What did Jesus say about tithing?

A Misconception About Tithing

Jesus and his disciples were accused of not tithing, which is the practice of giving 10% of one's income to the church or to the poor. However, Jesus and his disciples were not exempt from the law of tithing, but rather, they were not concerned with the letter of the law, but rather the spirit of the law.

The Spirit of the Law

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their meticulousness in tithing, but their lack of "mercy and faithfulness." He said that they had neglected the weightier matters of the law, which were justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23). Jesus saw the tithe as part of the Law of God, but not the most important part. He emphasized the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, rather than just following the rules.

The Importance of Giving

Jesus taught that giving is a joyful offering of love, and that it should be done with a willing heart, not just out of obligation. He taught that even the widow who gave her last penny to the temple was a greater giver than the wealthy Pharisees who gave large sums of money (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus emphasized that giving is not just about giving a certain percentage of one's income, but about giving with a heart of love and generosity. He taught that true giving is not just about the amount given, but about the attitude with which it is given. ## Key Takeaways

In conclusion, Jesus taught that tithing is not just about giving a certain percentage of one's income, but about giving with a heart of love and generosity. He emphasized the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, rather than just following the rules. Jesus taught that true giving is not just about the amount given, but about the attitude with which it is given. By giving with a willing heart and a heart of love, we can truly experience the joy of giving and the blessing of God.