Tithing

What is tithing?

Tithing is both an act of obedience and worship.  Biblical tithing is the practice of giving 10% of one’s income, produce, or possessions to the church or God as a way to show faith and commitment. The word “tithe” comes from Hebrew and means “a tenth”. It’s a mathematical term. Followers of Jesus are called to trust with their finances by faithfully returning the whole tithe (10% of their income) to “the storehouse” (the Church). So if you get $10, you tithe $1. If you get $100, you tithe $10. And so on…

And in that step of faith, through the tithe, God promises blessing.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open up for you a blessing until it overflows.’”

-Malachi 3:10 

 Anything given above and beyond 10 percent would be considered generosity. 

Tithing is a spiritual discipline that recognizes God’s dominion over all aspects of life, including finances. It’s a way to show that one trusts God with their lives and finances.

Who should practice tithing?

Everyone!  Every believer should be intentional about tithing.  Many people may say, but I can’t afford to tithe or God knows that I can’t afford to tithe.

However, we must consider the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44.

The poor widow would have had no source of income after her husband’s death. Therefore the two small copper coins were all she had – and yet she offered them to God.  Jesus teaches the disciples that the woman gave more than the rich.

Jesus could have stopped the woman from giving to the temple treasury, but instead spoke highly of her because her offering points to the life of sacrifice that Jesus modeled. It encourages people to give of themselves in a way that makes an impact, even if others don’t see it

Why do we need to tithe?

Tithing is not only an act of obedience but does something special in us.  Tithing changes our hearts and aligns it with the heart of the Father.  It’s an expression that says, God is first!  If we say He is first in our hearts, then He must be first in our finances, our families, and our faith. 

There are many blessings that go along with tithing. But it is the principle of putting God first and trusting Him that initiates the blessings.

Tithing changes our hearts by:  

• Growing our trust in God
• Puts your faith in God as provider
• Allows you to recognize that God is in control of my life including my finances. 

How do I practice tithing?

Tithing should be practiced by giving to your local church which you attend.  There are many worthy causes and great ministries who do incredible work for the Kingdom of God, but by giving to your local church  you:

• Connect with the other believers in your congregation
• You partner with the mission of your local church
• Ministry is enabled for your community reaching your friends, family, and neighbors with the hope of the Gospel
• Pastors are enabled to spend their time caring, loving, and investing in the community you live in.
• Ministry is provided for you and your family

You may be thinking, “But I can’t afford to tithe. I already spend far more than I bring in.”

You will never be able to afford to tithe until you tithe. We can always afford to give if we give first. In other words, we may not be able to afford to give everything we want, but we can always afford to give. It’s all about where you place your faith.

If God is truly first in our lives, we will show it through our faithfulness in honoring the tithe to Him. We sacrifice the first that He might bless the rest.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8