Topical Teachings > G - K

Giving and Tithing

To give is a spiritual principle of the Kingdom of God and is a part of the law of reciprocity: as you give, it will be given unto you. The Bible (in both the Old and New Testaments) speaks of the stewardship or management of our material possessions. This can include the tithing and giving of money or objects of value in lieu of money. We are responsible for that which we have received.

To tithe is to present a tenth of your prosperity to God. An offering is given after you have given the tithe. Also, the poor or otherwise needy are to be recipients of our offerings (Prov. 3:9,10; Deuteronomy 15:11).

What Scripture Says
As You Give
As You Pray
Suggested Reading

What Scripture Says

"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, In what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove 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. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field, says the Lord of hosts" (Malachi 3:8-11).

"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1).

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38).

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness remains forever. Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God" (2 Corinthians 9:6-12).

"He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given" (Proverbs 19:17).

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As You Give

In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were required to tithe by law. One-tenth of the income God had given them was to be returned to God's work. In the New Testament, Christians are obligated to tithe and give offerings under God's grace. If you are wondering whether to practice tithing and giving, study the Scriptures cited above. Try tithing for six months. If you are to be convinced of the importance of tithing, the Holy Spirit will have convinced you by then.

Remember that an offering is given after the tithe. Giving is not considered an offering until the requirement of the tithe is first met. Offerings should be given as the Holy Spirit impresses you to give and should be done willingly, no matter what the amount.

The Bible says that tithes are to be brought to the storehouse. The local congregation that ministers to you is commonly understood to be that storehouse (Malachi 3:8-11). If you have no particular local congregation with which you are identified, the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you will have a list of churches in your area. Look for a Bible-believing church with Spirit-filled ministers and teachers.

You may also give to the work of God in a broader sense. Decide on giving as the Spirit leads. God promises that as you honour Him with your tithes, offerings and gifts, you will receive again as you have given. May God bless you as you are obedient in your stewardship to Him.

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As You Pray

Offer a prayer of commitment to tithe and give offerings. In faith, commit yourself to trust God's Word. Determine that your motives shall be simply to honour God in your giving.

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Giving and Tithing

What Scripture Says

As You Give

As You Pray

Suggested Reading

PRAYER CENTRE