Why do we tithe?

Do we tithe because we want the benefits/blessing? Or do we tithe because we are afraid of "curse"? Or do we tithe because of our faith and love for God?

I have recently heard a beautiful message about the benefits of tithing. It makes me feel like "tithe" is such a wonderful thing, it brings a host of benefits when we tithed. I too believe God will bless if we tithe, but the blessing may not be in term of finance. It could be in many other areas like health, peace, joy,etc. One of the statement made in the message was " have you heard of a joyful, peaceful christian, but broke?" I wonder to what extend the statement was true?

I agree with the message that God does not cursed people who don't tithe. But robbing God is a serious matter (Mal 3:8) there will be consequences. And this part, the message did not elaborate much. Rather he did not mentioned much about "rob".

Actually, when we don't tithe, we not only rob God, but also robbing ourselves. Tithing is not making a bargain with God, but God promise to bless and care for those who is faithful in their stewardship. He wants our tithes as expressions of our faith, love and acknowledging His Lordship. These, the message also did not elaborate too.

Some of us tend to focus on the benefits of tithing (like the message) but we need to know the main reason why we tithe.

We tithe not because of the blessing, but we tithe because we acknowledging His Lordship.

ps: somehow I feel that chapter 3 of Malachi was in respond to 2 :17; people was asking " will God punish our sins?" God answers them by promising to send His messenger and so on.........and hence, chapter 3. It was a warning of judgement for the people than. So who was speaking - God. Who He was speaking to - the people in the old testatment time.