Biblical Answer

The Command to Tithe: What Did Jesus Say?

Jesus did not abolish the command to tithe, but rather, He emphasized the importance of the principle behind it. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness." Jesus is not saying that tithing is wrong or unnecessary; rather, He is saying that the Pharisees' focus on tithing has become a mere external ritual, devoid of the love and compassion that the Law intended.

The Principle of Tithing: A Joyful Offering of Love

The command to tithe is rooted in the Law of God, as seen in Leviticus 27:30 and Deuteronomy 14:22. Tithing was meant to be a joyful offering of love, a way for the Israelites to express their gratitude to God for their blessings. However, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their excessive focus on tithing, saying that they have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This emphasis on the principle behind tithing is crucial, for it highlights the importance of giving not just out of obligation, but out of love and a desire to serve others.

Tithing in the Christian Community

In the Christian community, tithing is not a mandatory requirement, but rather a principle that can be applied in various ways. Jesus' emphasis on the principle of tithing encourages us to examine our hearts and motivations for giving. Are we giving out of love and a desire to serve others, or are we simply going through the motions? The Bible teaches that our giving should be a joyful expression of our love for God and our gratitude for His blessings (2 Corinthians 9:7). By applying the principle of tithing in a way that is authentic and meaningful to us, we can cultivate a heart of generosity and love that honors God.