When we read about tithes and offerings in Malachi 3, we have to know that giving tithes, was under the law and we are not under the law, but under grace. In Malachi 3 there are promises to Judah and Jerusalem and a very direct rebuke from God because they robbed God in tithes and offerings.

There is a Lesson in it for us to learn. As Paul teach about offerings to us the church, it is not to bring us under the law, but teach us to know that our God is a God of more than enough.

We need to have enough not just to meet our own needs. God is not the God of just enough, but He is the God of more than enough. We need to increase so we can give to see to it that the gospel is preached around the world.

How do we get the increase? By honouring God with our finances. We give to other as the Holy Spirit lead us. We give to the Church and Ministries to help them spread the Word of God.

Giving is more than a religious act, it is a matter of the heart. That's the way it is with everything as far as God is concerned. God always looks on the heart. So when we give as a religious act, not in faith, just because we're supposed to, and not as an expression of our love for God, we miss out on the blessings of it.

When we read Malachi we will see that's what happened to the people in Malachi's day. They were living under a financial curse because of the attitude of their heart. These people weren't giving God their best and they did not honor God. They had a religious act by keeping the requirements without worship.

Malachi 1:6-8 - "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts to you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?' "You offer defiled food on My altar, But say, ' In what way have we defiled You?' By saying, ' The table of the LORD is contemptible.' And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" Says the LORD of hosts.

That was clearly under the law when they offered animals. Today we honour God in worship and follow His way and being a blessing to others. We honour Him by living by faith and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and be obedient when He give us an direct command to give and then we give according to what the Holy Spirit said.

What is the lesson for us from Malachi? When we suffering financial lack and do not have the increase God has promised, we should make sure that our attitude is in line with God's Word. We should give God our best and honor Him with all our heart. If god can find us trustworthy, He will increase us and bless us.