Hey Clawson family!

Song: 

Scripture: 

Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

“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.”

Devotional:

Tithing is often viewed as a financial obligation, a duty we must fulfill to remain in obedience to God. However, when we examine Scripture, we see that tithing is less about money and more about the heart behind the giving. 

The act of tithing is an expression of trust and worship. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to God. He is our provider, and our giving is a response to His faithfulness. The tithe is not meant to be given grudgingly or out of obligation but from a place of gratitude and love.

In Malachi 3:10, God challenges His people to test Him in this: “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.” God promises to bless those who give with the right heart—not necessarily in material wealth, but in the richness of His presence, provision, and peace.

Jesus also reinforced this principle when He praised the widow who gave two small coins in the temple (Mark 12:41-44). She gave not out of abundance, but out of faith and devotion. Her heart mattered more than the amount.

When we tithe, we declare that our security is in God, not in our finances. It’s an act of faith that keeps our hearts aligned with His purposes. If we give begrudgingly or merely as a ritual, we miss the true joy and blessing of generosity. But when we give cheerfully, freely, and with love, we experience the joy of partnering with God in His work.

Tithing isn’t about giving God a percentage of our money—it’s about trusting Him with all of it. When we tithe, we acknowledge that He is our provider and that He will take care of our needs. The promise in Malachi reminds us that God blesses those who put their faith in Him through their giving. It’s not about prosperity but about obedience and faithfulness.

Journal:

Answer the following questions in your journal-

1. What is my attitude when I tithe—do I give out of love and gratitude, or do I feel reluctant?

2. Do I trust God enough to provide for my needs when I give sacrificially?

3. How can I cultivate a cheerful and willing heart in my giving?

Training 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my provider. Everything I have is a gift from You. Help me to give with a cheerful heart, not out of duty, but out of love and faith. Teach me to trust You in my finances and to see my tithe as an act of worship. Let my giving reflect my gratitude for all You have done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:

This week, take time to examine your heart before giving. Instead of seeing tithing as an obligation, approach it as an opportunity to honor God. Give with joy, knowing that He delights in a cheerful giver!