Human Response 289: Tithe

Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field brings forth year by year.

Giving a tithe to God’s work is our believing, thankful, and worshipful response to His physical and spiritual blessings. We invest the seed, then we plant, cultivate, and harvest the multiplication of that seed. But it is the Lord who gives the increase and multiplies it as much as a hundredfold. Though we work for the money we earn, we also acknowledge that it is God’s gift and blessing. We thank Him by returning 10% of our income to Him.

The tithe we give is really a token of our faith, thankfulness, and appreciation for His material blessings. But more importantly, it is His spiritual blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation for which we express our faith and thanks through the tithe. This is God’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. Thanks!

Our tithe response is not forced as a tax or a duty, but it is a voluntary, joyful expression of a grateful heart. It is a tangible way of expressing faith and worship. We see it, we feel it. Tithing lifts the spirit. Giving to the church and charities is similar to the seeing, feeling, tasting, and smelling of a sacrifice. The Christian does not sacrifice or tithe to gain favor from God; instead it is a response to God for favor already received.