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What Does the Bible Say About Tithing? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?

Introduction

Tithing is a practice that has been a part of the Christian faith for centuries. It is the act of giving a tenth of one’s income to the Lord and is considered by many to be a way to honor God and support the church.

While the Bible does not explicitly require tithing in the New Testament, it is a topic that is frequently discussed among Christians.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about tithing, its significance in the Old and New Testaments, and its relevance in Christian practice today. We will look at examples of tithing in the Old and New Testaments and what they teach us about this spiritual practice.

We will also examine different views on tithing in modern Christianity and provide practical ways to tithe for those who are interested in doing so.

Whether or not you choose to tithe, understanding what the Bible says about this practice can help you grow in your faith and become more like Christ.

By exploring the topic of tithing and its significance in the Christian faith, we hope to provide a helpful resource for Christians who are seeking to deepen their relationship with God and contribute to the work of the church.

tithing in the Bible

Tithing in the Old Testament

The practice of tithing is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. The word “tithe” means a tenth, and in the context of tithing, it refers to giving one-tenth of one’s income to the Lord. Here are a few examples of tithing in the Old Testament:

  • Genesis 14:18-20: In this passage, Abraham gives a tenth of his spoils of war to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God.
  • Leviticus 27:30: This verse states that all tithes belong to the Lord and are holy to Him.
  • Deuteronomy 14:22-29: This passage describes how the Israelites were to tithe their produce and livestock. They were to bring the tithes to the place where the Lord would choose to make His name dwell (eventually, the temple in Jerusalem), and they were to use the tithes to provide for the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows.

The significance of tithing in the Old Testament was twofold. First, it was a way for the Israelites to acknowledge that everything they had belonged to the Lord. Second, it was a way for them to support the priests and Levites who served in the temple.

Tithing in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus talks about tithing in a few instances. He affirms the importance of tithing but also emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and faith. Here are a few examples of tithing in the New Testament:

  • Matthew 23:23: In this passage, Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faith while tithing their herbs. He says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
  • Luke 11:42: This verse is similar to Matthew 23:23. Jesus tells the Pharisees, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
  • Hebrews 7:8: This verse refers to Melchizedek, the priest to whom Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils of war. It says that “here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”

The significance of tithing in the New Testament is that it is an act of faith and obedience to God. It is also an act of generosity and love for others.

Tithing in Christian Practice Today

In modern Christianity, there are different views on tithing. Some Christians believe that tithing is a requirement, while others believe that it is optional

Here are a few reasons why Christians tithe:

  • Tithing is a way to honor God and acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him.
  • Tithing is a way to support the church and its ministries. Churches rely on tithes and offerings to operate and fulfill their mission.
  • Tithing is a way to express gratitude and generosity. By giving a portion of our income to God and others, we show our gratitude for what we have and our willingness to share with others.

If you are interested in tithing, here are a few practical ways to do so:

  • Give regularly: Set up a regular donation to your church or a charity that you support. This can be a weekly, monthly, or annual donation.
  • Give proportionally: Some Christians give more than a tenth of their income, while others give less. The important thing is to give what you can proportionate to your income.
  • Give cheerfully: The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Give with a joyful and generous heart.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tithing

Here are a few common questions that Christians have about tithing:

Is tithing required in the Bible?

The Bible does not explicitly require tithing in the New Testament. However, many Christians believe that tithing is a way to honor God and support the church.

What is the difference between tithing and offering?

Tithing is giving a tenth of one’s income to the Lord, while offering is giving above and beyond the tithe.

Can I tithe my time or talent instead of money?

Yes, you can tithe your time and talent by volunteering at your church or serving in your community.

How much should I tithe?

The Bible teaches that we should give a tenth of our income to the Lord. However, the important thing is to give what you can proportionate to your income.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the act of tithing has been a part of the Christian faith for centuries, and it continues to be an important topic for many believers today. While the Bible does not explicitly require tithing in the New Testament, it is a way to honor God and support the church, as well as to express gratitude and generosity.

Through exploring what the Bible says about tithing and its significance in both the Old and New Testaments, we have gained a deeper understanding of this spiritual practice. We have seen that tithing is an act of faith and obedience to God, as well as an act of generosity and love for others.

Whether or not you choose to tithe, the important thing is to give generously, cheerfully, and with a grateful heart. As we have seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” By tithing and giving generously, we honor God and bless others, and we become more like Christ in our attitudes and actions.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.