Getting into debt can be suffocating in many ways. We are deprived of peace, comfort and relational reconciliation. But should a certain level of debt also choke our practice of tithing or should a believer continue to dedicate their tenth in the midst of financial struggle?

The tithe can easily be misunderstood when we simply look at the act of turning over ten percent of our earnings to God's work. People have deemed it as an abused discipline, which in some cases it could be. Others see it as a dead ritual, which if viewed from a historical point of view it somewhat is.

But the tithe goes beyond just the act of giving finances to a church. What makes it powerful, pure and relevant to this very day is what it does to our hearts and how God continues to honour those who keep the tithe still. Malachi 3:10 gives the command, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."

Tithing has changed over the years, but it is still rooted on biblical principles of stewardship, obedience and faith in God. No one is in any position to tell anyone they should tithe, whether in debt or not. I definitely don't want to put myself in that position because of all the controversy, but I do want to point out a few reasons why tithing can and will be beneficial to you if you are in debt today.

The tithe protects our pockets

God continues his promise to tithers in Malachi 3:11 saying, "I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts." There can be many things that will devour your finances- emergencies, deadweight loss, investments gone bad, seasons of unemployment. God can and does promise to protect our finances from such devourers if we trust Him with the tithe.

Generosity frees our hearts

There is something about living to give that deals with our emotions and will in a positive way. Studies show that people who live generously tend to be less worried and are not as likely to get depressed. When we live to give whether in tithes or any other form, we put our hearts in a position to be cheerful in the midst of trial.

God honors faith

There's really no law to tithing when we're in debt, but there are so many clear promises that God gives to those who trust Him. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." If we continue to put our faith in God most especially in bad times, He is more than willing and eager to come to our rescue.