The Restitution and Reversal of Theft
In His Presence: Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured you in return (Luke 6:38).
Malachi 3:10 says: " ‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.' " This verse isn't saying God will make us rich. Rather, it teaches us how life will be when we do not steal from God what already belongs to Him.
This verse tells us to bring the whole tithe. Failure to bring 100 percent will mean that heaven is closed. But if you bring the whole tithe, heaven will open wide and God will pour blessings out on you until they overflow.
The "storehouse" referred to in verse 10 is where temple food was kept for those in need—the priests, the poor, and the unsaved. The food would impact the community in the name of Yahweh. In our day, the storehouse represents the local church, where people are fed spiritually. The tithe goes to the church, and the offering can go there or to other ministries.
Remember that robbery of God reflects your spirit toward God, so if you aren't willing to give of your money, you're probably not willing to give your whole heart and life. God will not allow you to have a key to His house and to steal from Him at the same time. The issue is not whether we can afford to give tithes and offerings, but whether we can afford not to?
One Minute Please
You don't give to receive, but when you give with the right heart, you will receive.
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