Malachi 3:10 comes to mind each time its brought up. I have failed in this regard.
Could anyone share testimonies on tithing with me? We're not doing so well financially, my wife and I. Its hard to wrap my head around making it and not having to duck bills by paying out more money. Just being honest as a human who is slow to learn.
People that have been tithing long-term often say
I can't afford not to tithe! They can be making a reference to either their spiritual condition, financial condition, or both—both are correct references.
The meaning of Malachi 3:10 apparently takes a little spiritual maturity to grasp, since a lot of people want to hold onto their money so badly that they hunt Scripture to find an excuse not to tithe (e.g., 2 Corinthians 9:7). This attitude does not come from God or a heart of generosity (that results from drawing closer to God long-term).
Malachi 3:10 is a remarkable verse, because it tells us that there is an exception to the command to "not put the Lord to the test" (Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7, et al.) It means that the Lord is going to pour out blessing into your life even if, in your heart, you don't want to tithe, but choose to do so, anyway! Wow. That is (on the surface) so contrary to the revelation of God in the New Testament.
However, what we really need to do with Scripture is get to know God through it. The goal God has for Scripture is not to understand the rules we "need" to follow. It is (1) so we can know what is an offense against God and what is not, and (2) to lead us to God himself. The Bible is a revelation of God's nature which never changes (which is easiest to see in the OT, since we can read it knowing we are not under Law).
Malachi 3:10 shows us what God's nature is, regardless of what a person or people does or doesn't do regarding tithing—or anything else for that matter. (Sometimes God's nature is better understand as "the way the universe is designed to behave.") God's nature is love. He wants people to tithe so he can bless them. God blesses everyone no matter what they do (Matthew 5:45), but there are rewards for those that do certain things, and
here God is telling us what he will do for people that fully tithe whether or not they view tithing as a command.
So the question, "Do I have to tithe" or "Must I tithe" shows a lack of understanding of what our (new covenant) relationship to God is like. God has set us free so now we have the ability to choose or reject God. (A choice someone cannot have if he doesn't believe God is real.)
A more accurate question about tithing to our new covenant God is:
Do I want the blessings that come from fully tithing or not?
Fully tithing is one of the simpler-to-understand facets of building our lives on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). It requires faith. Malachi 3:10 is referring to a spiritual reality that is much broader than just financial blessings. Whenever it costs you something to love God or others, God will reward you with much more than it cost you (sooner or later).
Given that, hopefully it is easier to see why people say
I can't afford not to tithe. It stems from the changed perspective that comes from receiving what God promised for tithing. Not only will God provide the finances you need, but you can trust that he will take care of you if you aren't making enough money, can't find work, or if the economy crashes (pay attention preppers). Note that it is still the case that sin will push God farther away from you, which hinders you from receiving from God what he has chosen to give you.
If you are committed to living to please God, then do yourself a favor and start asking God to help you tithe and provide what you need (and want). Then start tithing even if you have to cut pleasures out of your life. If you've already done that and still don't have enough money, then persist in asking God to help you fully tithe, but give something—what you can give weekly no matter how little it is. No matter how hard it is now, you will eventually see it was well worth it. The key is to let yourself get into a position where you are trusting God to provide for you (
Genesis 22:14).