THE beneficent teaching of Christian Science is that God gives all good and that man is the recipient of His infinite giving. There is, however, an effort to be made on our part, for infinite good comes to us through what may be called the law of spiritual reciprocity.
Centuries ago this law of spiritual reciprocity was enunciated in this earnest entreaty (Mal. 3:10): "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." These rousing words are an invitation to enjoy the fullness of God's bestowals.
Tithing is the practice of making regular, stipulated contributions to one's church. In Bible times it was regarded in much the same manner that citizens today accept the levying and paying of taxes. A tenth of one's income was established as a just proportion for one to contribute in support of his worship. It was the prophet's intent to stir the people of his nation to their need to obey the law of tithing and so experience God's blessing.
