I want to talk about something that constantly baffles me in the spiritual community. You see, there are a lot of people who are deceived about the idea of tithing. They follow traditions, but they don’t know why. Or sometimes they don’t even tithe but continually ask God for things.

So today, you and I are going to talk about the basics straight from the Bible concerning tithing. There is a LOT to say about this issue, but I just want to start here.

Cain & Abel were the first to tithe – at least the first recorded in the Bible. “So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4: 3-5)

One was accepted and one wasn’t. The Bible doesn’t come right out and say why, either. All you know is the aftermath that followed (Cain killing his brother). When God regarded Abel’s offering, Cain took it personally instead of learning something from it.

Have you noticed when people are corrected, they take things personally? And their response is usually defensive or self-deprecating. “I know, I just suck. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m not good enough. I always screw up. What’s the use?” or “No, I did everything right. I can’t help it if you didn’t make it more clear.”

Do you get squirmy when someone tries to correct you? Do you start wiggling in defense? Do you then get mad and begin to destroy yourself or others? That is what Cain did.

Cain brought the offering, but it was not what God had asked for. Instead, he brought what he thought would be a good offering.

When it comes to giving to God, the three biggest questions are why do you give, what do you give and where do you tithe to? God has directed us that if you hear the cry of the widowed, the orphaned and the sick, so your cries will be heard.

The purpose of the offering is to have an obedient, clean heart – adoration for God, not yourself. It’s about following His word! I can’t tell you what or where to give, but I can tell you to look to God! His directions will not only help you decide where to tithe, but it will open your life up to a vault of blessing.

If you have been tithing like Cain, stop the rebellion! Don’t let it bring out your defensiveness or anger. Take the correction from God and change your course. I hope today you learned a little something. Leave me your comments below and please be sure to Like and Share today’s message.

If you forgot, the spiritual conversation will continue this afternoon at 12:00 pm ET and again at 7:00 pm on The Dani Johnson Show. Join us! You can tune into the show on either your TV or radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right on our website.

In great faith,

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