Today we will talk about bible verses about stealing from God. Many Christians may not fully understand the seriousness of this issue or how it can affect our relationship with Him. Stealing from God may not seem like a common transaction we think of, but it can manifest through neglecting our tithes, not giving our time or talents, or failing to honor Him with our lives. This topic encourages us to reflect on our commitments and responsibilities as followers of Christ. Let’s delve deep into God’s Word and discover what He teaches us about sharing and contributing to His Kingdom. Prepare your hearts and minds as we explore these enlightening verses about stealing from God.
Bible Verses About Stealing From God
Understanding Tithes and Offerings
Often, we think of stealing from God in terms of offerings and tithes. Tithing is not just a tradition; it’s a spiritual practice that honors God with our income. It’s a way of acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him, and in return, we give back a portion to sustain His work. Understanding tithes and offerings is crucial for us as we strive to maintain a healthy relationship with God. When we hold back, we miss out on the blessings He has in store for us. Giving is a demonstration of our love and trust in Him. We should see it not as a loss but as a joyful act of gratitude.
Malachi 3:8
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.” – Malachi 3:8
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Leviticus 27:30
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” – Leviticus 27:30
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
The Importance of First Fruits
As we explore the concept of giving back to God, we can reflect on the idea of first fruits. This biblical principle encourages us to prioritize our giving to God right from the start. When we bring our first fruits, we are not only obeying God’s command, but we are also making a declaration of trust in Him. It’s about setting our priorities straight and acknowledging God first before anything else. By doing so, we experience a deeper connection with God as we honor Him with our best.
Exodus 23:19
“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” – Exodus 23:19
Deuteronomy 26:2
“Take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket.” – Deuteronomy 26:2
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” – James 1:17
Nehemiah 10:37
“We will bring a tithe of our crops and every tree to the Levites…” – Nehemiah 10:37
Seeking God’s Kingdom First
Making God our priority means seeking His Kingdom first in our daily lives. When we dedicate ourselves to pursuing God’s desires and Kingdom, we understand that nothing we have belongs solely to us. Seeking His Kingdom involves lifting our focus off ourselves and aligning with His purpose. It reminds us that everything we do should reflect our commitment to Him, including our resources. This shift in focus helps us avoid the trap of robbing God as we willingly contribute back to His work.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Luke 12:34
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Luke 12:34
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
The Joy of Giving
Giving is often viewed as a burden, but in reality, it is a source of joy that glorifies God. When we approach giving with a cheerful heart, we acknowledge His graciousness in our lives. It reminds us that we are part of a larger community, working together to fulfill God’s mission on Earth. Embracing the joy of giving not only strengthens our relationship with God but also enriches our lives by spreading His love and kindness to others. Let’s unearth the happiness found in being generous.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” – Luke 6:38
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:24-25
Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8
The Heart Condition of Giving
As we reflect on our giving, it is vital to examine the condition of our hearts. God is not merely after our money or resources; He seeks our commitment and the love behind our contributions. When we give out of obligation or to receive praise, we miss the whole point. God desires a heart that is willing and cheerful, one that acknowledges His goodness. It is important for us to evaluate why we give and to ensure our motivations align with God’s purpose and love.
1 Chronicles 29:17
“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.” – 1 Chronicles 29:17
Matthew 6:1-2
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1-2
Mark 12:41-44
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.” – Mark 12:41-44
Proverbs 21:2
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.” – Proverbs 21:2
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” – 2 Corinthians 8:12
Trusting God with Our Resources
Trusting God with our resources is essential in our walk of faith. We may want to hoard or control what we have, fearing that there won’t be enough for ourselves. But when we steal from God by holding back, we reveal our lack of trust in His provision. We must remember, God is our ultimate source, and He will meet our needs. By placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves up to the blessings and abundance that He can provide. Trust is at the core of a thriving relationship with God.
Philippians 4:11-12
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11-12
Psalm 37:25
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:25
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Luke 12:22-23
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.'” – Luke 12:22-23
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
God’s Promises of Provision
The Scriptures remind us time and again of God’s promises concerning provision. He assures us that if we are faithful with what He has given us, He will take care of our needs. The act of stealing from God can rob us of experiencing the fullness of His promises. When we commit to giving what is rightfully God’s, we position ourselves to receive His abundant blessings in return. Trusting in His promises strengthens our faith and draws us close to His heart.
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10
Psalms 23:1
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalms 23:1
Psalms 34:10
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” – Psalms 34:10
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” – Luke 6:38
Consequences of Stealing
It’s important for us to be aware of the potential consequences of stealing from God. The Bible warns us that withholding what is rightfully His can lead to spiritual and even material loss. God desires our hearts to be aligned with His will, and stealing disrupts that connection. By understanding the repercussions, we can motivate ourselves to be diligent in our giving. A sincere heart of generosity fosters a community of blessing and abundance.
Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9
Isaiah 59:2
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:2
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
Proverbs 11:18
“A wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” – Proverbs 11:18
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the verses regarding stealing from God, it becomes clear that our relationship with Him is deeply tied to our hearts and our giving. We need to recognize that our offerings, tithes, and acts of service are opportunities to honor the Lord. Understanding the principles of generosity, trust, and joy in giving enriches our spiritual journey. Let’s commit ourselves to being diligent in our responsibilities to God and to one another. By aligning our hearts with His teachings, we welcome His abundant blessings into our lives and the lives of others. Together, we can foster a community that reflects God’s love and provision, ensuring that we never steal what belongs to Him but instead give freely and cheerfully. Our lives become testimonies of His grace and generosity.
Let’s carry these lessons into our daily lives and remember that honoring God with our resources brings joy not just to Him, but also to us. Amen.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
