Biblical Answer

The Principle of Tithing in the Bible

The principle of tithing is rooted in the Old Testament, where God commanded the Israelites to bring 10 percent of their annual earnings to the Lord (Lev. 27:30; Deut. 14:22). This principle was meant to be a joyful offering of love, but it was often misunderstood and taken to an extreme by the Pharisees, who tithed even garden herbs (Matt. 23:23). Jesus accepted the principle of tithing as proper, but rebuked the Pharisees for neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice and mercy.

The New Covenant Perspective

In the New Testament, the principle of tithing is not explicitly mentioned, but the concept is still relevant. Jesus did not abolish the principle of tithing, but rather emphasized the importance of living a life that reflects God's values, such as justice and mercy. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:2, "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and store up as much as may be a good measure, so that collections are made as a gift not grudgingly or under compulsion." This verse suggests that giving to the Lord is still a principle for Christians today.

The Importance of Tithing

Tithing is not just about giving a certain percentage of one's income, but about living a life of generosity and trust in God. When we tithe, we are acknowledging that God is the owner of all we have, and that we are stewards of His resources. By giving 10 percent of our income to the Lord, we are demonstrating our trust in Him and our commitment to His kingdom. As we learn to tithe, we will find that it becomes a joy and a discipline, and we will be more generous and faithful in all areas of our lives. Ultimately, tithing is a principle that all Christians should follow, as it reflects God's values of generosity, justice, and mercy.