Tithing in relation with breaking God’s covenant of blessing [Part 2]

Last week, I started a topic, titled: “Tithing in relation with breaking God’s covenant of blessing’, where many points were raised. You will agree with me that tithing moves God into action in blessing his children.

In this part 2, you will see reasons for tithing and the right place to pay.

REASONS FOR TITHING

We have already affirmed according to the scripture that, “Tithe is a tenth part (10%)” of one’s produce whether substance or income offered to God. You can give, but you only offer to a higher being. The concept pervades all laws and religions.

We can still pay much more than that because everything we own belongs to God; we are simply saying that emphasis on tithe made should focus more on putting our homes together, that is the church as it concerns her congregation.

Furthermore, tithing awaken the consciousness and recognition of God being the source of our blessings; for “there is nothing we have that we did not receive.” 1 Cor 4:7. When we tithe we show obedience and respect to God; therefore who believe in God pays tithe.

The purpose for tithing could be summarized thus:

1. To support the priest and preachers of the gospel

“Do not neglect the Levites who live in your towns; they have no property of their own. Deuteronomy 14:27 (GNTD)

“You Philippians know very well that when I left Macedonia in the early days of preaching the Good News, you were the only church to help me; you were the only ones who shared my profits and losses. More than once when I needed help in Thessalonica, you sent it to me.”
Philippians 4:15‭-‬16 GNTD

2. For funding the work of God

“Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things”
Malachi 3:10 GNTD

3. To aid the widows, orphans, poor and less privileged. I do observed though that not all widows are helpless. Tithe is meant to really help the poor and less privileged in the church

The Levite, because he has no share [of land] or an inheritance among you, and the stranger, and the orphan and the widow who are within your [city] gates, shall come and eat and be satisfied, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 14:29 AMP

When we pay tithe we are saying we trust God and believe in His provision for our needs. Our obedience to His command makes us to be *givers* and not just *receiver*, making us to be entrusted with much more to help others in need.

WHERE TO PAY TITHE:
We need to understand that tithe is different from alms and should be done accordingly.

The right thing should be done at the right place so the items could be properly distributed.

The Local church is the right place to tithe. Most of us make the mistake of using our tithe for something else. Tithe is measured and anything short of 10% measure is no longer a tithe.

Your local assembly should be your primary place of giving your tithe, which in turn extend to your pastor or priest who feeds you spiritually as a member.

“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine… And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
Deuteronomy 14:22‭-‬25 KJV

Mrs Ijeoma Emeribe is a Senior Pastor at Priesthood Stream Church in Abuja, Nigeria and can be reached for Counselling and prayers through: ijeomaemeribe11@gmail.com or 08064274621