Does God Really Want My Money? Understanding Why We Give
Giving is one of the most tangible ways we show trust in God. For many Christians, tithing—the practice of giving the first 10% of our income to the local church—can feel challenging, confusing, or even outdated. But biblically, tithing isn’t about a number. It’s about the posture of our hearts.
Giving is not about losing something; it’s about gaining something. When we tithe, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God, and we align our priorities with His - we gain a greater understanding and faith in who our provider is and how He sustains us.
Tithing: More Than a Transaction
The word “tithe” literally means a tenth. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to bring the first tenth of their crops, livestock, and income as an offering to Him (Leviticus 27:30). This was a sacred act of obedience that reminded Israel who their true Provider was.
“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…” — Malachi 3:10
When we tithe, it’s not about paying God a bill. It’s about putting Him first in every area of our lives—especially our finances. It’s about trusting God not just with our eternity, but with our now!
Our tithe says:
God, I trust You more than I trust my paycheck.
God, I’m returning what’s already Yours.
God, I believe You can do more with 90% than I can do with 100%.
Giving Is an Act of Worship
Worship is more than singing songs—it’s a lifestyle of surrender. Tithing is one of the most powerful ways to worship God because it costs us something. It’s not easy surrendering.
When we give our tithe, we are saying: You are my provider, my source, and my security.
In the New Testament, Paul describes giving as an offering that pleases God: “They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” — Philippians 4:18
Giving transforms our hearts because it forces us to let go of control.
Worship through giving changes us—it shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance and reminds us that God is faithful to provide everything we need.
The Church: God’s Design for Community and Mission
Tithing isn’t just about obedience; it’s about participation in God’s mission. The local church is God’s chosen instrument to reach the world, care for the poor, and make disciples (Matthew 28:19).
When we give to the church, we are resourcing God’s plan to bring hope, healing, and salvation to our community. The early church modeled this beautifully:
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” — Acts 2:45
Our giving fuels ministry—allowing the church to:
Teach God’s Word each week.
Support local and global missions.
Provide care and counseling to families in need.
Create environments where people encounter Jesus.
Every dollar given becomes part of God’s redemptive story.
Tithing Is About Trust
The biggest barrier to tithing isn’t usually greed—it’s fear. We worry about having enough left over. But tithing is a faith decision, not a financial one.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
When we give first, we invite God into our finances. We stop operating from fear and start living from faith. And while God doesn’t promise wealth, He does promise provision, peace, and purpose.
Many believers can testify that when they began to tithe, they didn’t experience less—they experienced more: more contentment, more margin, more joy.
Giving Reflects the Heart of God
God is the ultimate Giver. He gave us His Son before we ever deserved it (John 3:16). When we give, we are reflecting His generous nature to the world.
Jesus said,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
Generosity changes our hearts. It makes us more like Jesus—selfless, compassionate, and free.
When we tithe, we’re not just funding ministry. We’re training our hearts to live like Christ—open-handed and faith-filled.
Practical Ways to Grow in Generosity
If you’re new to giving, start small—but start somewhere. God honors the heart behind the gift more than the size of it.
Here are a few ways to build a lifestyle of generosity:
1️⃣ Make giving your first priority. Give to God before you give anywhere else.
2️⃣ Set it up consistently. Automate your giving or make it part of your monthly rhythm.
3️⃣ Pray over your tithe. Ask God to multiply your gift and use it to reach others.
4️⃣ Look for ways to bless others. Generosity is contagious—start where you are.
Reflection Questions:
What fears or excuses keep me from trusting God with my finances?
How could my giving become an act of worship rather than obligation?
What would change in my heart if I started putting God first financially?
Further Resources
“How Generosity Changed My Life” - Life.Church
“20 Bible Verses about Tithing and Offerings” - Pushpay.com
“What Does the Bible Say About Giving?” - GotQuestions.org
