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What Should Tithe Money Be Used For? A Biblical Perspective – Viral Believer
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What Should Tithe Money Be Used For? A Biblical Perspective

Introduction

Tithing is a long-standing practice among Christians that involves giving a portion of one’s income or possessions to God through a church or religious organization. While tithing has been a cornerstone of Christian practice for centuries, there is much debate about where tithing money should be allocated.

From supporting the church to funding social justice initiatives, there is no clear-cut answer to this question. However, by exploring the biblical perspective on tithing, we can gain insights into the principles that can guide our decision-making in allocating our tithes.

In this blog post, we will explore the biblical perspective on tithing and the principles for using tithing money according to the Bible.

We will discuss both Old and New Testament references to tithing, as well as examine how tithing money was used in the past and how it is used in contemporary churches and religious organizations.

We will also delve into the principles for using tithing money according to the Bible, including supporting the poor and needy and maintaining the church and its ministries.

Finally, we will examine criticisms of the traditional use of tithing money and highlight contemporary approaches that prioritize biblical principles.

Through this exploration, we hope to provide Christians with insights that will help them make thoughtful and intentional decisions about where to allocate their tithing money.

By aligning our use of tithing money with biblical teachings, we can make a positive impact in the world and demonstrate God’s love through our generosity.

tithing in the Bible

What is Tithing?

Tithing is giving one-tenth of one’s income or possessions to God, often through a church or religious organization. The practice of tithing is rooted in the Bible, with numerous references in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament References to Tithing

In the Old Testament, tithing was a requirement under the Mosaic law. The Israelites were commanded to give one-tenth of their produce and livestock to the Levites, who were responsible for maintaining the tabernacle and performing religious duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-24).

New Testament References to Tithing

In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the importance of tithing (Matthew 23:23). He also commended the widow who gave two small copper coins, saying that she had given more than all the others because she had given all she had (Mark 12:41-44).

Principles for Using Tithing Money According to the Bible

The Bible provides principles for using tithing money that can guide our decision-making in allocating our tithes.

Supporting the Poor and Needy

One principle for using tithing money is to support the poor and needy. In the Old Testament, tithing was not only for the Levites but also for the widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor (James 1:27, 2:14-17).

Therefore, using tithing money to support organizations that serve the poor and needy is in line with biblical principles.

Examples of organizations that prioritize helping the poor and needy with tithing money include World Vision and Compassion International. World Vision uses tithing money to provide emergency relief and long-term development projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Compassion International uses tithing money to provide children living in poverty with education, healthcare, and spiritual mentoring.

Maintaining the Church and Its Ministries

Another principle for using tithing money is to maintain the church and its ministries. In the Old Testament, the Levites were responsible for maintaining the tabernacle and performing religious duties, which required financial support (Numbers 18:21-24).

Similarly, in the New Testament, churches needed financial support to carry out their ministries (1 Corinthians 9:13-14, Galatians 6:6). Therefore, using tithing money to support the church and its ministries is also in line with biblical principles.

Examples of ways churches and religious organizations use tithing money to maintain their ministries include paying for the salaries of pastors and staff, maintaining buildings and equipment, and funding programs and events that promote spiritual growth and outreach.

Criticisms of Traditional Use of Tithing Money

While tithing is an important practice, there are criticisms of the traditional use of tithing money in some churches. Some argue that tithing is used to maintain the lavish lifestyles of church leaders or to fund building projects that are not essential to the church’s mission.

This does happen at times, but it is more of a criticism of the character of those leaders rather than the character of the individual who is giving generously.

To address these criticisms, some churches have prioritized biblical principles for using tithing money. They use tithing money to support the poor and needy, maintain the church and its ministries, and invest in initiatives that align with their mission.

Investing in Initiatives That Align with the Church’s Mission

Another way that churches can use tithing money is by investing in initiatives that align with their mission. This can include programs and events that promote spiritual growth, outreach, and community engagement.

Examples of initiatives that churches may invest in with tithing money include youth programs, community outreach events, and mission trips. These initiatives can help the church fulfill its mission and make a positive impact in the community.

Conclusion

Tithing is an important practice for Christians, and the Bible provides principles for using tithing money that can guide our decision-making in allocating our tithes. Supporting the poor and needy and maintaining the church and its ministries are both in line with biblical principles.

Investing in initiatives that align with the church’s mission can also help the church make a positive impact in the community.

While there are criticisms of the traditional use of tithing money, contemporary approaches that prioritize biblical principles can help churches use tithing money in a way that honors God and benefits others. By thoughtful consideration and intentional use of tithing money based on biblical teachings,

Christians can make a difference in the world and demonstrate God’s love through their generosity.

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.