How to Avoid Robbing God of the Offering

In Malachi 3:8, God tells Israel they had been robbing Him in both tithes and offering. That word "offering" is often overlooked in this passage. Why? Verses 10 – 12 continue to discuss the benefits of tithing strictly. Those three scriptures don't reference the offering at all.

Besides we've always been taught that in contrast to the tithe, the offering is ours to give. It's already understood by many that failing to bring the tithe is stealing. But does this apply to giving offering as well? Did God mince words in Malachi 3:8?

Well there is no empty rhetoric in the Word of God. The offering is yours to give, and the harvest you receive is proportional to it. You won't be a sinner no matter what you offering you give.

But the robbery occurs when you bring an unsuitable offering—one not fit for the King of kings. Though giving the offering is your decision, it does not automatically follow that God accepted it.

We know that God rejected Cain's offering because Cain brought God less than his best. And God told Moses that He never changes—actually He repeated this in Malachi 3 as well—a so you shouldn't think God less likely to reject your offering today. An offering rejected by God is nothing more than a charitable donation, and He's not obligated to return a harvest for it.

You increase the likelihood of robbing God of the offering when you give an offering for which you did not consult Him—for which you were not led of the Holy Spirit.

If you have $100 come offering time and give God $5, chances are you robbed Him in that moment. It's not the amount specifically so much as you gave no meditation to the gift but just gave something to traditionally/religiously participate in the offering service. In essence, you gave God what cost you nothing, specifically what King David in giving his sacrifice in 2 Samuel 24 purposed to avoid.

To avoid robbing God of the offering, consult God on the gift. The Bible does not say that your offering has to be a surprise to Him. If you get Him involved in this worship, He will tell you what to give, how much to give, and what to sow towards. With God involved in this process from the start, you ensure a harvest on the seed sown. Certainly God is always as good as His word.