The Divine Perspective on Tithing

....As long as men measure earthly ministers through the offerings they receive, some form of offense will arise and the preaching of the gospel will always suffer. For the true understanding lies in another direction, that is, in a heavenly. Let us return to God’s own perspective on tithes and offerings, and explore it further:

.
.... Tithes are a type of worship that began with our father Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20). For he, in returning from his victory over the kings, gave Melchizedek a tenth of all his spoils (the Hebrew word ‘tithe’ means ‘tenth’), and the relationship between these men explains everything:

.... Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils . . . For this Melchizedek . . . having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, [so he] remains a priest continually. He . . . received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.

(Hebrews 7:1-7)

.... Here is the truth of tithing in it’s purest form: Abraham, though blessed with the promises of God, recognized something far greater in Melchizedek, and wisely ‘considered how great this man was’. For Melchizedek was like the Son of God Himself.

.

.... Abraham’s tithe was an act of personal homage in recognition of this man’s greatness; a fitting acknowledgment that Melchizedek was better than him. A devoted relationship was formed between them, and Melchizedek blessed him in return: "Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better." (v 7).

.

.... The same understanding must guide our tithes and offerings today; for we have become heirs to the promises of Abraham, and Jesus is the High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Galatians 3:29; Hebrews 5:5,6). Since a parallel relationship exists between us, let us follow Abraham’s example and consider how great a person this Jesus Christ is, being the Son of God Himself; and likewise let our offerings be an act of worship, of personal homage to Him, to acknowledge in a fitting way that He is greater than us.

.

.... If we look to a loving relationship rather than religion, tithing will always come to this conclusion; for both tithes and offerings are devoted to the Lord Himself, and not simply to the church or to a minister. Nevertheless . . . can it escape our notice? Not one of our pennies is actually received in heaven. How great is the honor God bestows on us in return, that every cent should be devoted to a continued ministry among men, for the salvation and growth of so many.

.
.... And in our daily lives, He provides for us in return. Remember that Melchizedek, the Christ-like man, blessed Abraham, and a relationship was formed between them; remember God’s promise to bless those who honor and reverence Him through their tithes and offerings (Genesis 14:18,19; Malachi 1:6, 3:10-12). For in our giving, a very personal connection is made with God, which is well pleasing to His heart (Philippians 4:18):

.... "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."

(Psalm 91:14-16)