Biblical Answer

Tithing: A Biblical Perspective

The question of whether to tithe on gross or net income has been a subject of debate among Christians. While some argue that tithing should be based on gross income, others believe that it should be based on net income. However, the Bible does not provide a clear answer to this question. In fact, the biblical principle of tithing is based on the concept of giving a portion of one's income to God, rather than on the specific amount of income earned.

The Principle of Tithing

The biblical principle of tithing is based on the idea of giving a portion of one's income to God. In the book of Leviticus, it is written that the Israelites were required to bring to the Lord 10 percent of their annual earnings, their "tenth" (Leviticus 27:30-32). This principle is not limited to the Israelites, but is a universal principle that applies to all believers. The key is not the amount of income earned, but the willingness to give a portion of one's income to God. 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).

Designating a Portion of the Tithe

In addition to giving 10 percent of one's income to God, it is also legitimate to designate a portion of the tithe for the support of other Christian ministries that need our help. This principle is set forth in the Didache, one of the earliest books of the Christian community. As the Bible says, "Provide liberally out of your flock, your threshing-floor, and your wine press, thus putting into store for yourselves a treasure in the heavens" (Proverbs 3:9-10). This means that we can give a portion of our tithe to support other Christian ministries, such as food banks, orphanages, and mission organizations, that are doing good work in the name of Christ. By doing so, we are not only giving to God, but also to those who are in need. As the Bible says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38). In other words, when we give generously to God and to others, God will bless us and give us more. This is the principle of tithing, and it is a principle that applies to all believers.