Biblical Answer

Jesus' views on tithing are not opposed to the practice itself, but rather to the Pharisees' hypocrisy and neglect of more important matters of the law. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus commends the Pharisees' meticulousness in tithing even the smallest pieces of produce, but pronounces woes on them for neglecting justice and mercy. This suggests that Jesus saw tithing as a part of the Law of God, but not the most important part. He emphasizes that true righteousness involves more than just external acts of religiosity, such as tithing, but also involves mercy and faithfulness.

The New Testament does not explicitly command Christians to tithe in the same way that the Old Testament did. However, the principle of tithing is still considered relevant for Christians today. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, the apostle Paul instructs Christians to set aside a portion of their income for the needs of the church, using the language of tithing. This suggests that the principle of giving a portion of one's income to the church is still expected of Christians today. Furthermore, the biblical concept of stewardship emphasizes the importance of being good managers of the resources God has given us, including our finances.

In practice, tithing is not just about giving a certain percentage of one's income to the church, but also about cultivating a heart of generosity and gratitude towards God. As the author of Proverbs 3:9-10 notes, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your crops produce." Tithing is not just a duty, but an opportunity to express our love and gratitude to God for all that He has given us. By practicing tithing, Christians can develop a deeper sense of dependence on God and a greater sense of joy and freedom in their giving.