“’How Are We Robbing You?’”

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.

“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’

“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Malachi 3:8-12

We have often withheld our own resources from God. But when we remember that our heavenly Father gives each of us everything we have and need, it is easier to share.

In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to trust Him by giving a portion of all He had supplied to the Levite priests, who would in turn help others in need. When the people refused, the prophet Malachi said they were robbing the Lord. But if they gave willingly, showing they trusted the Lord’s promised provision and protection, others would recognize them as God’s blessed people.

Whether we’re managing our finances, our schedules, or the gifts God entrusted to us, giving can be an act of worship. Giving freely and fearlessly can show our confidence in the care of our loving Father – the ultimate generous Giver.

Fearless giving to God and others reveals our trust in the Lord’s promises and provision.

Our Daily Bread – February 26, 2018