At the start of a new year, many of us set goals to grow in faith, develop better habits, and trust God more deeply. One area that often gets overlooked is tithing. At its core, tithing is not about money. It is about trust. It is about putting God first and letting our hearts follow.

In January, as we think about fresh starts and meaningful change, tithing becomes a clear way to align our daily lives with God’s Word. Pastor Josh Baird helps us look at how this spiritual practice draws us closer to God and helps shape our values. For those of us in Gainesville and Nokesville, giving with intention can be a way to show our communities what living with open hands looks like.

Trusting God With the First

When we tithe, we are giving the first 10% of what we receive, not just what is leftover. That is a bold step, but it is built on something stronger: faith. It is saying, “God, I trust You more than I trust my paycheck or my bank account.”

The Bible talks about this kind of giving often. In Proverbs, we are told to honor the Lord with the first fruits of what we produce. That means recognizing that every blessing we have comes from God in the first place. When we choose to give the first portion back, we are saying He is the top priority, not our stuff, not our plans, and not our security.

For some, this kind of trust does not come naturally. That is okay. It grows with time and practice. But giving from the start has a way of shifting our focus away from fear and toward faith. Little by little, we stop holding so tightly and start living more freely.

The Heart Behind the Tithe

It is easy to focus on the numbers, but God is looking at something deeper: our hearts. He is not keeping score or grading us by the dollar. What matters is our willingness to give with joy, not reluctance.

Tithing reminds us that we are stewards, not owners. Everything we have has been placed in our care by a generous God. When we give, it opens our hearts. It takes us from thinking “This is mine” to “This is His.”

Over time, generosity grows. We begin to see giving not as an obligation, but as a joy. That shift does not just help others, it changes us. Pride starts to give way to humility. Selfishness starts to fade. Our hearts fill with gratitude, and we discover that trusting God in this way draws us closer to Him.

Blessings That Follow Obedience

Tithing is not a trade or a transaction. It is obedience. When we bring the tithe to God, we are simply responding to His call. But God does not leave obedience empty. In Malachi 3:10, He challenges us to bring the tithe and see how He responds, with blessing.

These blessings are not always financial. Sometimes they are peace during a stressful week. Other times, they are a deeper sense of contentment that has nothing to do with our circumstances. God provides in ways we cannot always predict.

When we give from a place of trust, we start noticing just how faithfully God meets our needs. A bill gets covered, a worry fades, a relationship is strengthened. These are glimpses of His provision at work, showing us again and again that we can rely on Him.

Living Generously Every Day

Tithing helps build a habit of giving that moves into all parts of life. It teaches us to live with open hands, not just in church but everywhere. Whether we are helping a neighbor or giving our time at school, generosity becomes something we carry with us.

And it starts at home. Teaching kids about giving early shows them that faith is not just what we believe but how we live. Families in Gainesville, VA, and nearby Nokesville have a chance to show what it means to love others through generosity. At Love Church, our kids ministry in Nokesville welcomes children from birth through grade 5 during both Sunday services, helping families live out giving together. Whether it is sharing our time, our kindness, or our resources, these small choices add up and reflect God’s heart in solid, everyday ways.

When we give consistently, it does not just change bank accounts. It shapes the way we walk through the world: slower, more thoughtful, and more aware of the needs around us.

When Tithing Feels Hard

Let’s be real, tithing is not always easy. Especially when money is tight or life gets uncertain, giving can feel like one more thing pulling at us. But God never asks us to give what we do not have. He invites us to start with what we do.

Pastor Josh Baird reminds us that it is okay to start where we are. Faithful steps matter, even small ones. Whether we tithe off a little or a lot, what matters is the heart behind it. God honors our desire to put Him first, no matter how far along we are in the process.

The goal is not to check a box but to grow in our trust. And God shows up in that growth. Every time we choose to honor Him, He meets us with grace and help.

A Deeper Walk Through Simple Obedience

Tithing might seem like a simple act, but it carries deep spiritual meaning. It reminds us of Jesus, who gave everything for us. When we give, we follow that example and step into a life of worship that goes beyond words or songs.

It is easy to overlook small acts of obedience, but they are where trust is really built. Tithing helps us walk closer with God, one decision at a time. We remember that He provides, He sees, and He is working in our lives in ways we cannot always measure.

As we begin this new year, let us make room for trust to grow. Let us give God our first, not our leftovers. As we do, we will see how even the simple act of giving can lead to a deeper, stronger walk with Him. We do not tithe to earn God’s love. We tithe because we already have it. That truth makes everything else worth it.

Looking to deepen your faith as you step into the new year? Join us at Love Church, a welcoming church in Gainesville, VA, where tithing is more than a practice; it's a path to a stronger connection with God. Our community is here to support you as you honor Him with your firsts, not just seeking blessings but finding peace and purpose every day. We invite you to experience this journey of faith with us during Sunday services and discover the joy and freedom that come from living generously.