Honoring God with Our Firstfruits

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9–10 (KJV)

What Are Firstfruits?

The concept of firstfruits comes from the Old Testament practice where the Israelites would bring the first and best portion of their harvest to God as an offering (Exodus 23:19, Leviticus 23:10). It was an expression of gratitude, trust, and devotion to the Lord who gave the increase.

Firstfruits were not the leftovers after the harvest was stored or sold. They were given first, before the rest was even gathered. This required faith—a trust that God would bless what remained.

The Principle Behind Firstfruits

Firstfruits symbolize putting God first in everything. When we honor God with the first of our income, time, talents, or opportunities, we are declaring:

  • “You are the source of my blessing.”

  • “I trust You with what comes next.”

  • “You are worthy of my best, not just what’s convenient.”

It is not about the ritual, but the relationship—an act of faith-filled worship.

Firstfruits vs. Tithes

While both tithing and firstfruits involve giving, they are distinct:

  • Tithe: A recurring tenth of your income, showing continual obedience.

  • Firstfruits: A special offering from the first increase—such as the first paycheck of a new year, the first harvest, or the first payment from a new source of income.

The tithe is systematic. Firstfruits are sacrificial and celebratory.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus is called the Firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). His resurrection was the first and best, guaranteeing that more would follow—those who believe in Him will also rise again.

As believers, we are also called firstfruits unto God (James 1:18). This shows that God desires the first and best in every area of our lives—our hearts, time, energy, and resources.

Why Offer Firstfruits Today?

Offering firstfruits is a powerful spiritual practice. It:

  1. Puts God First – Before bills, needs, or plans.

  2. Breaks Fear and Greed – Declaring trust in God, not in money.

  3. Invites Overflow – God promises that our barns will be filled and presses overflow (Proverbs 3:9–10).

  4. Marks New Beginnings – It’s a way to consecrate a new year, job, business, or season to God.

How to Offer Firstfruits

  • Prayerfully set aside your first earnings or increase.

  • Offer it with gratitude and joy.

  • Give it to your local church, or wherever you are spiritually fed.

  • Accompany it with thanksgiving and a declaration of trust in God’s provision.

A Heart Posture of Worship

Giving firstfruits is not about obligation—it’s about honor. We give because we love God and want to glorify Him in all we do. Just like Abel’s offering was accepted because of his heart (Genesis 4:4), so will ours be if given in faith and love.

Final Thought

Every act of giving is a spiritual seed. When we give God our first and best, we invite Him to bless the rest. Let our lives be marked by a rhythm of generosity that declares: God is first, and He is worthy of all I have and am. 

A Prayer of Firstfruits – Honoring God with My First and Best

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus,

I come before You with a grateful heart, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from You. You are my Source, my Provider, my Sustainer. All I have belongs to You, and without You, I am nothing.

Today, I offer to You my firstfruits—the first and best of all my increase—not as a ritual, but as a holy act of worship. I honor You with my substance, just as Your Word commands in Proverbs 3:9–10. I bring this offering not out of compulsion, but out of love and reverence for who You are.

Lord, I declare:
🕊️ You are first in my life.
🕊️ You are worthy of my best, not my leftovers.
🕊️ I trust You with what comes next.
🕊️ I consecrate this new season, this new beginning, into Your hands.

As I give, I lay down every fear, every doubt, every desire to control. I break agreement with the spirit of mammon and the grip of greed. I declare that my trust is in You alone, not in money, not in possessions, and not in human strength.

Let my offering rise before You as a sweet aroma, like Abel’s sacrifice—accepted because of a heart of faith. May this firstfruit seed mark the beginning of abundance, overflow, and divine alignment. According to Your Word, fill my barns with plenty, and cause my presses to burst forth with new wine.

Lord, take delight in what I bring. Multiply it for the work of Your Kingdom. Use it to bless others, advance Your gospel, and glorify Your name.

May my life be a continual offering—of time, energy, praise, and resources—always giving You first place in everything.

In Jesus Almighty name, Amen.


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