No doubt many of us have heard this verse used many of times:

Of course this verse has been used to convince many that we must give a tenth of our income (net or gross-neither biblical) unto GOD. A popular saying (although non-biblical) to accompany this is since Caesar gets his off the top, so should GOD.

However, this verse and many others are being misapplied to bring about this end. One way to understand the intent or the true application of this verse is to read the entire verse and the proceeding verse.

When GOD spoke this, He was refering to the Israelites giving their livestock. All one has to do is read the first part of this verse and see that. In the next verse, GOD talks about if you want to redeem the tenth that you gave or change it out to give something else. When was the last time any heard that someone asked for their 10% of their income back?

Faith is NOT payment based. Meaning, there is no verse that states that your faith is null and void if you do not pay money. Jesus said speak to the mountain (with faith the size of a mustard seed) and it will be removed and casted into the sea. (Matt 14:20) He did NOT say speak to the mountain and pay 10% of your income and then the mountain will be removed.

Some erroneously try to apply Malachi 3-especially the part about being cursed. Unfortunately, they do not realize that in Christ we are free from ALL curses of the law-which that is one of them. (Gal 3:13)

But, for those who feel as though tithing (according to the OT) is a requirement of GOD, then lets do it accordingly.

 

There is definitely a lot more to be said on this, but, unfortunately, I do not have time.