Honoring God With Our Firstfruits
Money is one of the most sensitive subjects in life—and also one of the clearest indicators of where our hearts truly are. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21, NKJV). One of the ways God has called His people to demonstrate trust, worship, and obedience is through tithing—bringing the first ten percent of our income to Him.
Tithing is not about God needing our money. He owns everything already (“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness” – Psalm 24:1). Instead, tithing is about our need to keep Him first in our hearts and acknowledge Him as our source.
1. Tithing Is an Act of Obedience
In Malachi 3:10, God says: “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.”
This is one of the only times in Scripture where God invites us to test Him. He promises that when we obey by bringing the tithe, He will bless us in return.
2. Tithing Teaches Us to Trust God
Tithing is not always easy, especially when finances feel tight. But it’s a reminder that we depend on God, not our paycheck. Deuteronomy 14:23 (NLT) says the purpose of tithing is “to learn to always fear the Lord your God.” By giving the first tenth back to Him, we acknowledge that He is our Provider and we trust Him to meet our needs.
3. Tithing Supports God’s Work
The tithe provides for the ministry of the church, enabling the Gospel to spread and lives to be transformed. In the Old Testament, the tithe supported the Levites (Numbers 18:21). Today, it supports pastors, missionaries, outreach, and the local church community. When we tithe, we’re sowing into God’s Kingdom and partnering with Him in eternal impact.
4. Tithing Breaks the Grip of Greed
Money can easily become an idol. Paul warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Tithing helps us keep money in its rightful place. By giving God the first portion, we declare that He—not wealth—is our master.
5. Tithing Positions Us for Blessing
God’s principle of sowing and reaping is true in every area of life. Proverbs 3:9–10 promises: “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
When we give faithfully, we align ourselves with God’s blessing and provision.
Final Thoughts
Tithing is not about legalism, but about love. It’s not about duty, but about devotion. Every tithe is a declaration: “Lord, You are my source, my Provider, and my priority.”
If you’ve struggled with the idea of tithing, ask God to increase your faith and help you see it as worship. When you put Him first, you’ll discover what countless believers have experienced—that God is faithful, and His blessings overflow.
