When is it easy to return tithe and offerings, and when is it hard?

It is easier to return tithe and offerings to God when we have first given ourselves to Him. Difficulties begin not merely with a lack of money, but primarily with the fear of losing control over our own lives.

Tithing often seems like a complicated topic when a person looks at their budget solely as their own: “I earned it, I need to pay for housing, food, medical care, education, and I have many plans.” Needs in themselves are not wrong. However, the heart can subtly begin to rely solely on its own strength. Then returning tithe feels like a loss rather than an act of worship.

The Apostle Paul demonstrates a different principle. The Macedonian believers displayed generosity not because they were free from hardship, but because they gave themselves to the Lord. When God is the Master of our hearts, He also becomes the Master of our resources, plans, and future.

Why it can be hard to give

It is difficult to return tithe and give offerings when we strive to keep everything under our own control. We feel that without a financial cushion, there will be no security. We think: “First, I will provide for all my needs, and then, perhaps, I will give to God.” But the list of needs and desires often never ends.

The Bible reminds us that everything we possess actually comes from the Lord. We are not absolute owners, but stewards of His gifts.

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” 1 Chron 29:14

The fear of scarcity can be powerful, especially in times of economic instability, illness, or family hardships. Yet faith does not mean denying real expenses. Faith means honestly bringing our anxieties to God and acknowledging: “Lord, my life is in Your hands. Teach me to manage wisely what You have entrusted to me.”

First: the consecration of the heart

In his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of the churches of Macedonia. Their generosity began not from great abundance, but from dedication to God. This is the foundational principle of Christian stewardship: it is not money that makes a person faithful, but devotion to Christ that transforms one's attitude toward money.

“And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” 2 Cor 8:5

When a person can say, “I belong to God,” their finances also cease to be an isolated area closed off from the Lord. Tithe becomes neither a payment for blessings nor an attempt to earn salvation. It is a recognition of God’s claim over our entire life and a grateful response to His care.

Trusting God in abundance and in want

Trust does not mean that after returning tithe, a Christian will never face trials. The Apostle Paul experienced want, danger, and persecution. Yet he learned to be faithful to God under all circumstances.

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Phil 4:12

Likewise Job, having lost his possessions and enduring profound pain, did not reject God. His words express not indifference to his loss, but faithfulness to the Lord in the midst of suffering.

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

God does not promise that every offering will immediately make us materially wealthy. However, He promises to be with us, to guide us, and to provide for what matters most. Christ calls us to seek first the Kingdom of God, rather than letting anxiety dictate our decisions.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt 6:33

Tithe as worship and ministry

In the Adventist understanding, tithe is returned to God to support the gospel ministry, while freewill offerings can support the local church, mission work, and people in need. Love for God is always linked with love for one’s neighbor. Generosity helps the Gospel spread and becomes a blessing to others.

Ellen White emphasized that systematic benevolence cultivates selflessness, faith, and trust in God. It is not a burden to the Christian who has realized that everything received is a gift from the Heavenly Father.

A practical step

Begin with a simple prayer: “Lord, I belong to You. Teach me to manage Your gifts honestly and wisely.” When you receive an income, set aside the tithe first, and then prayerfully determine your offerings. Keep a simple budget, avoid unnecessary debt, and share even when your gift seems small.

Finding it easy to give does not always mean never feeling any strain. It means trusting God more than our own fear. When the heart is surrendered to the Lord, tithe and offerings become a joyful confession: everything I have belongs to You.