Biblical Answer

Jesus' View on Tithing

According to the Bible, Jesus taught that tithing is a part of the Law of God. However, he emphasized that it is not the most important part. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their meticulousness in tithing mint, dill, and cumin, but their hypocrisy in neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice and mercy. This indicates that Jesus saw tithing as a principle that was meant to be a joyful offering of love, but not the most important aspect of the law.

Tithing in the Old Testament and the New Testament

In the Old Testament, tithing was commanded as a requirement for the people of Israel to bring to the Lord 10 percent of their annual earnings (Lev. 27:30; Deut. 14:22). This principle was meant to be a way of expressing gratitude and love to God. However, in the New Testament, Jesus emphasized that the Pharisaic practice of tithing even garden herbs was excessive and hypocritical. He taught that what is most important is not the amount given, but the attitude and motive behind the giving.

The Relevance of Tithing Today

The Bible does not command Christians to tithe in the same way that it did for the people of Israel. However, many Christians have adopted tithing as a principle of giving to God, as a way of expressing gratitude and love. The key is not to pretend to be tithers when we are not, but to give generously and joyfully, with the right attitude and motive. Jesus taught that it is not about the amount given, but about the heart behind the giving. When we give with a heart of love and gratitude, we are pleasing God and honoring Him with our finances. As Jesus said, "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4).