WHY DO SOME TITHERS STILL STRUGGLE?

WHY DO SOME TITHERS STILL STRUGGLE?

(You tithe and give the wrong way)

The issue is not simply how much we give to God, but also how we manage what remains in our hands.

1. WE MUST HONOR GOD WITH THE FIRSTFRUITS

Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”

For those who practice tithing, the principle is to put God first rather than treating giving as an afterthought.

We should not spend everything and then give God whatever happens to remain. Honor God first.

Our giving should express faith, gratitude, and obedience—not an attempt to purchase God's blessings.

2. WE SHOULD HONOR GOD WITH ALL OUR INCREASE

Tithing should not become a way of acknowledging God only when we receive a salary.

God deserves our gratitude for every legitimate provision and increase He gives us.

The Old Testament repeatedly teaches Israel to recognize God as the source of their harvest and possessions.

Deuteronomy 8:18: “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.”

Therefore, let us develop a lifestyle of gratitude and generosity, not merely a monthly tithing routine.

3. WE MUST GIVE TO GOD IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT AND FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSE

Giving is not magic. We do not give money to one altar and automatically receive financial miracles in return.

Jesus warned against religious giving done merely for public recognition. Matthew 6:1: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.”

Our giving should honor God and support His purposes—worship, ministry, the needy, and the advancement of His Kingdom.

4. WE MUST LEARN HOW TO MANAGE THE REMAINING 90%

Many people faithfully give their tithe but poorly manage what remains.

Tithing cannot compensate for financial mismanagement. God can bless us, but He also expects us to exercise wisdom.

Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

5. WE MUST DEVELOP A GENEROUS HEART

Biblical prosperity is not merely about having more. It is also about being a blessing to others.

Proverbs 11:24–25: “There is one who scatters, yet increases more... The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered.”

We should not give only because we want something back from God. We give because God has already given to us.

We should remember the poor, widows, orphans, strangers, and people genuinely in need.

Generosity breaks the grip of selfishness and teaches us to become stewards rather than owners.

6. WE MUST PRACTICE FORGIVENESS AND RELEASE

Scripture repeatedly connects God's people with the practice of releasing others from certain debts and obligations.

Deuteronomy 15:1: “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release.”

Jesus also taught us to forgive those who wrong us.

We should learn to release people according to biblical wisdom and maintain a heart that is free from greed and resentment.

7. WE MUST CARE FOR THE POOR

God instructed Israel to deliberately leave provision for the poor and the stranger.

Leviticus 19:9–10: “You shall leave them for the poor and the stranger.”

We should not wait until people beg before we think about helping them.

God blesses us so that we can become channels of blessing.

2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you... may have an abundance for every good work.”

8. WE MUST WORK DILIGENTLY

We cannot separate financial blessing from productive work.

2 Thessalonians 3:10: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”

God may provide the opportunity, but we must be willing to work with it.

Tithing is an act of worship, not a substitute for wise stewardship.

We should never think: “I have given God 10%, therefore I can do whatever I want with the remaining 90%.”

The remaining portion also belongs under God's Lordship.

Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania