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Giving & Receiving

TITHING UNDER GRACE: AN ETERNAL COVENANT

UNDERSTANDING GOD'S HEART BEHIND THE TITHE

By Bishop Jerry Peña, God’s anointed servant

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The Question That Changes Everything: Who Is Asking?

When we discuss tithing, the most important question isn’t “How much?” or “Why me?” but rather “Who is asking?” This simple question transforms our entire perspective and reveals the true nature of tithing.

If your pastor asks for your tithe because the church needs money, you might understandably feel reluctant. Church budgets, building funds, and ministry expenses can feel overwhelming and burdensome. But when you understand that God Himself is the one requesting your tithe, everything changes.

Consider Abraham, the father of faith. When God asked for his son Isaac—his promised heir, his future, his everything—Abraham didn’t hesitate. He rose early the next morning and prepared to obey (Genesis 22:3). If Abraham was willing to give his most precious possession to God without question, should we be reluctant to give our tenth?

Tithing: Before the Law, Beyond the Law

Pre-Law Origins

Tithing didn’t begin with Moses or the Law. It existed as a spiritual principle long before Sinai:

Abraham’s Tithe (Genesis 14:18-20)

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

Abraham tithed to Melchizedek as an act of worship and gratitude, not legal obligation. This happened approximately 400 years before the Law was given, establishing tithing as an eternal principle rooted in relationship with God.

Jacob’s Vow (Genesis 28:20-22)

“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.'”

Jacob’s tithe was a voluntary covenant response to God’s faithfulness, demonstrating that tithing flows from a heart of gratitude and trust.

The Eternal Promise in Malachi

Malachi 3:8-12 reveals that God’s blessing on tithing extends beyond Israel to all generations:

“‘Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,’ says the Lord Almighty.“

Notice the phrase “all the nations“—this promise extends beyond Israel to every believer who honors God through tithing.

Tithing Under Grace: Worship, Not Burden

From Obligation to Adoration

Under grace, tithing transforms from religious duty to spiritual worship. When believers understand tithing correctly, several heart changes occur:

  1. Recognition of God’s Ownership

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1).

The tithe acknowledges that everything belongs to God. We’re not giving Him our money; we’re returning a portion of what was always His.

  1. Expression of Gratitude

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17).

Tithing becomes our tangible way of saying “thank you” to God for His provision, protection, and blessings.

  1. Act of Worship

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).

When we give our firstfruits to God, we’re demonstrating that He has first place in our hearts and finances.

The Divine Blessing Cycle

God designed tithing as a beautiful cycle of provision that blesses everyone involved:

The People Give → The Temple Receives Provision → God Blesses the People to give→ Greater Capacity to Give

This isn’t about God’s need—He can sustain His work without our tithes. Rather, it’s about God’s wisdom in creating a system where obedience produces blessing, blessing produces gratitude, and gratitude produces even greater obedience.

The “Windows of Heaven” Promise

The blessings God promises to tithers are supernatural, not just natural:

  • Supernatural Protection: “I will prevent pests from devouring your crops” (Malachi 3:11)
  • Supernatural Provision: God opens “the floodgates of heaven” (Malachi 3:10)
  • Supernatural Multiplication: Your remaining 90% accomplishes more than 100% used to

Many believers testify that after they began tithing faithfully, their finances seemed to stretch further, unexpected provisions appeared, and God’s favor rested on their endeavors in remarkable ways.

Addressing Common Concerns

“But We’re Under Grace, Not Law”

This is absolutely true, and it’s precisely why tithing under grace is more powerful than tithing under law. Under law, people gave out of obligation. Under grace, we give out of love, gratitude, and worship.

Grace doesn’t diminish our giving—it elevates it. Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Grace should make us more generous, not less.

“What If I Can’t Afford to Tithe?”

This question reveals a fundamental misunderstanding. The real question is: “Can you afford NOT to enjoy the blessing of tithing?“

When you tithe, you’re inviting God’s supernatural blessing into your finances. When you don’t tithe, you’re trying to manage on your own strength. Which sounds more secure?

Consider the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16). During a severe famine, she had only enough flour and oil for one last meal for herself and her son. Yet when the prophet Elijah asked her to make him a small loaf first, she obeyed. Result? Her jar of flour was not used up and her jug of oil did not run dry until the drought ended.

God’s mathematics are different from ours. Your 90% with God’s blessing will go further than your 100% without it.

Practical Steps for Faithful Tithing

  1. Make it Your First Priority

Give your tithe before paying other bills. This demonstrates trust in God’s provision and ensures you honor Him with your firstfruits.

  1. Give with Gratitude

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Let your tithe be an expression of thanksgiving for God’s goodness in your life.

  1. Give in Faith

Trust that God will keep His promises. He has never failed to bless those who honor Him through faithful tithing.

  1. Give Through Your Local Church

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” (Malachi 3:10).

The storehouse represents the place where you receive spiritual nourishment—the one who cried , prayed, and raised you up and the one you can run to when you are in trouble.

The Heart Behind the Tithe

Remember, God doesn’t need your money—He owns everything. But He knows that you need the blessing, growth, and spiritual development that comes from faithful tithing.

Tithing is God’s invitation to:

  • Trust Him with your finances
  • Experience His faithfulness in provision
  • Participate in His work on earth
  • Receive supernatural blessing in return

When Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, God provided a ram. When we’re willing to give our tenth, God provides blessing beyond measure.

Conclusion: A Matter of Who’s Asking

The next time you consider your tithe, remember this simple truth: It’s not your pastor asking, it’s not the church board asking, it’s God Himself asking.

The same God who created the heavens and the earth, who parted the Red Sea, who raised Jesus from the dead—He is asking for your tithe. Not because He needs it, but because He wants to bless you through it.

Will you respond like Abraham—with immediate, trusting obedience? Will you honor God with your firstfruits and watch Him open the windows of heaven over your life?

The choice is yours, but the promise is His: “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10

Call to  Action

“When you tithe, you’re inviting God’s supernatural blessing into your finances. When you don’t tithe, you’re trying to manage on your own strength.” Which sounds more secure?
👉 Share this teaching with a friend or loved one who may be fighting their own mental battles. Together, let’s demolish strongholds and walk in the victory that Christ has already won.
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