Tithing is the practice of giving 10% of one’s income to the church. It has been a common practice in many Christian denominations for centuries. Here we will explore the biblical basis for tithing, the history of the practice, the benefits and criticisms, and common questions about tithing rules and regulations.
What is the biblical basis for tithing?
The practice of tithing 10% of one’s income is rooted in several verses from the Old Testament:
- Leviticus 27:30 – “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” This established the tithe as belonging to God.
- Malachi 3:8-10 – “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” This passage equates failing to tithe as robbing God and challenges people to test God’s promise of blessing for those who tithe.
- Genesis 14:18-20 – Abram gives a tithe of 10% to Melchizedek the priest after returning from battle. This is the first mention of tithing in Scripture.
While tithing was formalized as part of the Law of Moses for the nation of Israel, many Christians point to these passages as evidence that the principle of tithing preceded the Law and enduring beyond it. Jesus affirmed tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), even while criticizing the scribes and Pharisees for neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
What is the history of tithing in the church?
Tithing has been practiced to varying degrees throughout Christian history:
- Early church – Tithing was encouraged as a way for Christians to support the church, though not yet made mandatory.
- Medieval era – Payment of tithes to the church was required by secular law in parts of Europe. Failure to tithe could result in excommunication or imprisonment.
- Reformation – Some reformers like Martin Luther affirmed tithing, while others questioned the mandatory nature of tithes.
- Modern era – Tithing remains common in many evangelical and Pentecostal churches as a benchmark for Christian giving, though not often required by law.
The practice has ebbed and flowed over the centuries, but tithing 10% has remained a consistent teaching in many Protestant traditions.
What are the benefits of tithing?
There are several potential benefits for churches and individuals who engage in tithing:
- Consistent giving – Tithing encourages disciplined, proportional giving rather than sporadic or emotional giving.
- Church budgeting – Regular tithing helps churches predict and budget for expenses and ministries.
- Spiritual growth – Tithing can promote spiritual growth as an act of faith, obedience, and priority in putting God first.
- Blessing – Many Christians testify to spiritual and material blessings in their life from faithful tithing.
- Kingdom work – Tithes support ministers, church staff, buildings, programs, missions, and aid to the needy.
In short, tithing provides a consistent stream of income for churches to do God’s work and promotes spiritual growth for the giver.
What are some criticisms or concerns about tithing?
There are a few common criticisms or concerns raised about tithing in churches today:
- Legalistic – Tithing can become a legalistic requirement rather than free-will giving if promoted improperly.
- Fixed percentage – A fixed 10% may be too high or too low depending on a person’s income and expenses.
- Limited meaning – Tithing is just one aspect of biblical teaching on stewardship and generosity.
- Misuse of funds – Without transparency and accountability, tithe funds can potentially be misused by churches.
- New Testament emphasis – Tithing is not emphasized in the New Testament the way other principles like sacrificial giving are.
While tithing can absolutely be abused or taken to unhealthy extremes, this does not negate the biblical foundation for the practice or its potential as part of a healthy stewardship lifestyle.
What are some common questions about the rules and logistics of tithing?
Here are answers to some frequent practical questions people have about tithing:
How is the tithe calculated?
Most churches teach tithing as 10% of one’s gross income, the full amount before taxes or other deductions. Some people choose to tithe on their net income after taxes instead. In the end, churches encourage giving a tithe proportional to however you receive income.
What counts as income for tithing purposes?
Income for the sake of tithing would include money earned through employment, self-employment, investments, government benefits, gifts, inheritance, or any other increase to one’s assets or money flow.
Do I tithe on the sale of a home or other assets?
Opinions vary on this. Many would say tithe only on any profit from the sale, not the full sale amount. Others see proceeds from a sale as income to tithe on. Most churches advocate giving a tithe voluntarily on major financial gains.
Is tithing required for church membership or participation?
While tithing is often highly encouraged, very few churches make it an absolute requirement for membership or participation. Most seek to allow people to make their own decision about tithing convictions.
Can I tithe possessions or time rather than money?
Most churches focus on financial tithing because of the clear biblical precedent and practical need to fund ministries. Non-monetary contributions don’t replace a financial tithe, but can complement it as additional generosity.
Do I tithe on gross or net income?
This depends on one’s perspective. Tithing on gross income follows the standard of giving 10% right off the top. Tithing on net income essentially makes the government a priority creditor and tithes on what is left. Churches tend to teach tithing off gross income but leave the details up to an individual’s conscience.
Can I split my tithe between different churches or ministries?
While traditionally tithes were brought to the storehouse of the Temple, today it is acceptable to split a tithe between different churches or ministries as led by conscience. Most pastors would encourage the majority go to your local church.
If I tithe, can I stop other financial giving?
Tithing should be seen as just the beginning of generosity, not the end. The biblical principle is to give freely, generously, and even sacrificially beyond the tithe. Tithing sets the foundation for expanding generosity in other areas.
What if I can’t afford to tithe right now?
God sees the heart and life circumstances. Give what you can with a goal of working towards tithing. Avoid consumer debt that prevents you from tithing. Seek God first and trust him to provide what you need.
If I don’t tithe, am I robbing God and under a curse?
The language of Malachi 3 about “robbing God” is harsh. However, it reflects God’s desire for his people to prioritize giving back a portion to him. Avoid viewing the blessing and curse of Malachi legalistically. God’s grace remains on imperfect tithers.
What are some tips for managing tithing consistently?
Here are some helpful tips for making tithing a consistent habit:
- Decide your conviction first. Do you believe tithing is right for you today? Get settled in your motivation first.
- Determine a percentage and what income to base it on. 10% of gross or net income are the two most common options.
- Make it the first spend. Tithe right off the top whenever you receive income.
- Use automatic transfers. Have tithe automatically sent from paycheck or account to streamline it.
- Track expenses first. Budget your expenses, then tithe from what remains instead of visa versa.
- Find a tithe-friendly church. It’s easier to tithe faithfully when you trust your church and see fruits.
- See it as worship. Tithing is an act of faith, obedience and worship, not just a monetary transaction.
Conclusion
In summary, tithing 10% has been a common Christian practice for centuries with roots in the Old Testament. It serves as a guideline for proportional giving to sustain and build God’s kingdom. Tithing should be done freely with a cheerful heart, not legalistically. While not without valid criticisms, tithing stands as one biblical model for stewardship and worship when done with a right heart.