Most of us who understand tithing give without giving it a second thought. But there are countless others who do not understand the concept of tithing and may even look at it wrongly through the stygmatic eyes of the world, as a negative. I have listened as those who oppose it, question the intentions of the church, pastor, minister, clergy or in other words those who "pass the plate".

I have seen comedy skits on television make fun of it and inference that the churches that take up offerings, do it to make their "fortunes". I have seen many a movie with scenes in them re-enacting in their own worldly view, the passing of the offering plate and the "sinister minister" hiding in the shadows behind the scenes, chuckling to himself as he counts the wads of cash.

But this all a falacy. Here we find that, art does in no way imitate life. True it may be, that there are those out there that might, and that is a broad term, might, take advantage of those who are faithfully tithing. And what I mean by that is, there might be churches out there who do not follow instruction from God as to what is to be done with the offerings received. But this really is not for the giver to be concerned about. In this kind of circumstance, the giver gave out of a willing heart and thus, God rewards him/her regardless. And too, the church, minister, pastor, preacher or evangelist will have to account to God one day for his/her impropriety.

The truth is, God does not "need" our money. But He does in fact instruct us on Tithing and why it is important to kingdom of God that we obey and give. Tithing both blesses the "body of Christ" (the church), as well as the person who gives. It proves to show God that we are faithful in our giving. And in return, God promises to those who give, a great return if you will, on your investment.

The important thing to remember is, God finds much favor with those who do give. We are in fact, being faithful stewards with our money when we give. However, this by no means is to be construed as God commanding us to give when it is not within our financial means to do so. Some would argue that the Lord requires us to give 10%. But what some fail to realize is that, that figure was set in the Old Testament, not the New.

In the New Testament we learn that we are to give, "In keeping with income" (1 Corinthians 16:2). The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes this means we should give more and sometimes this means we are to give less. It all depends on the person giving and the needs of the church.

The Bible tells us we are to give to the "storehouse". This is the church. Not that we cannot or should not give to other sources. But the "body" of christ should come first. We as christians should pray when concerning our tithe. (James 1:5) And most importantly, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 corinthians 9:7).

Below is a list of the reasons WHY we should tithe:

• It is a blessing to the giver and receiver
• It is beneficial to the, "body of Christ", (the church)
• It shows good stewardship
• It is being financially responsible to God

As God shows favor with us in our tithing, He can then reward us with financial blessings of our own in return.

***********short story of how tithing has blessed me********

we were having some financial trouble, my husband and I. After some debate on the tithing issue, I quoted to my husband God's instruction on giving. Using Biblical teachings found in the Old and New Testaments, I concluded that even though and regardless of our struggle financially we should give.

That following day, we took 500.00 and gave it to our pastor. This amount was offered after we prayed about it at length and both of us agreed to the amount. About two weeks later we received a check from our insurance company for 500.00! God gave it right back! We were not in any way expecting this check from the insurance company and so we both agreed that God saw fit to reward us in this manner.

In addition to this, a few days later we received another check in the mail for 250.00, and then even more than that, some months later a woman came up to us at church and offered us 2000.00 for our bills! God truly is amazing and wonderful!

We concluded from this demonstration in tithing that, God just wanted to know that we would be faithful in our obedience to Him. He knew we could not really afford to do it, but that because we were giving with a cheerful mind and heart regardless of the circumstance, He chose to give it back to us and then a whole lot more!

Since that day, we make it a point to tithe, if and whenever we can and we have never since then been found wanting for anything! God has continued to supply all of our needs.