Abstract
The tithe is not a gift we offer, but a debt we owe; it is the Lord’s. Returning it is a foundational act of faithful stewardship, acknowledging God’s ownership over all. This stewardship, born from gratitude for the purchase of Christ’s blood, compels us to serve others as a direct service to Him. In His divine economy, such faithfulness does not lead to loss, but unlocks the windows of heaven, pouring out blessings of provision, protection, and eternal reward.
Introduction
Is giving to God a transaction based on generosity, or is it a fundamental response to a truth we often overlook? What does it truly mean to be a steward, and how does this role redefine our relationship with everything we possess? Could the principles of an ancient tithe hold the key to a life of overflowing provision and purpose today?
The Divine Principle of the Tithe
The principle of the tithe is established from the beginning, not as a request, but as a statement of divine ownership. It is holy because it belongs to the Lord.
30 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.
32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, … the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
This understanding was affirmed by the patriarch Jacob, who vowed to return to God a tenth of all his increase.
22 …of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Through the prophet Malachi, God issues a direct command to bring the full tithe into the storehouse. This is presented not as an appeal to generosity, but as a matter of simple honesty—returning to God what is already His.
10 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.
Our Role as Faithful Stewards
This obligation to God frames our entire existence as one of stewardship. If honesty is a foundational principle in our worldly affairs, it is paramount in our relationship with God, the one from whom all blessings flow. The core requirement of a steward is faithfulness.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Our stewardship is a direct response to the infinite love of Jesus Christ. Our life, our abilities, our very being are all purchased by His blood. This profound debt of gratitude binds us not only to God but also to our fellow human beings. Christ calls us to express our freedom in Him through loving service.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
He makes this connection explicit: serving others, especially the “least of these,” is a direct service rendered unto Him.
40 … Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
The Apostle Paul felt this weight of obligation keenly, recognizing his debt to all people. We share in this responsibility; the blessings we have received are not for our benefit alone, but to be shared with every person we can possibly benefit.
14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
The Paradox of Heavenly Economics
Scripture reveals a divine economic principle that runs contrary to worldly wisdom: true increase comes from scattering, while withholding leads to poverty.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
This principle is echoed in the encouragement to give freely, with the assurance of a future return.
1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
The one who gives liberally is the one who will be enriched, physically and spiritually.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Therefore, we are cautioned against making the accumulation of wealth our life’s goal, for earthly riches are fleeting and unreliable.
4 Labour not to be rich: …
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Christ Himself taught that generosity is the path to abundance. The measure we use to give is the same measure by which we will receive in return.
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
The Promise of Divine Blessing
Faithfulness in returning God’s tithe and honouring Him with the firstfruits of our increase comes with a promise of overflowing provision.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
This promise is powerfully reiterated in Malachi, where God invites us to test His faithfulness, promising not only to pour out a blessing but also to protect what He has provided.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse…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.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
This covenant of blessing for obedience is a consistent theme throughout Scripture.
3 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;
4 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
5 …and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.
6 And I will give peace in the land, … and none shall make you afraid…
Giving as an Investment in Eternity
This life of generous stewardship has a clear focus: caring for the vulnerable. This is the practical application of “doing well.”
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
A special blessing is pronounced upon those who actively consider and care for the poor.
1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth…
Giving to the poor is presented as lending directly to the Lord Himself, who guarantees repayment. This investment yields a double treasure: not only the blessings in this life but, more importantly, the amassing of a wealth for eternity—the treasure of a character conformed to Christ, the most valuable possession of all.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Conclusion
The tithe is not a law of transaction, but a principle of relationship. The motive behind our giving is therefore paramount. If we approach this as a calculated effort for selfish gain, we have missed the heart of God entirely. The true invitation is not to test a formula, but for God to transform our hearts. It is a call to become a “liberal soul,” not by our own power, but by reflecting the generosity of the Father who gave His only begotten Son. Our giving then ceases to be a reluctant duty or a selfish scheme; it becomes a joyful participation in His divine nature—a small reflection of the One who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich.