Is it necessary to tithe? Does the Bible tell us to give 10 percent of our income to God?
Let us examine what is written in the Old and New Testament regarding Tithes and Offerings.
Old Testament:
In the Old Testament in the Bible, the Israelites were commanded to give one tenth of whatever is produced in their field as tithe to God. (Deuteronomy 14:22). A tithe literally means a “tenth,” or 10 percent.
The passage of Malachi mentions the following:
“You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 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.” (Malachi 3:9-10)
Basically, what God tells the Israelites is that if they are not tithing, they are robbing God and that his blessing will not be poured onto them. But if they tithe, blessing will be sent down from heaven.
New Testament:
Many people argue that tithing is not mentioned in the New Testament and that it is not required.
Yes, there is no fixed percentage mentioned in the New Testament to be set aside for God. The Old Testament was God’s covenant with Israel and we all fall under the New Testament.
Let us see what is mentioned in the New Testament regarding tithing and Offering.
Jesus:
Jesus never said not to give offering to the Church. We find this in the story where Jesus and his disciples see a poor widow giving two copper coins as offering and Jesus says ‘This widow gave everything she has to God, she has put more into the treasury than others’ (Mark 12:41-44)
Paul:
In Paul’s ministry, we find that he cited the example of the Macedonian Churches. He mentioned that they gave generously even to the point of self- sacrifice. They were supporting his ministry. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)
But Paul also mentioned that the people must first turn their heart to God. He wanted the Corinthians to give themselves to the Lord first, and then to support his ministry. (2 Corinthians 8:5, 8) The Offering must be done willingly and not from compulsion or given grudgingly (2 Corinthians 9:5, 7). Paul reminded the people that God rewards generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
Thus we can conclude that though, the percentage is not mentioned in the New Testament, it is necessary to give Offering to God.
Three main benefits of tithing:
- Helps in spreading the Gospel and supporting ministries
The last words Jesus spoke before he ascended into heaven is to go and make disciples all over the world. The churches have Outreach program and as Christians, we are commanded to support them through our offerings.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
- Supporting the Church and programs for caring for the poor by Church
Offering helps to care and look after the poor.
Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 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. (1Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Reminds us that all that we have actually belongs to God
Tithing and giving offering to God helps us realize all the blessings God has given us and that all that we have actually belongs to him.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:17-18)