Tithing to the Lord-Why it's so Important - Tithing Guide

"Tithing to the Lord is one of the most powerful acts of faith and obedience in Scripture. In Malachi 3:10, God commands us to bring all the tithes into the storehouse..."

What does the Bible say about tithing

"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." (Malachi 3:10) Tithing your "first fruits", 10% of your earnings, giving back to God what is His, the first of the month, before, paying any of your bills, or any other expense.

Everything belongs to God

Do you tithe? The blessings of tithing to the Lord are immeasurable, and everything we have in our possession is God's;

The Earth is the Lord's

Psalm 24:1 ~ " A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,"

All things come from God

Romans 11:36 ~ "All things come from God, through God, and return to God. Praise him for ever! Yes, it is so!"

God's promise: Windows of Heaven

We are stewards; caretakers of all the resources and gifts God has provided for us. God says, He will OPEN the WINDOWS OF HEAVEN upon you, and pour you out BLESSINGS that you cannot contain.(Malachi 3:10) God is not one to lie. As you find in the scripture;

God cannot Lie

Numbers 23:19 ~ "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not make it good?"

The Hebrew meaning of "Try Me" (Bachan)

The KEY word here is when God says the Hebrew word, bachan, in Malachi 3:10 (See also Gen.42:15,16,Ps 26:2,Jer 9:7; Strongs#974) This Hebrew verb means "to try" or "put to the test" (Job 23:10;Ps 139:23;Zech 13:9) The word can mean "to test" in the sense of separating or discriminating one thing from another (Job 34:3)

Tithing is one practical way we live out Deuteronomy 6:5's command to love God with all our heart, soul and strength. When we give our first fruits to the Lord, we demonstrate that there is only one God worthy of our worship and our tithe.

How to Start Tithing: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

Step 1: Calculate your Tithe (10% of your income)

Before you pay any bills or expenses, calculate 10% of your gross income (your total earnings before taxes). This is your 'first fruits' to give back to God. For example, if you earn $1,000, your tithe is $100.

Step 2: Give at the Beginning of the Month

Tithe on the first of the month or as soon as you receive your income. This demonstrates faith that God will provide for your needs. Proverbs 3:9 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."

Step 3: Choose Where to Give Your Tithe

Bring your tithe to your local church or ministry where you receive spiritual nourishment. This is your 'storehouse' mentioned in Malachi 3:10. Your tithe supports the work of the Gospel and those who minister to you.

Step 4: Give with a Joyful Heart

"God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Don't give out of obligation or reluctance, but with joy and gratitude for all God has provided. Remember, you're not losing money—you're investing in God's kingdom.

Step 5: Trust God's Promise

After you tithe, trust that God will keep His promise in Malachi 3:10 to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings. Watch how God provides for your needs in unexpected ways

Step 6: Make Tithing a Habit

Set up automatic giving through your church's online platform or mark your calendar to tithe consistently. Consistency builds faith and demonstrates your commitment to honoring God with your finances

Common Questions About Tithing

Should I Tithe on My Gross or Net Income?

"Tithe on your gross income (before taxes) as your 'first fruits.' This shows God you trust Him with everything, even before the government takes its portion."

What If I Can't Afford to Tithe Right Now?

Start where you are. If 10% feels impossible, begin with 5% or even 1% and ask God to help you grow in faith and generosity. As you see God's faithfulness, you'll find it easier to increase your giving.

Is Tithing Just for the Old Testament?

While tithing is commanded in the Old Testament, Jesus affirmed it in Matthew 23:23. The New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful giving as an act of worship and faith (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)."

God Helps your Faith Become more Established

When this word is used to depict God's "testing" of people, it means the proving of individuals in such a way that their FAITH becomes more established! Malachi's challenge to the Israelites to try God is a rare instance in which people are encouraged to test the faithfulness of the Lord (3:10) Wow, God is so good! Thank you God!

God is giving us detailed guidance on HOW to establish our faith, AND pouring out blessings that we cannot contain because we bring ALL the tithes into the storehouse for God.