TITHING

Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches tithing is over-emphasized so much so that, expenses are even made to be able to collect tithe from members.  At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today.

Should the Christian pay tithe? Is the paying of tithe relevant to the church today? Am I cursed for not paying tithe?

Old Testament

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle/Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:20-21, 26; Deuteronomy 14:24-26; 2Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent, not the 10 percent which is generally considered the tithe amount today. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament stresses more on giving based on cheerfulness and willingness. Paul (formerly a Pharisee) states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 11:29-30), without mentioning a compulsory percentage. Maybe we are all priest now under the new testament.

New Testament

The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving and we are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent (Acts 4:34-37) or sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church.

Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. Church leaders should also not use tithing as a means to covet and extort monies from their flock (2Peter 2:2-4). “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Know this

As Christians, giving should be based on the considerations of Willingness (2Corin.8:12, Acts 20:35, Ps 41:1); Generosity (2Corin. 9:6-8); Not boastfully (Matt.6:1-4); Out of Love (Jn. 3:16, Eph.5:1-2) and Sincerity (Mk 12:41-44). We should remember that as Christians living to please God, giving should be a way of life rather than occasional legalistic percentage.

Finally

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). Let this be your guiding principle to giving, whether less, greater or equal to 10%.

Amen.