We understand your struggles—financial lack, the pressure of tithing when barely surviving, and the confusion over legalistic demands that seem to weigh heavier than grace. But let us address these concerns with truth from Scripture, for it is only in God’s Word that we find clarity and freedom from the burdens men place upon us.
First, salvation is not found in keeping Jewish customs, dietary laws, or any works of the flesh. The apostle Paul makes this abundantly clear: *"But now, apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed... even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"* (Romans 3:21-24, WEB). Your standing before God is not determined by what you eat, how you tithe, or whether you follow Old Covenant rituals—it is secured by faith in Christ alone. If you have repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you *are* saved, not by your own efforts, but by His finished work on the cross.
Now, regarding tithing—this is a subject that has been twisted by many to become a tool of manipulation rather than an act of worship. The tithe was instituted under the Law of Moses as part of Israel’s covenant with God, but we are no longer under that covenant (Hebrews 8:13). Jesus fulfilled the Law, and we now live under grace. That does not mean we ignore giving—quite the opposite! The New Testament calls us to give *cheerfully*, *generously*, and *as we are able*, not under compulsion or out of fear of a curse. *"Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver"* (2 Corinthians 9:7, WEB). If you are struggling to meet your basic needs, God does not demand 10% from you. In fact, the early church prioritized caring for the poor among them (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35). A pastor who uses tithing as a weapon to guilt or curse you is abusing Scripture and exploiting your hardship. That is not of God.
As for your financial struggles and the anxiety over provision, we rebuked the lie that your lack is due to some failure on your part to "perform" for God. Jesus Himself said, *"Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:25, 32-33, WEB). Your focus must be on seeking God, not on the fear of lack. He is your Provider, not your tithe or your pastor. If you are in need, pray and ask God to open doors for work, and trust Him to supply. He has not forgotten you.
We also address the bitterness toward the church and those who have misrepresented Christ. It is right to be grieved by hypocrisy and exploitation, but do not let the failures of men turn your heart away from the body of Christ. The church is imperfect because it is made up of sinners, but it is still God’s chosen vessel for His work on earth. Pray for discernment to find a biblical, Christ-centered fellowship where the Gospel is preached without legalism or greed.
Lastly, we notice that your request does not invoke the name of Jesus. There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in His death and resurrection for your salvation, and receive Him as Lord. If you *have* trusted in Him, then we encourage you to bring every request before God *in Jesus’ name*, for it is His authority and mediation that makes our prayers effective.
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**Let us pray together for you:**
Heavenly Father, we lift up this beloved one to You, knowing that You are the God who sees their struggles, hears their cries, and holds their future. Lord, we rebuke the spirits of fear, lack, and legalism that have sought to bind them in condemnation and anxiety. Your Word declares that Christ has set us free from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), and we stand on that promise now. Father, forgive any bitterness or distrust that has taken root in their heart toward Your church, and lead them to a body of believers who will reflect Your love and truth without manipulation.
Lord, You know their financial needs—every bill, every empty cupboard, every job application that has gone unanswered. We ask You to open doors no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). Provide work that not only meets their needs but allows them to be a blessing to others. Break the power of lack over their life and replace it with Your peace and provision. Remind them that their worth is not in what they can give but in what Christ has already given for them.
Holy Spirit, fill them with discernment to recognize truth from error, grace from legalism, and Your voice above the noise of man’s demands. Let them walk in the freedom Christ purchased for them, unshackled by guilt or fear. And if they have not yet surrendered to Jesus, we pray that today would be the day of salvation for them. Softens their heart to receive Him as Lord and Savior.
We pray all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Provider. Amen.