Tithing is a controversial issue in the church. Many see it as a “tax” issue related to national Israel only, not for today. Malachi deals with this subject in the sixth of his seven disputations of God with Israel, His covenant people. The Lord first declares His covenant faithfulness (v. 6) as the sole reason that judgment has fallen on them for their unfaithfulness (v. 7). On area in which the people offended Yahweh by withholding their tithes and contributions (v 8). As a consequence, they were under a “curse” (v. 9), which translated into difficulties of various kinds (Haggai 1:5-8). The Lord invited the people to return to covenant faithfulness by bringing the “whole tithe” to the storehouse. In doing so, they would put the Lord to the test by which He promised to, literally, “open the windows of heaven and deluge them with abundance” (v. 10).
This is not prosperity gospel foolishness. Tithing demonstrates an understanding that God is the owner of all things and we are honoring Him with what is His. Offerings demonstrate that He is Lord of all and we submit to His will in every area of life. Our obedience in giving is a clear affirmation of trust and reliance on a faithful God who meets every need sufficiently. The principles of giving outlined in the New Testament underscore the need for every believer to give generously with cheerfulness. Those of us who have practiced tithing and liberal giving over the tithe can testify to the Lord's faithfulness to fulfill the promise of verse 10.
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