Biblical Answer

What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?

The Bible teaches that tithing was an Old Testament principle that was commanded to the people of Israel. In Leviticus 27:30 and Deuteronomy 14:22, the Law prescribed that certain crops be tithed, and it was a joyful offering of love to the Lord. However, the Pharisees took this principle to an extreme, tithing even garden herbs (Matthew 23:23). The New Testament teaches that the principle of tithing should still be observed by Christians today, not as a legalistic requirement, but as a joyful response to God's provision in our lives.

Tithing as a Principle for Christians

As Christians, we are not under the same law as the Israelites, but we are still called to be good stewards of our resources and to give generously to the Lord. The principle of tithing is not just about giving 10% of our income, but about trusting God with our finances and recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This means that tithing should be a joyful response to God's provision, not a legalistic requirement.

The Importance of Tithing

Tithing is not just about giving to the church or to a particular cause, but about recognizing that God is our Provider and that everything we have belongs to Him. When we tithe, we are acknowledging God's sovereignty over our finances and our lives. In Malachi 3:10, God says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... and I will pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room to store it." When we tithe, we are not just giving to God, but we are also receiving blessings and provision from Him. Therefore, as Christians, we should strive to tithe regularly and cheerfully, recognizing that God is our Provider and that everything we have belongs to Him.