Faith and tithing

I write this blog with much excitement and enthusiasm. Tithing is the one topic that creates a lot of debate and misunderstanding.

I remember when I read about this a few years ago, the topic troubled me quite a lot. In my heart I knew that it is right to give to others, however my self talk was how can I give if I do not have enough myself? I finally resolved to give once I had started to make enough. This never happened; in fact money just dwindled away from me.

Years later I started going to Church and felt obliged to give, so I did. When I read in the Bible God’s promises to those who tithe, particularly the one about”test me with your tithe and see if I won’t open the window of heaven and pour out a blessing that you cannot contain." I decided to test God. Sure as eggs whatever we gave we pretty much received 10 times that back!

My wife use to get nervous at my comments like “God’s bank is the best bank”. God knew however what I meant by this and other observations made by me on the subject of tithing. Fact is that we have never gone short of food and basic essentials despite years of financial hardship. We always eat three times per day; we have warm shelter and clothing and have never gone without. I remember one day offering my last R6.70 and a few hours later receiving R67!

Renowned business and life coach, Jim Rohn says you should give 10% of your income to a worthwhile cause. He suggests you start early as it is easier to give away 10% of $10 than 10 % of $1million. Develop the habit early. Suze Orman, financial expert says if you do not give your hands are never open to receive.

I can tell you of countless stories where we have given money to the church and received way more. End of January we tithed R98 and in February we received out of the blue (not income) R5000. We honestly cannot wait to tithe as we know our money will bless someone else and that God will reward us handsomely for our giving. My suggestion to people is to start tithing and keep a log of your tithes and blessings, then spread this message, the world will become a better place.