When we speak on growing in God’s grace, one topic we must address is growing in the grace of treasure. First, let me explain what I mean by God’s grace. God’s grace is an attribute of God, His goodness expressed to each of us who do not deserve it. God’s grace manifests itself in the believer’s life as we enter into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ and walk in step with His Spirit. As we explore growing in God’s grace of treasure, we will specifically explore growing in grace through biblical tithing. Growing in God’s grace involves various aspects, and the role of tithing can be a significant part of spiritual growth. Remember, spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and the role of tithing is one facet that aligns your heart, obedience, and resources with God’s purpose and grace. Return God’s tithe to Him, and He will bless you.
Tithing is the biblical practice of giving the first ten percent of one’s income to support the work of the church and ministry, reflecting obedience to God’s commands and a heart of gratitude for His provision. It’s important to remember that, as John Maxwell notes, “Tithing is not about the money. It’s about the heart surrendered to God.” Tithing is exemplified by Abraham (Gen 14:20) and commanded by God (Lev 27:30). It’s an act of obedient trust in God. It’s an act of obedience, which brings blessings since we are walking according to God’s plan. Consider Malachi 3:10. “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” This verse was spoken to God’s people who had returned from exile and failed to acknowledge God as the true owner of everything. They weren’t expressing an obedient trust in God. As a result, God made a challenge and timeless promise that remains true today. The promise is not one of mere personal financial prosperity but one of deep blessings of various kinds. It’s important to point out that tithing is an act of obedience and trust in God in response to His love, not motivated by personal gain. Of course, this is true of every step of obedience we take with Christ.
For those who might question the New Testament validity of tithing, I would point out Christ’s affirmation of it (Matthew 23:23). Jesus is clear that to tithe is good and right, but not to be done ought of legalism, but as a reflection of spiritual growth and reflection of God’s grace and love, along with “justice,” “mercy,” and “faithfulness.” Tithing is an act of obedient trust in God in response to His love, not motivated by personal gain, and reflects spiritual growth. The Bible teaches that the tithe is from our firstfruits, emphasizing foundational principles of faith, obedience, and gratitude. By instructing believers to offer the firstfruits, the Scriptures underscore the acknowledgment of God’s ownership over all aspects of our lives, including our resources. Tithing prioritizes God in our finances, urging us to give Him the initial and best portion rather than what remains. Doing so becomes a tangible expression of trust and dependence on God’s continual provision.
God’s ownership of everything and tithing as an act of worship is addressed throughout Scripture (Psalm 24:1). God is the owner of the whole of creation. We enjoy it simply by His permission. The believer’s body is indwelt by God’s Spirit, bought through Christ’s death on the cross (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, we are the Lord’s and need to glorify Him with our whole being. Consider Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” The Bible instructs believers to honor the Lord with their wealth by offering the firstfruits of their income. We are to acknowledge God’s ownership over our possessions and, in so doing, trust that faithful giving will result in blessings overflowing from God.
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, believers are encouraged to give cheerfully and willingly without compulsion or reluctance. The passage emphasizes that God values a heart that delights in generous, joyful giving, reflecting a positive attitude toward stewardship. Offering the firstfruits is a timeless act of worship, cultivating a spirit of gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Therefore, tithing is an act of obedient trust in God in response to His love, not motivated by personal gain, and is a reflection of spiritual growth as an act of worship to the Lord.
Tithing enables the local church to bless others (Galatians 6:10). Tithing to a local church serves as a powerful means through which the church can extend blessings to others, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. As believers faithfully contribute their tithes, the local church is empowered to carry out its mission to know Him and make Him known. Financial resources derived from tithing enable the church to provide for the needs of those within and beyond its congregation. This act of giving mirrors the essence of loving one’s neighbor as instructed in the Bible, demonstrating tangible care and support for the physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual well-being of others. In honoring God with our tithes, we actively participate in the church’s ability to be a source of blessing and positive impact, reflecting the core Christian values of selfless love and compassion toward our neighbors. Therefore, tithing is an act of obedient trust in God in response to His love, not motivated by personal gain, and is a reflection of spiritual growth as an act of worship to the Lord, allowing us, His church, to be blessed and bless others.
Our act of giving is a profound expression of obedient trust in God, a heartfelt response to His immeasurable love. Tithing is not about personal gain; it’s a spiritual journey of surrender and worship, reflecting our growth in grace. Consider the image of a river. A river begins as a small stream, just like our individual acts of obedience in tithing. It gathers strength and depth as it flows, much like our journey of trust and worshipful giving. Picture the river nourishing the land it passes through, providing life to the surrounding vegetation. Similarly, our tithing, when done with obedient trust, nourishes the spiritual landscape of our church community and beyond. It becomes a river of grace, sustaining and transforming everything it touches. Now, envision the river eventually merging into a vast ocean. Our collective tithing, offered in love and obedience, merges into the boundless ocean of God’s grace. It becomes a part of something far greater than ourselves, a testimony to the generosity and love of our Heavenly Father. Simply put. Our individual acts of worshipful giving, prompted by love and trust, collectively create a powerful force that not only blesses us but reaches far beyond, leaving a lasting impact on lives and communities.
Let us continue this journey of growing in grace together. Embrace the joy of obedient trust in God, recognizing that your tithes are pivotal in shaping a community that not only receives blessings but becomes a source of blessing to others. Remember Charles Swindoll’s words, “God doesn’t need our money, but He desires our hearts expressed through obedient giving.” May our tithing be a symphony of worship, harmonizing with the grace that has been poured upon us. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!