Saturday, September 12, 2026
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).
If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?
Re-read that classic proof-text denominations relentlessly use as they beg for “tithes:” “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:8-11).
Context matters! The “cursed nation” of Malachi 3:9 is Israel (Malachi 1:1), suffering the curses of Leviticus 26:1-46 and Deuteronomy 27:1–28:68. By withholding tithes and offerings, they have violated the Law of Moses (an agreement they made with God, originally promising to give Him those tithes!). The LORD through the Prophet Malachi challenges Israel to “prove” (test) Him: He will remove the curse and bless them if they obey (give Him tithes and offerings). As per the Law motivation principle of “guilt and fear,” they are expected to tithe and thereby avoid punishment. However, giving under Grace results from gratitude for how God has already blessed us in Christ through Calvary’s finished crosswork: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3; cf. Romans 8:32). Giving under Grace does not prove God’s love for us (Calvary does that!—Romans 5:8), but it does prove our love for Him! “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love” (2 Corinthians 8:8).
Israel gave tithes and offerings so God could bless them. We give under Grace because God has already blessed us in Christ. Tithing with the Law and giving under Grace are totally incompatible….
333 Words of Grace 