Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth of one’s income or produce to the church or a religious institution. It is based on the biblical commandment to honor God with the first fruits of one’s labor (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Tithing is often seen as a way of expressing gratitude, obedience, and worship to God, as well as supporting the ministry and the needy.
However, tithing is also a controversial topic among Christians, especially in modern times.
Some argue that tithing is no longer required or relevant for believers under the new covenant of grace, while others maintain that tithing is still a valid and beneficial principle for Christians today.
In this blog post, we will examine both sides of the debate and explore some of the scriptural references that support or challenge tithing.
Arguments for tithing:
- Tithing is a way of honoring God with our resources and acknowledging Him as the source of everything we have (Deuteronomy 14:22-23; Malachi 3:10).
- Tithing is a way of expressing our faith and trust in God’s provision and promises (Hebrews 11:6; Malachi 3:10-12).
- Tithing is a way of participating in God’s kingdom work and supporting the church and its mission (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14).
- Tithing is a way of cultivating a generous and cheerful spirit and avoiding greed and materialism (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Arguments against tithing:
- Tithing is part of the old covenant law that was fulfilled by Christ and does not apply to Christians under the new covenant of grace (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25).
- Tithing is not explicitly commanded or practiced by the apostles or the early church in the New Testament (Acts 2:44-45; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15).
- Tithing is not a fixed or universal rule, but a matter of personal conviction and freedom (Romans 14:5; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Tithing can become a legalistic or manipulative practice that undermines the gospel of grace and the sufficiency of Christ (Matthew 23:23; Galatians 5:1).
However, tithing is not the only way to give back to God and His kingdom.
There are many other ways to express our love and gratitude to God through our giving, such as:
- Offering our time, talents, and gifts to serve God and others (Romans 12:1-8; Ephesians 4:11-16).
- Sharing our testimonies, experiences, and resources with others who need encouragement, guidance, or help (Matthew 10:8; Hebrews 13:16).
- Giving generously and sacrificially to causes that align with God’s heart and will, such as missions, social justice, or humanitarian aid (Matthew 25:31-46; James 1:27).
- Practicing hospitality, kindness, and generosity towards strangers, foreigners, or marginalized people (Leviticus 19:33-34; Hebrews 13:2).
These are some examples of other ways to give back to God and His kingdom.
The important thing is not how much we give or what percentage we give, but how we give and why we give.
We should give out of love, joy, faith, and obedience, not out of guilt, fear, obligation, or pride.
We should give as an act of worship, not as a way of earning favor or blessings.
We should give as stewards, not as owners.
We should give as partners, not as consumers.
As we give back to God in various ways, we will experience His grace and blessing in our lives.
We will also be a blessing to others and advance His kingdom on earth.
Giving back to God is not only our duty but also our privilege and joy.
The difference between tithing and offering is that tithing is based on a fixed percentage of one’s income or produce, while offering is based on one’s personal choice and ability.
Tithing is based on a commandment from God, while offering is based on an invitation from God.
Tithing is based on a principle of obedience, while offering is based on a principle of love.
Both tithing and offering are valid and valuable ways to give to God and His kingdom.
They are not mutually exclusive or contradictory, but complementary and harmonious.
They both reflect different aspects of our relationship with God and our response to His grace.
They both have benefits and blessings for us and others.
They both honor God and advance His kingdom on earth.
The biblical basis for offering can be found in both the Old and New Testaments.
Some of the examples are:
- Abel offered his best animal to God as an act of worship and faith (Genesis 4:4).
- The Israelites offered their gold, silver, jewels, fabrics, and other materials to build the tabernacle as an act of obedience and gratitude (Exodus 35:21-29).
- David offered his own resources to buy the threshing floor of Araunah as an act of repentance and sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24).
- The widow offered her two small coins to God as an act of trust and generosity (Mark 12:41-44).
- The Macedonian churches offered their money to help the poor saints in Jerusalem as an act of grace and fellowship (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
- The Philippians offered their gifts to Paul as an act of partnership and appreciation (Philippians 4:15-18).
These are some examples of offering in the Bible.
They show that offering is not limited by amount, frequency, or purpose, but by one’s heart and attitude.
Offering is not motivated by obligation, compulsion, or expectation, but by love, joy, and willingness.
Offering is not measured by quantity, quality, or visibility, but by sincerity, sacrifice, and faith.
Offering is a way of expressing our worship, gratitude, and sacrifice to God, as well as supporting His work and will in various ways.
Conclusion:
Tithing is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful study, prayer, and discernment.
There is no simple or definitive answer that applies to every situation or context.
Ultimately, tithing is not about following a rule or a formula, but about having a relationship with God and responding to His grace and love with gratitude and generosity.
Whether we tithe or not, we should always seek to honor God with our finances and steward them wisely for His glory and purposes.
