Biblical Answer

A common misconception about tithing is that it is a financial burden. However, tithing is not just about giving money; it is about giving a portion of our resources back to God. When we tithe, we are acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God and that we are simply stewards of His resources. This mindset shift can help us to see tithing as an act of worship and obedience rather than a financial burden. 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 pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it" (Malachi 3:10).

Some may argue that tithing is not relevant to Christians today, citing the fact that the Old Testament law is no longer in effect. However, the principle of tithing remains the same. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus teaches that giving a tenth of our income is still expected of us. 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." This passage suggests that giving a portion of our resources is still an important aspect of our relationship with God. Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that we are to give generously and sacrificially, not just out of obligation, but out of love for God and a desire to see His kingdom advance.

When it comes to tithing, it's true that some people may do it for the wrong reasons, such as seeking recognition or financial gain. However, this does not mean that tithing itself is wrong. In fact, the Bible teaches that our motivations for giving should be pure and that we should give without expecting anything in return. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "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." Ultimately, tithing is about giving a portion of our resources back to God as an act of worship and obedience, and it's not about what others think or how much we give, but about our heart attitude and desire to honor God.