Biblical Answer

Tithing in the Bible

The Bible teaches that tithing was an Old Testament principle that was commanded to the people of Israel. In Leviticus 27:30 and Deuteronomy 14:22, the law of the tithe is prescribed, requiring Israel to bring a tenth of their annual earnings to the Lord. This law was meant to be a joyful offering of love, but it was also a way for the Israelites to remember God's provision and generosity in their lives.

However, for the Christian community today, the principle of tithing is not just about giving a certain percentage of their income, but about living a life of generosity and stewardship. Jesus taught that giving should be done with a cheerful heart, and that even the smallest amount given with love and gratitude is acceptable to God (Matthew 6:1-4). In fact, Jesus did not emphasize the importance of tithing, but rather the need to give to those in need and to live a life of love and service to others (Matthew 25:31-46).

For the Christian, tithing is not just about giving a certain percentage of their income, but about trusting God with their finances and living a life of faith and obedience. When we give to God, we are not just giving our money, we are giving ourselves to Him, and trusting that He will provide for our needs. As the Bible says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10). This verse reminds us that when we give to God, He promises to bless us and provide for our needs, and that is a promise that we can trust and rely on.