been so much controversy about giving of tithe in the church. Some highly respected pastors and preachers have also argued that it is an Old Testament practice and is only mentioned in the New Testament as historical references as written in Hebrews 7:4-10. These arguments are based on the belief that the mandatory giving of ten percent of one’s income is limiting as well as manipulative. Apart from these arguments, some Christians see tithing as a difficult command to obey, especially with respect to the limited income they earn and the financial responsibilities they carry. Others see it as an obligation and a means to prosperity as recorded in Malachi 3:10 and so they give their tithe religiously despite their financial limitations, expecting the promised blessing.
The first record of tithing was by Abraham (Genesis 14:20). As at that time, Abraham was already a rich man because God had blessed him. He probably did not give a tenth of his spoil from war to Melchizedek the King of Salem and the priest of God Most High as tithe in order to receive more blessing. He gave in acknowledgment of the victory God gave him when he fought a war to release his nephew, Lot. Your tithing is a testimony of your blessing. It is to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of God in your life, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is. In Genesis 14:19, Melchizedek referred to God as the Possessor of heaven and earth. The reality of this is that God owns all things and He gives as He wills. Therefore, giving of tithe must be done out of love and appreciation to God (components of intimacy), not out of fear or guilt.
Your decision to give a tithe should be based, not on a command, but on the purpose for tithing. Malachi 3:10 says, “……. that there may be food in my house.” Everything representing ‘food’ in the church has to be provided for, hence the need to give a tithe out of what God has blessed you with.
PRAYER: Father, please reveal to Your church the truth about tithing and give us the grace to be faithful in this in Jesus’ name, Amen.