What is tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving 10% of one’s income to the church or charitable causes as an act of worship and obedience to God. The word “tithe” comes from the Old English word for “tenth.” The practice has biblical origins, with references in both the Old and New Testaments.
In the Old Testament, tithing was a form of taxation that supported the temple and priestly system. All Israelites were required to give a tithe (10%) of their crops, livestock, and other agricultural products to the Levites, who were religious officials but owned no land (Leviticus 27:30-33). The Levites, in turn, paid a tithe of the tithe to support the priests (Numbers 18:26). An additional tithe was given every three years to benefit the poor and foreigners living in Israel (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
In the New Testament, while tithing is not explicitly commanded, Christians are encouraged to be generous and regular givers to support gospel ministry (2 Corinthians 9:7). Many churches today encourage their members to tithe 10% of their income as a baseline for faithful financial stewardship. The tithe supports pastoral staff, facilities, programs, missions, and assistance to the poor. Offerings above the tithe are typically used for special projects or financial campaigns.
What are the benefits of tithing?
Tithing 10% of one’s income is regarded as a spiritual discipline with many benefits:
– It expresses trust in God as provider when one gives off the top. Tithing requires faith to give generously despite financial uncertainties.
– It counters selfishness and greed. Tithing challenges the idolatry of materialism that plagues wealthy cultures.
– It tangibly supports gospel ministry. Tithing provides the financial foundation for churches to operate and do their work.
– It cultivates generosity. Tithing sets a pattern of regular, proportional, first-fruits giving that often leads to even more generosity beyond 10%.
– It brings spiritual blessings. Many Christians testify to spiritual breakthroughs after they started tithing faithfully. They view this cause and effect as God’s favor.
– It produces joy. Jesus said “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and tithing enables people to experience this truth.
In short, tithing benefits the giver by promoting spiritual growth and blessing, in addition to practically supporting ministry. It reflects and reinforces a Christian’s values of faith, generosity, and care for others.
Does tithing have to be monetary?
The traditional practice of tithing involves giving 10% of one’s financial income. Money is obviously necessary to fund church budgets and ministries. However, some Christians ask if tithing can include non-monetary offerings as well. There are a few considerations around this issue:
– Practically speaking, while time and talents are vitally important, bills and expenses must be paid in cash. Offerings “in kind” do not provide the same financial foundation.
– Scripture speaks about tithing specifically in terms of agricultural goods and livestock – a portion of one’s income, flocks, and crops (Leviticus 27:30-32). By application, this corresponds to monetary income today.
– Giving of time and talents is encouraged as acts of service (Romans 12:11), but these are usually considered distinct from monetary tithing.
– All Christians are called to be generous stewards with all their resources, not just 10% of their income (1 Peter 4:10). So time and talents should be given freely in addition to tithes.
At the same time, here are some ways tithing could include non-monetary offerings:
– Working regularly for the church in lieu of giving cash, especially if finances are tight. Some churches allow skills and labor as an “in kind” tithe.
– Donating goods to sell at a church fundraiser. The proceeds can be tracked as tithe contributions.
– Being creative with valuable possessions, skills, or investments to generate income that goes directly to tithe fund.
Guidelines around non-monetary tithing
If a church decides to allow alternative tithe offerings beyond just money, they should establish clear policies:
– Non-monetary tithes should directly support the church’s budgetary needs and ministries, not just personal interests. Accountability and transparency are key.
– There should be an objective means to quantify the value of goods or services given, so proportional giving can be tracked.
– Contributions should be regular and consistent, not just sporadic or one-time gifts. The discipline of weekly/monthly tithing should still be encouraged.
– Approval and coordination with church leadership is ideal for significant tithes-in-kind. Communication ensures the tithe meets actual financial needs.
With responsible policies in place, non-monetary tithes can allow people to contribute generously as faithful stewards according to their unique situation. The key is maintaining the primary purpose of tithing: to support the work of the church.
Should Christians tithe on the net or gross amount?
This is a question of honest interpretation of what constitutes the “first fruits” of one’s increase (Proverbs 3:9). There are good arguments on both sides:
Reasons to tithe on gross income
– The tithe is meant to be given “off the top” before anything else. Gross income represents the total first fruits.
– All income ultimately comes from God as provision. Honoring him should come before any human taxes or expenses.
– It requires more faith and commitment to God to tithe on the full gross amount.
– Human institutions like government have no biblical claim on the tithe.
Reasons to tithe on net income
– The tithe in Scripture was based on leftover harvest and livestock after key expenses.
– Net income represents what people actually live on and have control over. It is challenging to tithe on money that never actually gets received.
– Tax obligations are imposed by God-ordained human authorities and should not be disregarded (Romans 13:1-7).
– Mandatory deductions for taxes, insurance, pensions etc. can be very substantial today. Tithing on net prevents an undue burden.
Key considerations
There are good-faith arguments on both sides of this issue. Several factors should guide people’s approach:
– Pray and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit about what is right for each situation.
– Consider discussing options with church leaders and financial advisors.
– Examine motives and aim for generous giving more than legalistic rule-keeping.
– Make a faithful plan that works logistically within financial constraints. Consistency matters more than a particular method.
– Re-evaluate approaches prayerfully over the years as circumstances change.
The most important principles are giving freely, generously, regularly, and with a priority on spiritual more than material matters. The details of calculating 10% matter far less than the heart of worshipful giving.
Should Christians still tithe today?
Reasons in favor of ongoing tithing
– It is an enduring biblical principle, not just limited to the Old Testament period. Moral directives in both covenants instruct generous giving.
– It sets a precedent for proper stewardship and trusting God rather than money. These spiritual dynamics do not change.
– Churches still have financial and ministry needs that require funding. Tithing provides this key support.
– When freely given, it promotes spiritual growth and blessings even today. These fruits are not obsolete.
Cautions about mandated tithing
– The New Testament does not explicitly command tithing like the Mosaic law did. Giving is encouraged but not compulsory.
– Churches should emphasize free generosity, not legalism or obligation to give a fixed amount.
– Tithing can become ritualistic, about “checking a box” rather than true worship. Heart motivations matter most to God.
– Rigid tithing does not accommodate individual situations like poverty, debt, financial pressures, etc. Grace and wisdom should temper the principle.
Conclusions on tithing for today
– Tithing 10% can still be a very helpful guideline or baseline goal for giving today. But it should not be mandated rigidly in light of New Testament liberty.
– Giving generously as an act of worship continues to be a biblical model. Proportional, regular, and sacrificial financial offerings honor God. Tithing fits within this broader teaching.
– The vital support of gospel ministry remains a primary purpose for giving. Christians should support their local churches and missional efforts financially in a regular, generous way according to their means.
– Motivations matter most. Giving should flow freely out of love and devotion to God, not legalistically or begrudgingly.
Can tithing make you richer?
The concept that faithful tithing leads to financial prosperity is a controversial topic. Overall there is little empirical data to support tithing itself directly causes monetary wealth. However, the Bible does suggest principles for how tithing can promote blessings:
Tithing expresses faith and shifts focus from materialism
Giving generously despite financial uncertainties requires trust in God’s provision. This act of faith positions people to receive spiritual blessings more than just monetary rewards (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). The exercise refocuses mindsets away from material security toward eternal priorities.
Generous giving brings joy
Giving can produce even more happiness than spending money on oneself. Tithing provides this joyful return on investment that money alone cannot offer (Acts 20:35). Joy and contentment in Christ are far more valuable than material wealth.
God repays generous gifts with provision to do more good
As believers invest generously in kingdom work, God promises to supply them with more means to keep doing good (Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 6:38). This principle of spiritual leverage allows ministry to multiply through wise stewardship.
Tithing is no guarantee of wealth
Nowhere does Scripture promise that faithful tithing will make people rich. Economic prosperity is not guaranteed, and could distract from spiritual focus (1 Timothy 6:6-10). God’s greatest interest is in cultivating Christlike character, not comfortable lives (James 1:17, Hebrews 13:5).
Key takeaway
Tithing can enrich lives spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and even materially at times – but the blessings are not necessarily monetary. God rewards faithful stewardship in diverse ways according to his wisdom and plans. The rewards center more on spiritual contentment than financial wealth.
Should you tithe if you have debt?
For believers struggling with debt, determining priorities for tithing versus debt repayment requires prayerful wisdom and counsel:
Tithing pros
– It demonstrates faith in God’s provision by giving generously despite the debt burden.
– It honors a biblical priority of giving to God first from one’s means, however small (Proverbs 3:9).
– It positions people to receive spiritual blessings that could help motivate them to also tackle debt responsibly.
Paying off debt pros
– Eliminating debt frees up future income that can then be given generously without constraint.
– It reflects financial wisdom and stewardship to stop accumulating interest charges.
– It removes a source of stress and bondage that distracts from spiritual focus.
Key considerations
– Pray for wisdom and listen to trusted counsel on setting priorities (Proverbs 15:22).
– Consider proportional giving – eg. 2% or 5% – during debt repayment season as an act of faith.
– Reevaluate the tithe percentage as debt is reduced to eventually reach 10% while also celebrating becoming debt-free.
– Frame the season as intentionally temporary, not indefinite postponement of tithing responsibilities. Set goals for getting back on track.
– Look at all spending priorities – luxuries, entertainment, eating out – not just whether to tithe or pay debt. All choices reflect spiritual priorities.
How does tithing compare to charity?
Tithing and charitable giving overlap in their motivation of caring for others. Key differences include:
| Tithing | Charitable Giving |
|---|---|
| Given to one’s local church | Given to various nonprofit groups |
| Regular, recurring (weekly/monthly) | Often sporadic, one-time, or seasonal |
| Based on percentage income | Variable amounts |
| Supports church operations and ministries | Supports wide variety of causes |
| Mandated in the Bible | Noble but optional giving |
Key similarities:
– Both require sacrifice and trust in God’s provision
– Both serve vital needs that reflect Christlike compassion
– Both bring spiritual fruits like joy when done from godly motives
Tithing and charitable giving work best in tandem – tithing supports the core work of the local church while additional donations bless wider needs.
Conclusion
Tithing involves more than just the monetary sums given. At its core it is a spiritual practice – an act of worship, faith, and stewardship. It reflects devotion to God over love of money. While tithing’s literal definition refers to 10%, its greater value relates to cultivating spirituality and blessing others. The principles behind the practice make tithing timeless for followers of Jesus.