The Power of Tithing: Honoring God and Cultivating Generosity

Discover the biblical concept of tithing and how it can benefit your financial planning. Explore what the Bible says about tithing and how to tithe in the 21st century.

When it comes to financial planning, there is no doubt that the topic of tithing is a crucial one for Christians to discuss. However, there is often much confusion surrounding this topic, with many Christians unsure of what tithing is, how to tithe, and whether or not it is still relevant today.

In this article, we will explore the biblical concept of tithing and unpack what it really means for Christians in the 21st century. We will look at what the Bible says about tithing, how it was practiced in biblical times, and how it can be applied to our modern lives.

What is Tithing?

Let's start by defining what tithing actually is. At its core, tithing is the act of giving a portion of one's income to God. The word "tithe" comes from the Old English word "teogotha," which means "tenth." In biblical times, a tithe was a tenth of one's crops or livestock, which was given to the Lord as an offering.

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to tithing. In fact, tithing is mentioned over 30 times in the Old Testament alone. Tithing was an essential part of Jewish law and was required of all Israelites. In Leviticus 27:30, the Lord commands, "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord."

Tithing in the New Testament

Many Christians wonder whether tithing is still relevant today, given that it was a part of the Old Testament law. However, the New Testament also has much to say about tithing. In fact, Jesus himself affirmed the practice of tithing in Matthew 23:23, where he says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

While Jesus does not explicitly command his followers to tithe, he does affirm the practice and encourages his disciples to be generous in their giving. In Luke 6:38, he says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

How to Tithe

So, how should Christians tithe today? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are a few principles that Christians can follow. First and foremost, tithing should be done cheerfully and willingly, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "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."

In addition, tithing should be done regularly and consistently. Many Christians choose to tithe a percentage of their income each month, while others may tithe at the end of the year. The important thing is to make tithing a priority and to give generously from what God has blessed us with.

Benefits of Tithing

There are numerous benefits to tithing, both for the giver and for the church or ministry that receives the tithe. Tithing helps to support the work of the church, allowing it to carry out its mission of spreading the gospel and serving those in need. In addition, tithing can help to cultivate a spirit of generosity and gratitude in the giver, leading to greater joy and contentment in life.

Tithing can also help us to remember that everything we have comes from God. As Deuteronomy 8:18 says, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." By giving back to God a portion of what he has given us, we are acknowledging our dependence on him and expressing our gratitude for his provision.

FAQs About Tithing

1. Is tithing required in the New Testament?
While tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, it is affirmed by Jesus and encouraged by many of the apostles. Christians are called to be generous in their giving and to support the work of the church.

2. How much should I tithe?
There is no set amount that Christians are required to tithe. However, many Christians choose to tithe 10% of their income as a way of honoring God and supporting the work of the church.

3. Can I tithe in other ways besides giving money?
Yes! While financial giving is an important part of tithing, there are many other ways to give back to God and support the work of the church. This can include volunteering your time, using your talents to serve others, and praying for the church and its leaders.

4. What if I can't afford to tithe?
While tithing should be a priority for Christians, it is important to give what you are able to give. If you are not able to tithe 10% of your income, consider giving a smaller percentage or finding other ways to support the work of the church.

5. What if I disagree with how my church uses its tithes?
If you have concerns about how your church is using its tithes, it is important to speak with church leaders and share your concerns. However, it is important to remember that ultimately, it is up to God to judge the motives and actions of those who receive tithes. Our responsibility is simply to give generously and cheerfully from what God has given us.