What does the Bible say about tithing?
The Bible's teaching on tithing (giving of ten percent) for New Testament Christians presents an interesting evolution from Old Testament practices. While the New Testament does not explicitly mandate tithing as it was required under Mosaic law, it maintains the fundamental principle of financially supporting the church and its ministers. Though Jesus himself affirmed the practice of tithing, he placed greater emphasis on deeper spiritual qualities like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
The New Testament shifts focus from prescribed percentages to the heart attitude behind giving, encouraging regular and generous contributions made with joy and thankfulness rather than obligation. This approach allows giving to become a matter of personal conviction and spiritual maturity, reflecting each believer's relationship with God and understanding of stewardship.
The contemporary understanding of Christian giving emphasizes generosity and sacrificial giving, suggesting that if our giving doesn't require adjustments or sacrifices in our lifestyle, we might need to reconsider our commitment level. Supporting the local church remains crucial to ensure the continuation of its mission, though giving can extend beyond church walls to other charitable causes and personal ministries.
An important aspect of Christian giving involves maintaining a healthy relationship with wealth, ensuring it doesn't become an idol that displaces God in our lives. The foundation of biblical giving rests on gratitude for God's provision and a desire to use resources for His glory. This perspective encourages Christians to support their church and other ministries generously and regularly while maintaining that specific amounts and methods of giving should flow from personal conviction and be approached with a joyful, thankful heart.
This comprehensive understanding of giving in the New Testament era provides a framework that emphasizes the spirit of generosity over rigid rules while maintaining the importance of regular, sacrificial support for God's work through various channels.
Verses about tithing:
Malachi 3:10, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
1 Corinthians 16:2, "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come."
Acts 4:34-35, "There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
Hebrews 13:16, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
