The Tithe: Giving a Tenth to God

What is a Tithe?

Tithing is the act of giving a tenth of our income to God through the church or other communities of faith. In Hebrew, the word ‘tithe’ translates to ‘tenth’. While tithing is a way to please God, it ultimately remains a personal decision. Our choice to tithe does not affect God’s love for us, but it does shape our spiritual experiences. If you are new to faith, tithing may seem challenging for now, but it is an important milestone for every disciple to work towards. The ultimate goal should always be to give at least a tenth. Discover the joy and fulfillment that comes with giving back. Experience the transformative power of tithing in your own life. Tithing is giving a tenth

Tithing is Worship

Giving a tithe to God is more than a financial transaction – it is a form of worship and a testament to our trust and obedience as disciples. Proverbs 3:9 instructs us to honor the Lord with our wealth and the firstfruits of our labor, emphasizing the significance of putting God first in our giving. Just as we prioritize maintaining the lights in our homes, it is equally essential to sustain the house of God. While we may not always align with every spending decision, that is a matter between the decision-makers and God. Our job is simply to give joyfully.

Understanding the Significance

During the COVID pandemic, many churches faced financial strain due to decreased attendance. For them the recovery process has been challenging. It’s likely your faith community is one of them. In fact, the topic of money might be frequently discussed in your congregation. As a pastor, I understand the difficulty in delivering messages on this subject, and as a parishioner in times of inflation, it can be tough to hear such sermons. However, it is not the words you hear but the revelation you receive from God. You may have earned your income, but it is He who has blessed you with a job and the ability to work. As disciples, we should embrace this responsibility with humility and gratitude. Our money is being used to enlarge God’s kingdom on earth. If you are not already tithing, please consider starting sooner rather than later.

Being a Good Steward

We will not take anything from this world when we leave that we did not bring with us. The things we have accumulated during our lifetime are entrusted to us by God to manage responsibly. We are only stewards or caretakers, managing the property of the one who owns everything. During his ministry, Jesus told stories about stewards, and he always emphasized the importance of being responsible in managing the master’s wealth. Even when he was not speaking in stories, he stressed the importance of having a proper relationship with money. “Do not accumulate wealth here on earth, where it can be destroyed by moths and rust and stolen by thieves. Instead, accumulate wealth in heaven, where it cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.” (Matthew 6:19-21 | ESV)”

Where Tithing Originated

Abraham was the first person to give a tithe and you can read about it in Genesis 14:17-20. This happened centuries before the Law of Moses was established. Tithing is mentioned again in Leviticus 27:30–34, where it says Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. (ESV) It also appears in Deuteronomy 14 and 26. Even the prophet Malachi talked about tithing and reported God’s perspective on the matter. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. (Malachi 3:10a | ESV)

Jesus Confirmed It

Some people object to giving a tithe to God, stating that it is an Old Testament requirement and therefore not applicable to modern-day Christians. While it is true that we are no longer bound by most of the laws of the Old Testament, we are still expected to follow the moral principles outlined in the Decalogue (Ten Commandments).

Jesus confirmed tithing is still an obligation believers must follow. He rebuked the Pharisees for their lack of concern for justice and love, while still fulfilling their duty to tithe. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. (Luke 11:42 | NIV) If God expects a tenth of your herbs, it is only logical that He would also expect a tithe of your income.

More is Better

In the New Testament, the minimum amount to give is the tenth. However, we should strive to give even more than that. Our attitude towards giving is important. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7 | NIV) Additionally, we should not give in a way that draws attention to ourselves. Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1 | ESV)