The Biblical Command to Give: Understanding God's Invitation to Blessing

Many Christians struggle with the concept of tithing and giving to their local church. While most believers acknowledge the importance of financial stewardship, statistics show that only 5-10% of church attendees follow biblical tithing principles. This disconnect between knowledge and action raises an important question: Are we missing out on God's blessings by holding back what rightfully belongs to Him?

In Malachi 3, we find a fascinating conversation between God and the nation of Israel about giving. God directly addresses their failure to bring tithes and offerings, stating, "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me... by not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions" (Malachi 3:8).

This passage reveals a startling truth: failing to tithe isn't just negligence—it's actually robbing God. According to Leviticus 27:30, "Every tenth of the land's produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord. It is holy to the Lord." The first 10% of our income isn't ours to keep; it already belongs to God.

When we fail to honor God with our finances, we may unknowingly place ourselves under a curse. Malachi 3:9 states, "You are suffering under a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing me." This curse isn't about divine punishment but rather the natural consequence of operating outside God's designed system of blessing.

Interestingly, today's Christians give an average of just 2.5% of their income—less than what believers gave during the Great Depression (3.3%). This decline in giving may partially explain why many Christians struggle to experience God's fullness in their lives.

However, God doesn't leave us without hope. In Malachi 3:10, He makes an extraordinary invitation: "Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way... See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure."

This is the only place in Scripture where God explicitly invites us to test Him. It's as if He's saying, "I dare you to trust me with your finances—watch what happens when you do!"

To help align our actions with God's commands, here are three practical steps:

1. Start Tithing Today
   • Begin with what you can (even if it's 3.3%)
   • Increase gradually (try 1% per month)
   • Work toward the full 10%
     
     
2. Make It Automatic
   • Set up recurring giving through your church's digital platform
   • Give from your first fruits, not leftovers
   • Remove the temptation to skip giving when expenses arise
     
     
3. Plan Your Offerings
   • Decide what you'll give beyond your tithe
   • Consider year-end giving opportunities
   • Explore tax-advantaged giving strategies

Remember: giving isn't about money—it's about faith and trust in God. When we give, we demonstrate our belief that living on 90% with God's blessing is better than living on 100% without it. The blessing God promises isn't necessarily material wealth but rather an overflow of His presence and provision in our lives.

This blessing far exceeds anything the world can offer. It's not about receiving secular rewards for biblical obedience; it's about experiencing the immeasurable spiritual richness that comes from trusting God with our resources.

When we fully grasp this truth, giving transforms from an obligation into a privilege—a gift that allows us to participate in God's mission while experiencing His overwhelming blessing in our lives.

Are you ready to test God in this area? Are you prepared to experience the gift of giving? The invitation stands: trust God with your finances, and watch as He opens the floodgates of heaven in response to your obedience.

This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone on Sunday, November 17, as part of the The Gift of Giving series. You can watch the full message here.