Tithing and offering are deeply entrenched in the Christian faith. These acts of giving are seen as a spiritual practice, a way of showing gratitude, demonstrating faith, and helping to support the church and its ministries. The Bible contains numerous passages related to tithes and offerings, providing guidance and inspiration for believers. Here, we’ll examine twenty of these verses, divided into four sections, each followed by a short reflection.
God’s Expectation of Our Giving
- Malachi 3:10 (KJV): “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Reflection: This verse emphasizes God’s expectation for tithing. It also promises blessings that overflow, demonstrating that giving out of faith and obedience is a blessing in itself.
- Proverbs 3:9 (ESV): “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
Reflection: This verse encourages believers to honor God by giving the best and first of what they have. It underscores the attitude of generosity and priority we should place on giving to God.
- Leviticus 27:30 (KJV): “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.”
Reflection: This verse stresses that the tithe belongs to the Lord. It is a holy portion that should be set aside to honor Him.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Reflection: This verse reminds us that the act of giving should come from the heart, willingly and cheerfully. Giving is not merely an obligation but an act of love and faith.
The Blessings of Giving
- Proverbs 11:24 (KJV): “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”
Reflection: This verse speaks about the paradox of giving. When we give, we might think we’re losing something, but the truth is we gain more. On the other hand, withholding leads to spiritual poverty.
- Luke 6:38 (ESV): “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Reflection: Here, Jesus promises a blessing to those who give. The more we give, the more we receive. The principle is not only about material rewards but also about spiritual blessings.
- Proverbs 19:17 (KJV): “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
Reflection: This verse assures us that when we give to the needy, we are lending to the Lord, and He will surely repay us. Our kindness to others reflects our obedience to God.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV): “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Reflection: Paul uses the metaphor of sowing and reaping to describe the blessings of giving. Generous giving results in generous blessings.
The Attitude of Giving
- Mark 12:41-44 (KJV): “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
Reflection: This story of the widow’s offering illustrates that it’s not the amount that we give but the heart behind the gift that matters most to God.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 (ESV): “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
Reflection: This verse teaches us to recognize that everything we have comes from God. Our giving should be a joyful response to His abundant blessings.
- Matthew 6:21 (KJV): “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Reflection: This verse reminds us that our attitudes and actions around money reveal a lot about our hearts. Our investment—whether material or spiritual—reflects what we truly value.
- Acts 20:35 (ESV): “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the needy and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Reflection: Paul quotes Jesus in this verse, emphasizing that there is greater blessing in giving than in receiving. It invites us to experience joy and fulfillment in generosity.
Trusting God in Our Giving
- Matthew 6:24 (KJV): “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Reflection: This verse reminds us that our allegiance cannot be divided between God and money. Trusting God with our finances is a fundamental aspect of our faith.
- Philippians 4:19 (ESV): “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: This verse assures us that God will provide for our needs. As we trust Him with our tithes and offerings, we can also trust Him to care for us.
- Psalm 24:1 (KJV): “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
Reflection: Recognizing that everything belongs to God makes it easier to give back to Him. It deepens our trust in His provision and care.
- 1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV): “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”
Reflection: This verse warns against the danger of trusting in wealth. Instead, it encourages us to place our hope and trust in God, the ultimate provider.
Conclusion
Tithes and offerings are about more than just money—they are spiritual practices that reflect our faith, gratitude, and trust in God. These twenty verses from the Bible provide guidance on how to approach giving with the right attitude and understanding. As we give, we serve as instruments of God’s provision, and we open ourselves up to His abundant blessings. It’s a reminder that, as God’s children, we are called to be generous and cheerful givers, knowing that everything we have is a gift from God.
