Recent studies have substantiated that demonstrating gratitude improves the immune system, improves physical and mental health, reduces inflammation, boosts sleep quality, and combats depression. All acts of gratitude increase positive emotion, while negative thoughts increase negativity. We must be thankful for the blessings God has given us because God owns everything and chooses to share it with us. Merely mouthing "thank you" is not a satisfactory option; we are required to do or perform an action, demonstrating our thankfulness. The practice of tithing precedes the Mosaic Law, from the time Abram gave a tithe of gratitude to Melchizedek for rescuing Lot. The tithes accumulated supported the Levites, who did not have a real estate inheritance. Even so, the tithes did not belong to the Levites, but to God who commanded their services on behalf of the people. God has not upped the 10% even though human governments have abused its constituents with burdensome tribute. To refuse God the tithes brands us as thieves and invites an automatic curse; we cannot afford not to tithe. In Malachi 3:3-8, we learn that refusal to tithe robs God and invites the curse of poverty and famine, a penalty which exists to this day. Tithing provides spiritual food for God's people. The principle recurring from Genesis to Revelation is that it is more blessed to give than to receive.