You may be wondering, why the need to tithe and how to tithe correctly…?
The act of tithing was put into place for our benefit and not God’s. He’s got all He needs and doesn’t want our money, because it’s already His. But the one thing that he does want is our hearts.
Tithing teaches us how to keep God first in our lives, live unselfishly, and focus on helping others without expecting anything back in return.
How to Tithe Correctly?
Tithing correctly involves giving willingly and cheerfully, regularly setting aside a portion of one’s income, typically a tenth, to support the work of God and those in need. It should be done proportionately, from ones first fruits, and with faith, trusting that God will provide and bless abundantly those who honor Him with their finances.
Before we study into this topic, we will briefly look at the practice of tithe in the Old and New Testament.
What is Tithe?
The concept of tithe in the Bible refers to the practice of giving a specific portion, usually a tenth, of one’s income, agricultural produce, or possessions as an offering to God. The word “tithe” itself means a tenth. The practice of tithing is found in both the Old Testament and is referred to in some instances in the New Testament. Here’s an overview of tithe according to the Bible:
In the Old Testament:
- Leviticus 27:30 (New International Version): “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.”This verse emphasizes the holiness of the tithe and designates it as belonging to the Lord.
- Numbers 18:21 (New International Version): “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”Tithes were given to the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a traditional land inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (New International Version): “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always.”This passage instructs the people on what to do with the tithe, including eating it in the presence of the Lord.
In the New Testament:
While the New Testament doesn’t restate the command to tithe in the same way as the Old Testament, it contains some references and principles related to giving:
- Matthew 23:23 (New International Version): “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”Jesus affirms the practice of tithing but emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
- Luke 11:42 (New International Version): “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”Similar to Matthew 23:23, this passage underscores the importance of justice and love alongside tithing.
How to Tithe Correctly
Tithing is a personal and spiritual practice, here are some general guidelines on how to approach tithing as a Christian:
- Understand the Purpose of Tithing: Recognize that tithing is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual discipline. It is an expression of gratitude, trust, and obedience to God, as well as a means of supporting the church and community.
- Reference: Malachi 3:10 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “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 throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
- Prayerful Consideration: Prayerfully consider your decision to tithe. Reflect on your financial situation, and seek guidance from God on the amount you should give. Some Christians choose to tithe 10% of their income, while others may give a different percentage based on their circumstances.
- Reference: James 1:5 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Give Cheerfully: As emphasized in 2 Corinthians 9:7, give with a cheerful heart. Your motivation for giving is important, and it should come from a place of love, generosity, and a desire to contribute to the well-being of others.
- Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:7 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “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.”
- Be Consistent: Establish a regular pattern of giving. Whether you choose to tithe monthly, bi-weekly, or another frequency, consistency is key. This helps cultivate a habit of giving and allows for better financial planning within the church or community.
- Reference: 1 Corinthians 16:2 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
- Prioritize Giving: Consider tithing as a priority in your budget. When you prioritize giving, it reflects a commitment to putting God first in your finances. This may involve making adjustments in your spending habits to ensure that giving is a central part of your financial plan.
- Reference: Proverbs 3:9-10 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
- Support the Local Church: Tithing is often directed toward supporting the local church and its ministries. Recognize the role of the church in your spiritual growth and community outreach, and contribute to its financial stability.
- Reference: 1 Timothy 5:17-18 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'”
- Explore Additional Offerings: Beyond the tithe, consider opportunities for additional offerings or charitable giving. This can include supporting specific missions, outreach programs, or community initiatives that align with your values and passions.
- Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
- Use Envelopes or Online Giving: Many churches offer various methods for giving, including envelopes, online platforms, or automated bank transfers. Choose a method that is convenient for you and allows for efficient and secure giving.
- Reference: 1 Chronicles 29:9 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”
- Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with your church’s policies and teachings on tithing. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from church leaders or pastors who can provide insight and support.
- Reference: Malachi 2:7 (New International Version)
- Scripture: “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.”
Conclusion
Remember that tithing is a personal journey, and the important thing is the attitude and intention behind your giving. It’s about participating in the work of God’s kingdom, living your life for Christ, and contributing to the well-being of the community.
Originally posted 2024-02-21 11:18:52.
