When it comes to tithing, does it feel like we can’t afford to let go of money because there are bills looming, trips or other expenditures? This reasoning can cause a “Tithing Phobia.” I know… I used to have it big time!

Sometimes when Sunday rolls around and they are passing the tithing plate at church, there was a feeling of guilt. There were promises to self that giving a tithe or a larger tithe next Sunday would be better timing.

Trying to justify why tithing 10% of income is not affordable is a common reaction. While it seems like there’s a lack of affordability, this is not the truth from the Bible.

There is a natural apprehension to give a tithe of 10%. Why this reluctance in tithing what God desires? The Bible scriptures help with this.

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits 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

“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 house.

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. Malachi 3:8-12

I am robbing Him… not a good feeling! He will open the floodgates? What a great promise! After reading this scripture, this is definitely a commandment from God. Who am I to doubt the Word of God? I’m feeling more compelled to do His will.

Even though these are great promises, I should not base giving on what He may give back, but to joyously give because of who He is, His love for us and obedience to Him.

Honestly since I have been giving 10%, God has blessed my home substantially with more income, joy and contentment!

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy.” Leviticus 27:30

“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

I no longer cringe or get nervous when I think about giving to the church. I trust that God is handling the finances because they are not mine anyway; it belongs to Him because He provided it in the first place. Being a cheerful giver is what God desires because it is showing that we are doing His will and trusting Him completely.

This is a great testimony from the Bible:

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:41-44

This proves that this woman had so much faith, that she gave all she had, even if it wasn’t much.

So that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:4

Finally, it’s never a good idea to make a huge proclamation and show off how much and how often we give to the church. God knows and His blessings will follow.

In conclusion, step out in faith and watch God work in your life. You will not be disappointed! Nobody can out-give God, just trust in Him and believe His promises. Praising Him for His blessings will please Him abundantly and will produce even more joy.