It’s interesting to know that even non-Christians today are aware of this so-called tradition in churches that Christians have to give tithes or money to the church.
Many Christians struggle with the idea of giving money or tithing to the church. Especially so when some mega-churches especially prosperity gospel churches which took advantage of this concept of tithing and took from vulnerable people who are looking for hope in Jesus.
Tithing or giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. However, it is sad sometimes that is not the case right now in church today.
Where Did The Concept of Tithing To Church Came From?
Tithing is an Old Testament concept and law given by God ( Read Leviticus 27:30-34 ). The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give ten percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle and temple.
What might be shocking to you is the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes, not just one tithe! One for the Levites, one for the use of the temple, and one for the poor of the land. Which will give you around 23.3 percent and not 10 percent.
Was Tithing Found In The New Testament?
After Jesus Christ got raised and disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and spreading the gospel, the New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends that Christians submit to the legalistic tithe system.
There was no mention of putting a percentage of income a person should set aside but what we can find is this verse that says
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made – 1 Cor 16:2
So that “sum of money”, churches took the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a recommended amount for Christians to give.
Tithing or Giving Includes Property and Possessions as Well
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, – Acts 2:45-46
Does that mean you as a Christian have to do the same level of giving? It’s depends on what God speaks to your heart to give.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and giving and how much to give ( James 1:5 )
The intent behind the idea of tithing was never about receiving something or obeying the traditions given by others but more about showing your love and thankfulness for the wealth he has given to your life.
Your Giving Must Be Cheerful
All tithes and offerings should be given with a good attitude of worship to God with pure motives to service to the body of Christ to help others and not for your personal gain.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” – Cor 9:7
Tithing or giving is actually a form of honoring God and acknowledging that the wealth and income that you have is not yours but actually a blessing given by God.
You must understand God does not need your money, but giving and helping the body of Christ is a blessing itself.
The Bible Encourages Generosity
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Cor 9:6-9
However, be very careful not to give generously only because you are expecting to reap generously from God. That’s called greed my friend and it’s a sin. You might have an attitude of a sincere and humble heart to want to give and God will know if you gave from your heart or with bitterness.
Also, remember that God’s blessings to you abundantly are not limited only to wealth or money. In fact, being healthy and having food on the table with a roof with clean air today is also a blessing too that sometimes we took it for granted.
So I pray after you read, this consider to spend time today with God and decide on your own how much you like to give to Lord today.