10 Popular Questions on Tithing
1. What is a tithe?
A tithe, which means “tenth,” is a portion of a person’s income given to the local church. In ancient Israel the tithe was commanded to be the first 10% of one’s income, and the principle of giving at least 10% continues today in many Christian churches.
2. Why do we tithe?
Jesus notes that money has a unique way of being worshipped above God (Matt. 6:24). Tithing is a consistent act that demonstrates that Christ is more important to us than material possessions. While the principle of giving the first 10% of our income to the church may seem daunting, tithing is a training of the heart, learning to trust God for provision in line with his assurances to us (Matt. 6:25-34).
3. Do I tithe on my gross or net income?
The issue of tithing on gross or net income is secondary to the principle of giving joyfully and generously. The Old Testament example is to give of the firstfruits, or the first of the harvested crops. The wisdom of Prov. 3:9-10 exhorts us to “Honour 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.”
The giver must ask: “am I putting God first in my life?” Tithing off of gross income may be a way to demonstrate Christ’s lordship in our lives.
4. Can I tithe to organizations other than the church?
Throughout Christian history the tithe has been given to the church. Giving to other organizations is good practice, but if you’re a part of a local church your tithe should serve to further the impact and reach of its ministries. Many churches support local and global ministry and humanitarian projects from their regular operating budget. In this case a portion of your tithe supports both the ministry of your church and the work of the church’s missions partners.
5. What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
Tithing is an act of worship in which you regularly give to the church a portion of the income you earn. Offerings are specific gifts, often for specific purposes, that are given over and above the tithe.
6. Should I tithe while trying to pay off debt?
Each person’s debt is unique but the principle of tithing should be a priority in the life of a Christian. While some debts, like mortgages and car loans, are structured and generally predictable, other debts like credit card debt and debt collection payments, may have higher interest rates and are often indicative of a more turbulent financial situation. If you’re in credit card debt, you shouldn’t be using your credit card to give to the church—you can’t give what you don’t have. However, if you have a handle on your debt, you should work tithing into your budget and financial plan.
Continuing to tithe during difficult financial times is an act of faith that God is bigger than our money problems. The New Testament example of generosity is to be embraced by all Christians, regardless of their financial situations.
7. Should I claim my tithe on my tax filings?
Tithing is principally a matter of Lordship, so a tax deduction is a secondary benefit of the tithe. The Bible encourages stewardship of our resources, so if a tax deduction helps you steward the remainder of what God has given you in a responsible way, then do it.
8. How do I teach my children to tithe?
All people learn through imitation and practice. The Apostle Paul implores the Corinthians to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Involving your children in the tithing process by having them watch you give, and eventually give with you, is one way to model tithing.
The principle goal of teaching your children to tithe is that they may come to understand money in light of the cross of Jesus Christ. Money is not a resource to be hoarded and guarded, but is a resource that is to be freely given away.
9. Can I expect God to bless me when I tithe?
The idea that your tithing somehow unlocks additional material possessions is a distortion of biblical teaching, often called the “prosperity gospel.”
In the Old Testament Moses instructed that the outcome of covenant obedience was blessings from God, favour which impacted all areas of life, notably land and descendants (Deut. 7:12-13, Deut. 28:2-7, 11–12). When God’s people obeyed the covenant they experienced both prosperity and joy.
Christian’s are called to live in obedience to the teachings of Christ, however the Bible illustrates how we are incapable of serving Christ by our own power (Rom. 5:6, Luke 13:24). This is why God’s grace is made available to us through Christ’s death and resurrection. By living in Christ, we find that we are able to love and serve God, and that we then experience his blessings and joy, partly in the present day, and in full when Christ comes again to establish his Kingdom forever.
Blessings, whether material or intangible, are administered according to God’s will, not ours. In the global west, we often interpret the term “blessing” as monetary and we fail to recognize that God blesses in many different ways. Should God provide financial or material blessings to a Christian, then it is right and good to praise God for what has been received and for the Christian to steward it wisely. But we must remember the example of the Apostle Paul, who noted that while he had nothing, in Christ he possessed everything (2 Cor. 6:10). Giving your tithe is not about what you may receive from God, it’s a demonstration of Christ’s Lordship in our lives.
10. Can I designate my tithe?
The Old Testament tithe was collected and administrated by the priests. The purpose of the collection was publicly known, but it was up to Israel’s spiritual leaders to ensure that it was rightly distributed. In the New Testament we read that early Christians sold land and houses and “brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need” (Acts 4:34-35). These funds were entrusted to the spiritual authorities of the the early church who were responsible to distribute them wisely.
By giving our tithe as an act of worship, we release control of it, trusting the Lord and church leadership to steward it well.
Jordan Michalski
Jordan is the Executive Pastor at Soul Sanctuary. He is passionate about the integration of theology into the life and practice of the local church.