Devotion October 3, 2025

By: Pastor Dennis

Genesis 14:20 “….then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

The concept of tithing began with Abram’s commitment to Melchizedek. When Abram learned of the defeat of Sodom and Gomorrah and that his nephew (Lot) had been captured, he set out to rescue him. Abraham recovered all of the goods which were taken from the cities and rescued Lot as well. When Melchizedek, who was king of Salem, learned of Abrams’s victory, he held a celebration where he blessed Abram. Abram then gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek as a show of his support and commitment.    

What We Should Know

When Melchizedek offered Abram to keep all of the spoils. Abram respectfully refused saying “I have sworn an oath to the Lord God most high, creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you.” (v.22)  

While the original tithe was established as ten percent, that percentage was not required by New Testament codes but the concept of giving a portion of one’s time, talent and money from a heartfelt commitment is. II Cor 9:7 says “…give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Give from the heart and give consistently for the Lord’s work and the Church will prosper.