"Tithing is just a way for churches to manipulate broke people"
How it sounds in your head: I've seen the pastor drive a nice car while preaching that I need to give sacrificially. It feels like a pyramid scheme where leadership gets rich off people who can barely eat. This whole tithing thing is just spiritual manipulation.
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."
-- 2 Corinthians 9:7Source: legitimate church abuse and religious money manipulation that twisted a pure covenant principle into control mechanism
She's witnessed or heard about genuine financial manipulation in churches, and the optics of broke congregants funding lavish leadership lifestyles is undeniably gross.
These churches were in extreme poverty and deep affliction, yet begged Paul to let them give beyond their ability—their generosity wasn't manipulated but flowed from grace. They gave themselves to the Lord first, then gave financially from pure joy, proving true giving is never forced.
I REFUSE the lie that tithing is manipulation designed to exploit me. IT IS WRITTEN in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that God loves a CHEERFUL giver, not a coerced one—and that I give as I purpose in my heart, not under pressure. Yes, some have abused this principle, but their sin doesn't cancel God's system. IT IS WRITTEN in Hebrews 7:8 that JESUS receives my tithe—I'm giving to Him, not to corrupt leadership. I discern with wisdom where to sow, but I don't let past wounds close my hand. I am Abraham's seed under the BARAK blessing, and my generous heart positions me under heaven's open windows regardless of how others have twisted this truth.
Your Father sees every manipulative sermon you've endured and isn't asking you to fund someone's greed—He's inviting you into a direct exchange between you and Him where your trust triggers His supply. He's the Father who gave the ring and robe before any service was rendered, because His giving isn't transactional, and neither should yours be coerced.