The Tithes and Offerings
Statement of Belief
We believe in the biblical practice of tithing and giving offerings to support the mission and ministry of both the local church and the larger Body of Christ (ie, The Church.)
Malachi 3:8-12 — Matthew 23:23 1)
Additional Information
My dear friends, today I would like to talk about the sacred practice of tithing and giving offerings in the Christian faith. This act of generosity is rooted in our belief system and holds immense importance in supporting the mission and ministry of the Church (Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 23:23).
As we open the Bible, we come across the words of the prophet Malachi. He admonishes the Israelites for withholding their tithes and offerings, questioning, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:8). The Lord Almighty calls His people to return to Him by bringing their full tithes and offerings, promising abundant blessings in return (Malachi 3:10).
Similarly, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament, speaks of the importance of tithing while addressing the Pharisees. He says, “Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you neglect what is more important in the law – justice, mercy, and faithfulness! You should have done these things without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23). Here, Jesus emphasizes the significance of tithing but reminds us that it must not take precedence over the weightier matters of faith.
Tithing is an act of worship, an expression of our gratitude to God for all that He has provided. It is a way for us to acknowledge that everything we have comes from the Lord, and in giving back a portion, we recognize His sovereignty over our lives. The practice of tithing is not just about fulfilling a religious duty; it is a reminder that we, as followers of Christ, are called to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
Moreover, when we participate in giving offerings, we extend our support to the Church in fulfilling its divine mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, care for the poor and needy, and foster the growth of the Christian community. Our offerings are a tangible reflection of our love for God and His people and our commitment to advancing His Kingdom on Earth.
As we embrace the principles of tithing and giving offerings, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul, who exhorted the Corinthians, “Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Let us give with joy in our hearts, for it is through our generosity that we can truly be a blessing to others and participate in God's work on Earth.
In conclusion, the practice of tithing and giving offerings is a vital aspect of our Christian faith. It is an expression of our gratitude and commitment to the Lord, a means of supporting the Church in its mission, and a reminder of our responsibility as stewards of God's gifts. As we give, let us do so with cheerful hearts and unwavering faith, remembering the words of our Savior, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Amen.