“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”

                                                                                                                 Malachi 3:8-10 

Tithing…for some, it is a biblical command. Others view tithing in connection with what one purposes in his heart to give (2 Corinthians 9:7). But instead of focusing on the differences between these two viewpoints, let’s look at what God is saying to the people in regards to the way they view His ability to bless.

God begins by equating the people’s failure to tithe and give offerings as robbery. Is it possible for us to “rob God”? This passage makes it clear that when we consider our money our own and do not recognize from where it comes and are not willing to give back to the Lord, we are indeed “robbing” Him of what is rightfully His.

But how many of us actually trust God with our money? It is one thing for us to teach or preach on the subject and it is another matter entirely for us to give and to do so cheerfully. Consider the words of Paul on the matter of giving:

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

                                                                                                2 Corinthians 9:7 

Our biblical instruction is to give and to do so cheerfully. We should not expect a blessing when we give out of legalistic duty or demand. That is why making this a legalistic requirement can rob the giver of the blessing of giving with a joyful heart. Also, we have to remove all compulsion. That means that we should not give because someone is making us feel guilty or causing us to feel less “spiritual” about ourselves. Our giving is between the Lord and ourselves and it is not the duty of any other person to place on us a restriction or demand of giving. This is an important aspect of giving if we are to truly give void of giving grudgingly or being under compulsion.

But God still desires for us to trust Him with our money and the only way that we can truly do that is by giving back to Him what is appropriate. It is amazing that many who claim the name of Jesus and profess to trust Him with their lives, neglect the biblical instruction on giving. It is not unfair for someone to suggest that our true belief about money will be seen in the way in which we are willing to give. If we truly trust God with our provision, acknowledging that it all belongs to Him anyway, we will find ourselves letting go of resources, knowing that He will bless us all the more.

And that is what we find in the remaining portion of the passage. Consider God’s instruction to the people:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” 

When we are willing to tithe and give offerings back to God, not as a legal requirement rather from a cheerful heart and willing spirit, we will find that we are never without what we need. God says, “Test Me now in this.” He is giving us permission to actually put this promise to the test. And what is His desire for anyone who gives with a cheerful heart and willing spirit? Consider His words:

See “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”

God is willing to bless everyone who is willing to trust Him with their money. And as we do, He promises to pour out a blessing as if opening the very windows of heaven. And His provision will “be until it overflows.” Consider these other passages revealing God’s benevolence and willingness to bless us as we trust in Him:

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

                                                                                                                       Matthew 7:11 

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him…

                                                                                                            Romans 10:12 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed…

                                                                                                           2 Corinthians 9:8 

These are the promises of God. When we give freely, willingly, and cheerfully, He will open up the floodgates of heaven. He is better than any earthly parent and ready to give what is good to all those who ask. He is abounding in riches for all who will call on Him. And He is able to give us an abundance so that we can continue to bless others and build up His kingdom.

Do you trust God with your money? Why not ask Him today just how it is that you are to give back to Him and His kingdom and then watch His blessings pour into your life!