The Real Definition Of Tithing
When we think about freedom, money usually comes to mind. Earning it. Saving it. Spending it how we want. But what if the path to real freedom actually looks like giving it away?
This isn’t just theoretical. My wife and I have practiced what I’m about to share with you, not because we’re particularly spiritual or perfect at it, but because we believe God is active in our lives. We believe everything we own belongs to Him, and we trust His way works.
Today, we’re talking about tithing. And right away, I want to make a critical distinction: Tithing is not the same as giving. Let’s unpack why that matters.
Tithing: More Than Just a Church Buzzword
The word “tithe” simply means “a tenth.” In Scripture, this concept goes way back before it was ever a law. Abraham, after a victory, gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, the priest of God (Genesis 14). Jacob, generations later, vowed to give God a tenth of everything he owned (Genesis 28).
There was no command in those moments. Just a response. A response to God's generosity. It wasn’t until Leviticus that tithing became law under Moses. And it wasn’t just money. It included land, livestock, and even crops. Every part of life was touched by the practice of returning a tenth.
Eventually, tithing became systematic. In Numbers, God commanded the other tribes to support the Levites, the priestly tribe, with their tithe since the Levites weren’t given land. Then in Deuteronomy, we see multiple tithes: one for the Levites, one for festivals, and one for the poor. Altogether, scholars estimate that Old Testament tithing totaled closer to 30% of a person’s annual income.
From Spiritual Practice to Spiritual Offense
By the time we get to Malachi 3, the act of tithing had become either neglected or hollow. God confronts His people with a sobering question: “Will a man rob God?”
Their response? “How have we robbed You?”
God answers clearly: “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse, the whole nation, because you are robbing Me.”
That’s heavy. But it’s also incredibly direct. God’s people weren’t just neglecting a financial duty, they were breaking a covenant of trust. They were choosing self-protection over surrender.
What Tithing Actually Is (and Isn’t)
Here’s the shift I want us to make: Tithing isn’t about giving something that belongs to us—it’s about returning something that already belongs to God.
That’s the real difference between tithing and giving. Giving implies ownership. I have it. I give it. I'm generous. Tithing recognizes stewardship. God gave it. I manage it. I return it.
When we confuse the two, we rob ourselves of the deeper lesson God wants to teach us. Tithing isn't God’s way of taking from us. It’s His way of freeing us—from greed, from fear, from the illusion that we're the ultimate provider.
“Test Me in This”
Malachi 3:10 is the only place in the Bible where God says, “Test me.”
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,” He says, “and see if I won’t throw open the windows of heaven and pour out so much blessing there won’t be room enough to store it.”
That blessing isn’t always financial. It could be peace. Provision. Purpose. It could be the joy of participating in something bigger than ourselves.
But the promise is real. God responds to obedience with blessing. Not because He has to. Because He wants to. Because He's a good Father.
What This Means for Us Today
Tithing isn’t outdated. Jesus referenced it (see Matthew 23:23), not to dismiss it, but to elevate its purpose. He criticized religious leaders for tithing legalistically while ignoring justice and mercy. His point? Tithing without heart is empty. But heart without obedience is incomplete.
Tithing is about trust. When we return 10%, we’re not losing money—we're declaring our dependence on God. We’re making a faith statement: “You are my Provider.”
Tithing creates space for blessing. Not because it’s a transaction, but because obedience aligns us with God’s design. Obedience brings freedom. Disobedience brings consequences. Which path will you choose?
Freedom Is on the Other Side of Obedience
Obeying God doesn’t restrict us. It rescues us. And when it comes to our finances, nothing exposes our hearts faster than how we handle money.
So here’s the real question: Do you want to live free?
If the answer is yes, then the path is clear; walk in obedience, starting with your finances. Return to God what already belongs to Him. Watch what He does with your trust.
