Generosity and Provision
In Malachi 3:10, we encounter a profound invitation from God: “’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”
The "storehouse" in ancient Israel was a place in the temple where tithes and offerings were kept, primarily to provide for the priests and the needy. By instructing the Israelites to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, God taught them about stewardship and caring for people in their community. Their generosity was a way of loving and serving those around them.
If you’ve ever tried to give when you felt strapped for resources, you may have discovered this truth already: giving is an act of trust. When we give, we are making a choice to believe that God will provide for our every need no matter what. God challenges His people to trust Him enough to give wholeheartedly, promising that in return, He would open the "floodgates of heaven."
Today, this verse prompts us to examine our own generosity. Are we holding back, or are we trusting God with all we have? We get to bring our whole tithe to God, not out of obligation but out of faith. We get to say ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to experience His provision in everything, and even provide for others.
New Life Through God’s Love
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s love reflected everywhere. He provides, protects, and guides with an abundance of love. God is love, and we are called to share His love by leading with love in our interactions with others. (1 John 4:16)
John 3:16 shares the key message of the Gospel: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God loved us so much that he gave His only Son to give us new life in Him.
God’s love doesn’t just provide, protect, and guide. His love transforms. His love restores. His love gives us a new future. Today, remember that because of God’s love for you, you have new life in Him.