THIEVES

When we open our Bibles to Malachi 3:6–15, we are stepping into the words of the last prophet of the Old Testament. His voice echoes just before 400 years of divine silence—making his message one we cannot afford to ignore.

Though spoken under the Old Covenant, the truths of Malachi still speak powerfully today. Why? Because God hasn’t changed. There is not an “Old Testament God” and a “New Testament God.” There is one God, one character, and one redemptive purpose.

Jesus himself said, “I did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.” Every detail of the Old Testament was designed to point to Him—and the way God worked through His people back then still offers wisdom for us now.

The Purpose Behind the Law

In the Old Covenant, God promised to bless His people if they obeyed Him. The goal wasn’t just to give them a good life—it was so the world would look at Israel and say, “Something’s going on there. They’ve got something special.” That still happens today, when followers of Christ reflect hope, peace, and joy in a world marked by chaos.

But there’s a topic in Malachi 3 that tends to make people uncomfortable: tithing.

Some of us grew up in homes where we heard things like, “The church is just after your money.” And sadly, because of some false teaching, spiritual manipulation, and abuse of Scripture, that skepticism isn’t always unfounded.

But God is not after your wallet. He’s after your heart. And He wants full access to your life—not to control you, but to bless you in every area: your work, your family, your finances, and most of all, your soul.

Investing in the Kingdom

Imagine if someone came to you offering an investment opportunity that guaranteed a return—double, triple, even tenfold. Wouldn’t you find a way to invest?

In a sense, that’s the invitation God gives. But His blessings aren’t always measured in dollars. The true returns are transformed hearts, changed habits, peace in trials, contentment in all circumstances, and a deeper connection with Him.

Giving is not about financing God’s work—as if He needs our help. Giving is about training our hearts to trust Him.

Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” But when we truly seek the kingdom first, all those “things” become secondary. We realize that knowing Him is the reward.

The Tragedy of False Teaching

There’s no denying that many have twisted biblical teaching on money. From televangelists promising luxury in exchange for donations to historical atrocities like the conquistadors who slaughtered native populations in God’s name just to take their gold—abuses have left deep scars.

Greed, cloaked in religious language, is one of the most dangerous forms of blasphemy.

The love of money—not money itself—is the root of all kinds of evil. And when we see giving as a transactional deal with God (“I give so I get”), we’ve already missed the point.

God doesn’t need your money. But you need to give. Because giving is a spiritual discipline—a way to dethrone greed, foster generosity, and remind your heart that God is your provider.

What About the Tithe?

Under the Old Testament law, a tithe (10%) was expected. But when you factor in offerings, temple contributions, and sacrifices, the total giving often reached closer to 30%.

So, do we still tithe under the New Covenant?

Some say no—pointing out that the New Testament doesn’t explicitly command it. Instead, Paul encourages generosity from the heart, giving regularly and joyfully to meet needs and support the church.

Others see tithing as a starting point—a helpful baseline for training hearts in generosity.

The truth? It’s not about the number. It’s about the attitude. Whether 10% or more or less, the principle remains: Give regularly. Give sacrificially. Give joyfully. And give because you love God—not because you want a tax break or cosmic reward.

As one wise woman once told me after a Christmas Eve service, handing me an unexpected gift: “You are not going to take away my blessing. Take this.”

She understood that giving is a blessing in itself.

God’s Blessing Is Bigger Than Dollars

I’ve lived in a two-room apartment and a nine-bedroom mansion—and I can tell you this: the quality of life has never depended on the building.

It has depended on my walk with God.

He has always taken care of me. I’ve never gone hungry. I’ve never lacked what I needed. And I know that’s not because I gave money to a church—it’s because He is faithful.

When we make the kingdom of God our priority, everything else finds its place.

From Legalism to Joy

Discipline isn’t legalism when it’s driven by love. Think of a runner’s high—that euphoria that comes after a hard run. It’s tough at first, but eventually becomes a joy.

Giving is like that.

It’s hard at first. It may feel uncomfortable or sacrificial. But over time, you begin to want to give. You love seeing how God uses your investment. You rejoice in the fruit that comes from your sacrifice.

We don’t give because we must.

We give because we love.

Final Thoughts

God called Israel “thieves” when they refused to give what they had promised. Not because He needed their resources—but because their refusal showed they didn’t trust Him.

We face the same choice today.

Do we trust Him enough to release what we think is ours?

Do we believe He is better at handling our finances than we are?

Do we want to grow in trust, in faith, and in joy?

Then we give.

Not as a duty, but as a delight.

Not as a transaction, but as a declaration: “I trust you, God. You’re enough.”

So here’s the question: Do you see tithing—and giving—as a burden or as a blessing?

Because if you love God, you’ll find that giving becomes joy. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s worth it.