The Tithe: Preparing Your Heart to Give as a Believer

For Christians, the tithe represents more than a mere financial transaction. It’s an act of worship, trust, and obedience that acknowledges God’s provision in our lives. While tithing is a biblical principle, the tithe's true impact lies in the giver's heart. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "God loves a cheerful giver." In a world where we set our tithe up on an automatic payment, here’s a guide to help you prepare your heart and mind in a way that honors God.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Tithe
Tithing, traditionally understood as giving 10% of one’s income, has roots in the Old Testament, where God’s people set aside a portion of their blessings to support the temple, the priests, and the community. For believers today, the tithe serves a similar purpose: it supports the church’s mission, allows ministry work to flourish, and assists those in need. But beyond these practical aspects, the tithe is a powerful reminder that everything we have belongs to God.

Practical step: Study verses like Malachi 3:10, where God invites His people to test Him in the tithe, and Proverbs 3:9, which encourages honoring God with our wealth. Reflect on how tithing enables the church to serve, grow, and meet both physical and spiritual needs in the community.

2. Set Aside Any Fear or Doubt
For many believers, financial giving can provoke feelings of fear or hesitation, especially during uncertain economic times. However, Scripture is filled with assurances of God’s provision. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry about what we will eat or wear because our Heavenly Father knows our needs. The tithe challenges us to trust that God is our provider, not our paycheck or bank account.

Practical step: Pray for faith and ask God to replace fears with confidence in His provision. As you prepare to tithe, meditate on Philippians 4:19, which reminds us that "God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

3. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude
Tithing should flow from a heart of thankfulness, not obligation. When we tithe, we acknowledge that every good thing comes from God. A grateful heart is eager to give back to the One who has given us everything. When we prepare to tithe, let it be an act of worship that expresses our gratitude for God’s grace, provision, and faithfulness.

Practical step: Make a list of how God has blessed you recently, financially and otherwise. Take a few moments to thank Him for each one. This exercise can help you approach tithing with genuine gratitude.

4. Evaluate Your Motives
God is concerned with the heart behind our giving. Tithing is not about gaining favor or impressing others but about honoring God. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus warns against giving for show, reminding us that faithful giving should be done in humility. As you prepare to tithe, check your motives and ask yourself if you’re giving out of a desire to please God and support His kingdom.

Practical step: Before you give, pray and ask God to purify your motives. Remind yourself that the tithe is not about seeking human approval or attempting to “earn” blessings but about giving back to God with a humble heart.

5. Plan and Prepare to Give
Tithing requires intentionality. Preparing a budget that includes your tithe demonstrates that giving to God is a priority, not an afterthought. When you plan, you’re actively choosing to put God first in your finances, honoring the principle in Proverbs 3:9 to give Him the “first fruits.”

Practical step: Create a budget that includes your tithe. Consider this an essential expense rather than an optional one. By budgeting for the tithe, you prepare your heart and finances to give faithfully.

6. Give with Joy
Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 to give "not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." When we tithe with a joyful spirit, we’re reflecting the joy we have in Christ and expressing trust in His promises. Joyful giving not only honors God but also strengthens our faith, as it reminds us of the blessing of partnering with God’s work.

Practical step: As you prepare to tithe, take a few moments to rejoice in God’s goodness. Thank Him for the opportunity to participate in His work and for the joy that comes from giving. Remind yourself that tithing is a privilege, not a burden.

7. Trust God’s Promises
Scripture is filled with assurances that when we give generously, God provides for our needs in return. Malachi 3:10 famously encourages believers to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” and promises that God will “open the windows of heaven” in response. While tithing is not a means to “get rich,” it does invite us to trust God’s provision and experience His faithfulness.

Practical step: As you tithe, remember the promises of God. Commit your tithe in prayer, expressing your trust in His ability to provide for your needs.

Tithing is a spiritual discipline that strengthens our relationship with God and aligns our hearts with His purposes. By preparing ourselves—cultivating gratitude, evaluating our motives, and trusting in God’s provision—we honor God in our giving. The tithe is a tangible way to put our faith into action, a regular reminder that we depend on God for all things.

When you approach tithing with a heart of worship, faith, and joy, it becomes a meaningful part of your spiritual journey. Embrace it as an opportunity to deepen your trust, express your gratitude, and participate in God’s work in the world.

In Love,

Pastor Jody