Why Do People Pay Tithes?
Tithing is a biblical concept introduced in the Old Testament by Abraham, who began to tithe, or gave back a tenth of his income, to the Lord as a sign of obedience. The principle repeats itself often throughout scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. There are assurances of reward for faithful stewardship for those who fulfill this law. Subsequently there are consequences for those who forsake it.
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Stewardship
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According to the Psalms 24:1, everything under creation belongs to the Lord. That means all of what you have, likewise, belongs to God as well. You are merely a steward over that which you've been blessed, and you are required to be a faithful steward over your possessions. To do this, Deuteronomy 14:22-29 instructs that you are to give just a tenth, or ten percent, back as a sign of obedience.
Obedience
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Since tithing was introduced as a law, you are expected to follow it like a law. This is a covenant between you and the Lord. You honor him with your tithe and he will reward your faith. Deuteronomy 28 states that following God's laws will bestow blessings upon you, and will open up the heavens to fill your storehouses. By giving just a tenth of your income, you ultimately will make the other 90 percent more abundant.
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Offerings
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Though Jesus is considered the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17-18,) tithing continued through the New Testament. In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus praised a poor widow for dropping all of her money into the collection box. Jesus pointed this out to his disciples, saying that she may have only given a couple of coins but she indeed gave more than anyone else, simply because she gave everything. By giving over and above her required ten percent, she earned Jesus' favor for her generous offering.
Consequences
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There are consequences in the Bible for those who were not faithful with their tithes. Malachi 3 covers the disobedience of "robbing God" by ignoring the tithe, which resulted in a curse. Conversely in Malachi 3 God makes a promise: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Benefits
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Because God is a multiplier and seeking to bless you, he will use your own faithful obedience to these laws to bless you according to the Bible. You are generally commanded to bring this tithe to your place of worship, where you are spiritually fed. Offerings can be as much as or as little as you determine. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 the Apostle Paul states that God loves a cheerful giver, and that a man should give "not reluctantly or under compulsion."
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References
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