The Heart of Giving – Obedience, Worship, and Faith

The act of giving is often misunderstood as merely a financial transaction. Ultimately, it is a reflection of the condition of one’s heart. The principle that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) emphasizes that the spirit in which we give is far more significant than the amount.

God compares levels of obedience, not dollar amounts. The story of the widow’s mite in Mark 12:41-44 clearly illustrates this. Though the widow gave only two small coins, Jesus commended her because she gave all she had, demonstrating her total reliance on God. True giving is an expression of faith, obedience, and worship.

Tithing is an act of worship. When we give to God, we acknowledge that all we possess ultimately comes from Him. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” God does not need our money—He is the Creator of all things and owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). What He desires is our willingness to submit to His will and our acknowledgment that He is the source of all blessings.

Tithing is not about tipping God out of obligation or fear. It is about demonstrating our faith and trust in Him. Through giving, we participate in God’s work; recognizing that we are stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. We become part of the larger story of how God is blessing and providing for others.

We often hesitate to tithe because of fear—fear of not having enough for ourselves, fear of missing out on the things that money could provide. Fear is rooted in a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty and provision. When we understand that God is in control and has a perfect plan for our lives, the anxiety surrounding money diminishes.

God’s promises are clear. In Philippians 4:19, Paul writes, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” The belief that we do not have “enough” to give stems from a scarcity mindset, whereas God’s economy operates on abundance. He knows our needs better than we do, and no financial obstacle can stand in the way of His plan for us. We must learn to trust that God’s provision is sufficient and that by putting Him first, we will lack nothing of true value.

Throughout the Bible, the concept of offering “first fruits” appears repeatedly. God wants the first and best of what we have, rather than what is left over. Proverbs 3:9-10 instructs, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.” The idea of first fruits teaches us to prioritize God above all else. It means recognizing that everything we possess is a gift from Him.

When we tithe, we demonstrate our willingness to trust Him with our finances, our future, and our well-being. It is a tangible way of declaring that God is our provider, and we rely on Him, not on our own resources.

Consider the story of a man who had just been released from prison with nothing to his name. Seeking a fresh start, he began attending church, where he found love, support, and a sense of community. For three years, he faithfully served and grew in his faith. Then, he learned that he was about to inherit $30,000. Around this time, someone else made a generous donation to the church, and the man, instead of feeling gratitude or joy, became angry. He was looking forward to giving, not because of obedience, but because of how he thought he’d be viewed. Giving had become a competition for notoriety. Instead, he distanced himself from the community that had supported him.

When his inheritance arrived, he chose to spend it on alcohol and drugs, slipping back into his old lifestyle. His choices led to his involvement with drugs, and he is now serving a seven-year prison sentence, once again left with nothing. He had two paths before him: he could have tithed a portion of his inheritance, continuing to grow in his faith, remaining part of a supportive community, and becoming a blessing to others in need. Instead, he clung to the money, viewing it as his own rather than a gift from God.

The Bible teaches that no one can serve two masters: “You will either love the one and hate the other” (Matthew 6:24). In choosing to serve money, this man revealed the true condition of his heart. He saw the inheritance as his possession, rather than as a blessing from the Lord, and his decision to prioritize wealth over God ultimately led to his downfall.

Tithing and giving are deeply spiritual practices, rooted in faith, obedience, and worship. God does not measure the size of our contributions but the size of our hearts. He calls us to be cheerful givers, recognizing that He is the source of all we have and all we need. By putting God first and offering our first fruits, we participate in His greater plan and acknowledge His lordship over our lives. When we trust in His provision and walk in obedience, we experience the fullness of His blessings—not just materially, but in every area of life.