Session 19

What’s the difference between a tithe and an offering?

From 2 Corinthians: 21-Day Bible Study

Talking about money is uncomfortable. Why is that? We all need it, use it, and want more of it. How we use money is important, not only to us, but to God — so much in fact that God broaches the sticky subject of money in the Bible more than 800 times. And just like everything else in God’s Word, His ways are to lead us to His best for our lives.

Malachi 3:8-12 shows that by not tithing we rob God. Everything we have belongs to Him. When we refuse to give God back the 10 percent He’s commanded, we rob Him by keeping what doesn’t belong to us.

Not only do we rob God of money, but we also rob ourselves of the blessings He wants to pour out on us. God desires to shower blessings on us if we will only trust Him.

In 2 Corinthians 9:1-9 there is another level of trust God longs to bless, and that is when we  generously and joyfully offer more than what is required. Consider it as a next step in our faith walk. This is where each walk gets individual and personal since it is not a designated amount. “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).

Trusting God with our money is tough, but God’s plans are never meant to burden us, but to lead us to further blessings.

Trusting God with our money is tough, but God’s plans are never meant to burden us, but to lead us to further blessings.

Reflect:

• Why is it so hard to trust God with our finances?
• What next step do you need to take in trusting God with your finances?
• If you are tithing already, what is one way you can give generously?