Matthew 25:4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
I used to think trusting God with my finances meant holding on tightly and hoping for the best. But earlier in our devotionals about money, we’re reminded of something deeply personal. Tithing is the one area where God actually invites us to test Him. That changes everything.
But,
Tithing: A Test of Faith in Your Finances
In that sense, tithing is not just about giving. It becomes a regular opportunity where faith is put into action, and trust is shown in a very real way. We see this pattern throughout Scripture: Pharaoh faced ten plagues that tested his heart toward God. Jacob endured wages being changed ten times, a long season that tested his trust in God’s promise. Israel was tested repeatedly in the wilderness, often summarized as ten tests of faith. Daniel was tested for ten days in his commitment to God.
Jesus spoke of the ten virgins, where readiness was tested. Revelation 2:10 mentions ten days of testing for believers. And God gave the Ten Commandments, which also reveal and test the heart. Even the word “tithe” means a tenth.
So the pattern is clear: the number ten often shows up when God is shaping and revealing hearts through testing. Tithing then becomes one of the most practical and ongoing ways this plays out in our lives. It is a simple but real moment where we choose to trust God as our provider.
Malachi 3:10 invites us into this trust: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…”Over time, this act of faith does more than affect finances. It shapes our hearts. It helps us let go of fear, grow in generosity, and depend more fully on God.
Like a child trusting a father’s arms, tithing becomes a simple expression of confidence in God’s care. And many find that as they step into that trust, God meets them not only with provision, but with peace, growth, and a deeper relationship with Him. So, the message behind this pattern is simple: God’s tests are not meant to harm us, but to grow us. And tithing is one of the ways He invites us to trust Him more deeply.
Tithing is mentioned less in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. However, I don’t think that makes it less valuable. Our salvation is not based on obeying the 10 Commandments, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t follow them. The same applies to tithing. Even if there is debate over whether it is a command for New Testament believers, I believe it can still bring blessings, just as it did in the Old Covenant.
JESUS ENDORSED THE TITHE
In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, Jesus talked about tithing and pointed out that it shouldn’t be ignored: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” If you’re curious about what Jesus said regarding tithing or if “tithe” appears in the New Testament, it’s mentioned in Luke 11:42. I believe this doesn’t lessen its significance as a practice. Although our salvation under the New Covenant isn’t based solely on the 10 Commandments, does that mean we should ignore them? Are they now worthless? I think the same applies to tithing.
Prayer: Lord, help me trust You with my finances. I know that You are the provider of all good things and that You have a plan for my financial well-being. Guide my decisions and help me to be wise with the resources You have given me. Show me how to manage my money in a way that honors You.
Change my heart toward money and spending. Teach me to find contentment in You. Help me to be generous with what I have, knowing that You will provide for my needs. Give me peace and confidence that You are in control of my financial situation. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.
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