Devotional: Giving To God

Read: Malachi 3: 8-12

This reading here is talking about something called a 'Tithe'.

What exactly is 'tithing'? Is it the same as bringing an offering to God, or giving to a need?

A tithe is 10% of what we have–of our earnings. We see in v:10, that it says to "bring the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house". This 'storehouse' means the church where we go.

Though this is a practice from Old Testament times, we can still live by this today–as the giving of a tithe or an offering is what we decide in our hearts to do. In the bible days, they often gave tithes of their crops–herbs, fruit and grain. We don't usually give a tithe of these things in our part of the world, though some countries may do so. The tithe we give comes out of what we have earned from the job we have. This is separate from giving an 'offering' or giving to a 'need'.

Both tithing and giving offerings need to be given from a heart willing to give. We need to give out of a desire to bless others. We should not give out of pressure, but to give because we want to.

The important thing to remember about tithing, is that when we live by this principle, we are putting God first and trusting our needs to Him. Even if we think we don't have much to give, we should still give as God prompts us–as God sees our hearts and will bless us more than we could ever know. I can testify to God's blessings being poured out on my family. I believe this is because we chose to put God first and gave our tithes faithfully, even though it was sometimes hard to do that.

So, is there a way you can give to help and bless someone else? Maybe you have books, toys or clothing that you can give to other children that don't have much. Maybe you could talk to your parents or Sunday school teacher about how you can apply this to your life. But remember, giving is from the heart.

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. 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." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8(NLT) What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. - Luke 11:42(NLT)

Lord, I want to be a blessing
To others and to you,
So help me see how I can give
Into your storehouse too.

A relating devotional you may like to read, click on Having a Generous Spirit

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