I started tithing at an early age. I just had in my mind that people who followed Jesus were expected to give ten percent of what they earned. So when I got paid for babysitting, I needed to give 10% to the church the following Sunday. I don’t remember my parents telling me I had to tithe but when I was a kid, there was someone in our family who would put an envelope in the offering bag every Sunday.
Then I got older and tithing wasn’t on my mind. It didn’t come back to mind until I wanted to get a ‘real’ summer job after my junior year of college. I wanted to show God I trusted Him for my future. So even though I didn’t have the job yet, I started tithing on what I had in my bank account. I continued my habit of tithing even after my summer job was over.
After I got married, I found out that Scott had a different idea of tithing. As newlyweds, I wasn’t working and we both volunteered at the church, so Scott considered our time as an offering. As mentioned in the previous post, “Minding Money,” Scott is a budgeter and I’m not. He considered time, church offerings, charity giving, and some gifts as a part of our tithe. I considered a tithe as ten percent of our income going to our church. Any amount over would be an offering and the recipient doesn’t need to be our church.
I didn’t think of reading Scripture to check what it said about tithing until after we had kids. What I found out was quite interesting. The first mention of tithing was in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. Abraham (Abram) gave a tenth of everything to King Melchizedek who was also priest of God Most High. Then Jacob promised to give God back a tenth of everything God gave him.
God told Moses to tell the Israelites that all the tithe of the land, whether seed or fruit, is the Lord’s. Every tenth animal from their herd or flock is holy to the Lord. God later accused the Israelites of robbing Him because they weren’t giving Him tithes and offerings.
Tithing in the New Testament
Jesus scolded the Pharisees and Scribes for being legalistic about tithing but neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. He also told a parable about a self-righteous Pharisee who tithed and a tax collector. The only other place in the New Testament that mentions tithing is in Hebrews where it refers back to the Old Testament. Instead of tithing, the New Testament focuses on giving.
Instead of a set percentage, believers are to give to show our love and trust in God. It is not the amount we give that is important but the heart behind the giving. Jesus called attention to a widow who gave only two small coins and said she gave more than all the others who gave from their surplus. She gave everything she had to live on.
The believers in the Book of Acts sold all their property and possessions to share the money and help one another. The churches in Macedonia gave more than they could afford even though they were poor and they did it voluntarily with great joy.
According to apostle Paul, the Lord directed those who preach the Good News to be supported by those who believe. Those who lead the believers well, especially if they preach and teach, deserve honor and an honorarium. Paul instructed the believers to set aside on the first day of the week, a portion of the blessings God had given them as an offering. He reminded them of the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Prayer
Dear God in heaven,
Thank You for being so generous to us. Help us to be generous just like You. Transform our hearts so that we care for what You care for. May we joyfully give back a portion of what You have blessed us with so that Your kingdom will expand.
In Your Son’s name, Amen
Verses
Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22
Matthew 23:23
Luke 11:42; 18:9-14; 21:1-4
2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:7
Leviticus 27:30-34
Malachi 3:6-12
Hebrews 7:1-10
Mark 12:41-44
Acts 2:45; 4:32
1 Corinthians 16:2
Song
“All to Jesus I Surrender” by Judson W. Van DeVenter
Call to action
If you have already prayed, read the verses, and listened to the suggested song, then read the previous post, “Minding Money” and let us know if tithing is a tradition that needs to end or be continued.