Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 3:8-12

If you’ve been in a church service and have heard a sermon on giving, then the passage above is probably familiar.

It’s not surprising to read that the people of Israel were holding back on their giving to God. These same people gave their second best with their animal sacrifices as we read earlier in Malachi.

Years ago I heard a very memorable sermon on the topic of giving to God. The pastor described those who gave from an obligation or legalistic view or those who only served God leftovers when the budget allowed and then those who gave cheerfully out of love for God.

Which would describe you?

Now, consider God’s promise. He challenges the people to put Him to the test. Give out of a generous heart and see if God will meet your needs.