09-01-2025 PART 1: Windows of Heaven: Giving with a Soft Heart

Section 1 Malachi’s question-and-answer style confronts a people who insist they’ve done nothing wrong, exposing how easy it is to shift blame instead of owning sin. The call is to return to God with soft hearts that invite correction rather than self-justification. The prophet presses a pointed charge—“you have cheated Me”—not to crush, but to awaken honest repentance and responsibility before the Lord.

Section 2 The teaching rejects legalism: believers in Christ are not “under a curse,” yet generosity still matters deeply. Tithes and offerings are framed as worshipful partnership with God: care for the local “storehouse” and compassion for those in need. The emphasis is the heart—give willingly, not grudgingly—and with wisdom: tithes typically sustain the home base; offerings fuel broader ministries. Even Jesus affirmed tithing while prioritizing the weightier matters; Abraham modeled giving before the Law—so the principle endures without the legalistic burden.

Section 3 God invites His people to “test” Him: bring what’s due, and watch Him open heaven’s windows with provision that overflows. Giving becomes a joyful cycle—God gives; we return; others are blessed; gratitude multiplies. The teaching urges believers to make generosity an adventure led by the Lord, remembering His lavish gifts—from daily breath to answered prayer and life-changing presence—and to respond with thankful, faith-filled obedience. The session closes in prayer, asking for right attitudes in giving and trusting God’s wisdom in personal needs.