Should Christians Tithe?
Does God expect us to give a tenth of our income today?
As followers of Christ, we often seek clarity on how to align our daily lives with God’s will. Among the many aspects of Christian living, the topic of tithing frequently sparks questions and debate. Does God expect us to give a tenth of our income today? Is tithing an Old Testament practice, or is it a timeless principle for all believers? Understanding this practice through the lens of Scripture helps us answer these questions thoughtfully and faithfully.
This exploration is more than a question of percentages or obligations; it is about understanding God’s heart for His people and His mission, and it challenges us to consider what it means to live a life of trust, gratitude, and generosity.
The Origin and Purpose of Tithing
Tithing is first introduced in Scripture through the actions of Abraham in Genesis 14:18–20. After a victorious battle, Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. This act was not mandated by law but flowed from a heart of gratitude and reverence for God’s provision.
Later, under the Mosaic covenant, tithing became an institutionalized practice. The Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce, livestock, and income to support the Levites (Numbers 18:21-24), sustain the temple, and assist the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). The tithe was an expression of obedience, a way to maintain the worship of God, and a reminder that everything they had, came from Him (Leviticus 27:30).
The prophet Malachi emphasized the importance of tithing, linking it to blessings and curses. In Malachi 3:10, God invites His people to “test” Him by bringing the full tithe into the storehouse, promising to “throw open the floodgates of heaven” in response.
A New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses tithing indirectly. In Matthew 23:23, He criticizes the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting “the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” This rebuke suggests that while tithing itself was not condemned, it should never replace genuine love and obedience to God’s broader commands.
The early Christians demonstrated radical generosity, selling possessions and sharing resources to meet each other’s needs (Acts 2:44–45; Acts 4:32–35). This was not tithing in the traditional sense but reflected a spirit of giving that exceeded mere obligation.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6–7, Paul encourages believers to give generously and cheerfully, emphasizing that God loves a joyful giver. He highlights that giving is not about compulsion but about reflecting the grace and abundance of God.
Is Tithing Still Relevant Today?
Understanding the Spirit of the Law
Under the New Covenant, Christians are not bound by the Mosaic law (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25). However, the principles underlying tithing—trust, gratitude, and support for God’s work—remain timeless. The focus shifts from strict percentages to the heart of giving.
The focus shifts from strict percentages to the heart of giving.
Giving as Worship
The act of giving, whether it’s a tithe or a freewill offering, is ultimately an act of worship. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty over our lives and resources. In Proverbs 3:9-10, we are instructed to “honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops,” reminding us that giving is a way to prioritize God above all else.
Stewardship and Generosity
Scripture calls Christians to be faithful stewards of God’s blessings (1 Peter 4:10). Tithing, or any form of regular giving, helps cultivate a generous spirit and ensures that we invest in the kingdom of God. While 10% may serve as a helpful guideline, the New Testament encourages believers to give sacrificially, generously, and joyfully, reflecting God’s generosity toward us.
Supporting the Church and Her Mission
Paul emphasizes the importance of supporting those who labor in ministry:
"The worker deserves his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18). Through giving, believers participate in the work of the Church, enabling the spread of the gospel and the care of those in need.
Should Christians Tithe?
The question is not so much about percentages but about priorities. Tithing can be a helpful starting point for giving, but the New Testament calls us to something even greater—a life of radical generosity. As Christians, we are called to be countercultural, living as stewards of God’s blessings in a world driven by materialism and self-interest.
Whether you tithe 10%, give less, or give more, the focus should be on giving joyfully, sacrificially, and in response to God’s grace. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 8:9 remind us of the ultimate model for giving:
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
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When we give, we reflect Christ’s sacrificial love and become vessels of His grace in a broken world.
May God bless us all!
Mark's Gospel (Pt. 2)
We invite you to study Mark's Gospel with us together.
What will we cover?
In Part 1 of the Mark Series, we saw the Overview and Introduction of Mark's Gospel. In this session, we will start our verse-by-verse study of the Gospel. We'll be exploring Mark 1:1-8 verses.
Passage: Mark 1:1-8
Date & Time:
18th January 2025, 5:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
18th January 2025, 7:00 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
18th January 2025, 6:00 AM CST (Central Standard Time)
18th January 2025, 5:00 AM MST (Mountain Standard Time)
18th January 2025, 4:00 AM PST (Pacific Standard Time)
18th January 2025, 12:30 PM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
18th January 2025, 2:30 PM SAST (South Africa Standard Time)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86586972121?pwd=FNSgs9qY5Dnz0HbVhQdVqc9z6IunE4.1
Meeting ID: 865 8697 2121
Passcode: 070812