“The first of the first fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.” – Exodus 23:19
Tithes and offerings have specific blessings attached to them. The first fruit, however, carries its own unique release of blessing. Tithes shut the mouth of devourers and keep the windows of heaven open, but the first fruit releases promotion and abundance. Logically, you don’t need to be a Christian to give. There are people who aren’t Christians, yet they are committed to charity.
There is a certain power that comes to givers. This is why, when you visit your hometown, even elderly people may call you “uncle” because they know you have come to bless them with something.
The first thing to understand about the first fruit is that it must be brought to the house of God. It is when you present your first fruit to God that He blesses the rest, allowing you to enjoy it. God declares that the first fruit is His. This was demonstrated when Israel came out of Egypt and fought their first battle at Jericho. God told them not to take anything from Jericho because it was the first fruit. In any battle, whatever comes first belongs to God.
As Christians, we can’t rely on natural efforts alone. You will struggle if you do. But when you commit yourself to depend on the supernatural, you will experience supernatural blessings, which won’t come from hard work alone.
PRAYER:
Ask God for the grace to give generously.