We’re big about tithing (giving 10% of your income) at our local church, not because it funds the church but because of what God does when we tithe. The principle of firstfruits in the Bible states that we are to give the first portion of our income to God as an act of worship. When we take a step of faith and trust that 90% of our income blessed by God will go farther than 100% of our income without the blessing of God, then God shows up in consistent ways.

I’ve been experiencing the faithfulness of God for years as I’ve tithed, and it’s just as exciting to see God show up in church members’ lives. A few weeks ago I got an email from a couple in our church seeking advice. They had just signed up for our 90-Day Tithe Challenge (which is: tithe for 90 days like God tells us to in Scripture, and if after 90 days you don’t see God’s blessing of Malachi 3:10 in your life, the church will refund all the money you’ve given, no questions asked). Anyways, this family lives off of two middle class incomes and with a growing family, this truly was a step of faith.

So in their email they asked my advice: an acquaintance of theirs needed some financial help and they felt God asking them to jump in and help, but they couldn’t afford to help the friend and tithe at the same time. So the question was: did I think it was okay for them to use their tithe money to help someone out? Me, following in the footsteps of Jesus, refused to answer their question directly, challenging them to go and ask the Holy Spirit, knowing that if their hearts were right whatever answer they chose would honor God.

Well, this past Sunday they came up to me with a report. They asked God and decided to split the difference. They kept tithing on one of their incomes and used the other portion to help this person in need, which was fine with me. But the best part was watching the wife’s face light up as she told me the rest of the story. By the end of the week that they had decided to help someone in need and still half-tithe, the wife was offered a promotion at work and they were offered an opportunity to make extra income in addition to their jobs.

For them, the lightbulb was on and shining brightly. In their words, “This really does work!” God’s promises aren’t just words written on a page. When we trust God and step in faith, He sovereignly shows up in our world and proves His faithfulness again and again. Trust God and live out his promises, for He is faithful.