Hi there, I am thrilled to have you reading this article. I have engaged a few people who have one or two issues with Christianity and the church. One thing that I have found that is common to all of them, is their hatred of how so-called Pastors and church leaders extort their followers when it comes to the concept of tithe and offering. It saddens my heart because these are people we should be trying to bring into the faith, but the evil they see further scares them away from the cross making our evangelistic efforts more difficult. This is why I want to provide a Biblical perspective on this, so that you, my reader, can understand the truth for yourself and live in the centre of the will of God.
The concept of tithe, meaning a tenth portion, is deeply rooted in the Old Testament (Leviticus 27:30). Under Mosaic Law, God instructed the Israelites to set aside a specific portion of their harvests and livestock as a tithe (Numbers 18:21). There were actually multiple tithes mentioned under the Mosaic Law:
The First Tithe (Leviticus 27:30-32): This tithe, typically consisting of agricultural produce, was given to support the Levites, the tribe entrusted with religious duties in the Old Testament.
The Second Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-27): This tithe, happening every three years, was used for celebratory feasts and to assist the poor and Levites.
The Tithe of the Herd (Leviticus 27:32): A tenth of the increase of a person's herd was also designated as a tithe.
However, the New Testament presents a shift in perspective when it comes to this concept, moving from tithing to giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Jesus emphasizes a "new commandment" – a call to love one another (John 13:34) – which translates into a life of willing and cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). The focus is no longer on a fixed percentage but on a heart overflowing with generosity.
John Piper, a prominent Christian author, puts it this way: "God is not after your ten percent; He's after you."
The scope of giving in the New Testament extends far beyond the walls of the church. (Galatians 2:10) Believers are called to support their local assembly (1 Corinthians 16:2), but also to care for their families, (1 Timothy 5:8) including parents and extended family (Proverbs 3:27-28). They are called to be good neighbors, (Luke 10:27-37) and to show compassion to those in need within their community (James 2:14-17).
The act of giving should never be driven by manipulation or guilt (2 Corinthians 9:7). The emphasis is on joyful generosity, a heart overflowing with love (1 Chronicles 29:14) that seeks to bless others. (Acts 20:35)
Randy Alcorn, a Christian author and theologian, emphasizes this point: "Our giving should be an overflow of a grateful heart, not a response to guilt or pressure."
The amount itself is secondary. What matters most is the spirit behind the giving – a heart motivated by love and a desire to extend God's blessings to others (Romans 12:8).
The concept of giving in the New Testament transcends the legalistic structure of tithing in the Old Testament. We are called to a life of cheerful generosity, extending our support to the church, family, neighbours, and those in need within our communities. This giving should be an expression of a grateful heart, flowing from a love for God and a desire to bless others.
I have included 3 common questions regarding tithe and tried to provide Bible-based answers;
1. Can I Give My Tithe to My Neighbor Who Is in Need?
Traditionally, tithe referred to a specific portion designated for religious purposes in the Old Testament. However, the emphasis in the New Testament shifts towards a life of cheerful and generous giving. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
While supporting your local church is important, (1 Corinthians 16:2) the New Testament encourages believers to extend their generosity to those in need within their community, (James 2:14-17) including neighbors. (Luke 10:27-37)
So, yes, you can certainly give to your neighbor in need! The key is to prioritize your giving based on genuine needs and act with a cheerful heart.
2. What Percentage Should I Give to the Church?
The New Testament doesn't prescribe a specific percentage for giving. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) The focus is on willingness and cheerfulness. (1 Chronicles 29:14)
Instead of feeling obligated to a specific number, consider factors like your income, existing financial commitments, and specific needs within the church and your community and then give what your heart can release willingly and cheerfully. Pray about your giving and strive to be a generous steward of God's blessings. (Romans 12:8)
3. Can I Use My Tithe to Take Care of My Family?
Taking care of your family is a biblical responsibility. (1 Timothy 5:8) So, yes, using your resources to meet the needs of your spouse, children, and parents aligns with God's principles (Proverbs 3:27-28). This does not mean you should neglect the needs of your local church assembly, what it means is that you should not neglect your family (wife and children) while being a very good ‘tither’. What you should do is to look for a way to both provide for your family and also support your local church assembly with what you can.
Ultimately, the spirit behind your giving matters most. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Seek God's guidance in your financial decisions and strive to balance your responsibilities towards your family, church, and those in need within your community.
When we give with a true heart of generosity, God’s blessings follow, as it is written in Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."
I release the blessings of God on you and your family in the name of Jesus. Receive the capacity to give generously. Receive the wisdom to plan your giving to bless those around you while also being wealthy yourself. I remove every hindrance on your way in the name of Jesus. Amen
Compiled by
Caleb Oladejo
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