Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. I promise you I have been in churches before where all the preacher talks about is church attendance and tithing.  I want to let you know that I do not subscribe to the lie that God is going to get His money!!

As if God needs your money to accomplish His purposes.  Can I get a witness!  While I say this emphatically, this is also not a way to establish a lifestyle where a person never gives off their monies to the work of the Lord.  

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.

After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). “On the first day of the week let every one of you lay in store, as God has prospered him…….Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. 

Saints we are no longer under a mandated 10% tithe.  One of the things that has always bothered me is the mandate.  Listen to what 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 says….

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let every man give according to the purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭8‬

How can we be under a mandated 10% and then Paul say under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we are to give as we purpose in our heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity? Saints if I have to give, if it is a command, then how can it be cheerful? How can it be out of a heart of love? No, he says give as you purpose in your heart, don’t do it grudgingly, and remember that you will reap what you sow.  He gives a reminder that if you give sparingly, then you will get sparingly. The opposite of that is true as well.

Although no tithe is demanded of the Christian, the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter (James 1:5). Above all, offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:7).