What Does The Bible Say About Tithe?
Tithe, often referred to as a ‘tenth’, is a concept found in the Bible which states that a certain amount of an individual’s income should be given to God and his representatives. The concept of tithe is first mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in Leviticus 27, where it states that a tenth of the produce of the land should be given to the Lord, and is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 14. This concept has been embraced by Christians, Jews and Muslims alike over the centuries, with many religious groups following the biblical principle of giving a tenth of their income to help with the church or synagogue’s financial needs.
The Bible mentions tithe in a number of places, the most prominent of which can be found in the book of Malachi, in which we read: “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.” (Malachi 3:8-9). This passage speaks to the importance of not neglecting to pay the tithe in order to honor God, and the consequences of not doing so. Tithing, then, is seen as an act of obedience and faith to God, recognizing the fact that He is the provider of all of our blessings and that we should use a portion of our money to give back to Him.
In the New Testament, Jesus is seen to affirm the importance of tithing, with the Gospel of Matthew recounting an encounter between Him and a Jewish leader of his day: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. 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.” (Matthew 23:23). This statement speaks to the fact that tithing should not be seen as a burden, but rather an opportunity to give back and thank God for His blessings.
Ultimately, what the Bible says about tithe is clear: it is an obligation and a practice of faithfulness that acknowledges the Lord’s blessings and shows obedience to His commands. It is not an option, but rather a responsibility, and one that Christians should take seriously. While tithing may not come naturally to some, making an effort to give back to the Lord in this way is one of the best ways to express our belief in Him.
What Gives?
When it comes to giving tithe, the Bible is clear on the fact that it should not be limited just to financial giving. While money is often the most common form of giving to God and His representatives, there are many other ways to fulfill the obligation of tithing. For example, what the Bible actually encourages is the giving of our “first fruits”, which refers to the most important possessions in our life: our time and talents. Whether it is donating our time and effort to a church, volunteering in a soup kitchen or simply showing kindness to those in need, these are all examples of “tithing” and ways that we can express our love and devotion to the Lord.
The Bible also speaks to the importance of giving voluntarily, rather than doing so out of obligation or fear. As Paul stated in the book of Corinthians: “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.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). In other words, rather than viewing tithing as a legalistic requirement, we should instead give out of love and generosity. When we view giving in this way, it can become a blessing rather than a burden.
Finally, the Bible speaks to the importance of giving with a generous heart and with a humble attitude. Jesus’ parable of the “Widow’s Mite” speaks to this idea, encouraging us to give out of our abundance rather than our scarcity, and to give cheerfully and willingly. All of these aspects of giving are essential and must be taken into account when discussing tithe according to the Bible.
The Benefits of Tithing
Some may view tithing as an outdated practice, a relic of a different time or even something that is simply too difficult to fulfill in the modern age. However, the Bible speaks to the various benefits of tithing both for the individual and the church. In the book of Proverbs, we read: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:10). This verse speaks to the idea that when we tithe, we are entrusting our financial needs to the Lord and trusting in Him to provide for us. This does not mean that we are guaranteed to become wealthy, but it does mean that we can trust in His provision and that we will be blessed in ways we cannot always see.
At the same time, tithing serves an important purpose in helping to support the religious institutions and organizations to which we give in order to advance God’s kingdom. In Acts, we are assured that “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6). In other words, those who give generously often reap the rewards and blessings of God. Through tithing, we are able to invest in the spread of the gospel and in the growth and wellbeing of our churches, providing much needed support to those who are faithfully living out their faith.
Conclusion
Tithing is a concept that is found throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It is an act of obedience and faith to God, and an acknowledgement of His provision. Furthermore, tithing not only provides an opportunity to give back to God, but also supports religious organizations, which can ultimately help to advance the kingdom of God in a variety of ways. When it comes to tithing, then, the Bible is clear: it is an important obligation, and one that should not be taken lightly.
What are the Tithe Principles?
The Bible lays out a number of principles regarding tithe, including that it should be given out of love and kindness rather than obligation, that it should be voluntary, and that it should be given with a generous and humble attitude. Furthermore, the Bible also states that tithe should not be limited to money, but should also include our time, talents, and other possessions. These principles apply to both Old and New Testaments, and speak to the importance of honoring and acknowledging God through giving.
When Is Tithing Used?
Tithing is commonly used by churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations as a way to fund their operations and advance God’s kingdom. While it is often used by individuals as well, it is primarily seen as a communal obligation, and one that should be used to support the spiritual growth of the congregation. Furthermore, tithing is not limited to just churches: it is also used to fund charitable organizations and support those who are in need.
What is the Impact of Tithing?
The impacts of tithing are numerous and far-reaching. On an individual level, it provides an opportunity to show love and devotion to God as well as to help fund and support the work of the Lord and His representatives. On a broader level, it helps communities and churches to grow and thrive, ultimately advancing the kingdom of God. Ultimately, then, the positive impacts of tithing are numerous, and it is an important practice for all of us to take seriously.
