What Is Tithing?
Answer: Tithe is a word used in the Bible. It means “a tenth.” In Old Testament times, God commanded the Israelites to give to the priests a tithe of all they produced.
They gave sheep, grain, cows, and so forth. These tithes were like income for the priests, enabling them to work full-time leading the people in worship and taking care of God’s house.
Sometimes people gave, even more, to say thank you to God for all the good things he had provided. Their giving showed that they trusted God to supply their needs.
Many Christians use the word tithe to describe the giving they do. Usually, they mean that they give back to God a portion of their income.
Sometimes they give a tenth (10 percent); sometimes they give less or more. When we give gladly, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
Key verse: [God said,] “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! But you ask, ‘What do you mean?
When did we ever cheat you?’ You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.” (Malachi 3:8)
Related verses: Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 2 Chronicles 31:5-6; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Related question: How much are you supposed to tithe?
Note to parents: Some parents require that their kids tithe; they want their children to develop this important habit early in life.
Other parents are reluctant to require it; they want their children to give willingly.
One way to handle this is to require your children to give, tell them about tithing and what you do, but let them decide how much they want to give.
Whatever the amount, help them set aside a portion for God every time they earn money.
Why Do I Have To Give Money To Church?
Answer: It is part of God’s plan for Christians to give money to the church so the church can do God’s work and help others learn how to follow him.
Like families and businesses, churches have bills to pay-electric bills, phone bills, water bills, and many other expenses.
Churches also have to pay salaries to the pastors and secretaries. The church’s money pays for ministries such as Sunday school, missions, and special events.
Churches don’t sell tickets for the worship services or sell products, so they get their money from people in the congregation who give freely.
God’s people have always given money to those who lead in worship and service to God. Abraham did it. The Israelites did it.
Jesus did it. The apostles did it. Everyone who loves God does it. They know it is a lot of work to lead God’s people, so they pitch in and help pay for it.
Key verse: For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. (2 Corinthians 8:3)
Related verses: Proverbs 27:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 5:11; 8:2-15; 9:12-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17
Related question: Did God or Jesus say that we have to give money to the church, or do we just do it?
Note to parents: Help your kids understand that the church is a community. It is a group of people who all share a relationship with Christ, much like a family.
And like a family, every person should pitch in and help make it work.
How Much Should A Person Give To The Church?
Answer: Christians are free to give as much as they want to the church. But many like to start with 10 percent of their income.
That’s their tithe. Those who are able should give even more to other people and ministries that serve God.
Just be careful not to brag about your giving. Jesus scolded the Pharisees for boasting about what they gave (Matthew 23:23).
He said, “When you give to someone, don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing.
Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
Some people need to ask a different question: Why am I not giving anything to the church?
Some people can’t bring themselves to give 10 percent but start smaller and pray that God will help them increase their giving.
It’s better to give something than to wait until you have enough to give a lot.
Key verse: You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give.
Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Related verses: Matthew 6:1-4; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:33-35; 2 Corinthians 8:11
Note to parents: Children can be very generous givers. They will often give money to people whom they like just to show their affection or give everything they have on a wave of good feeling.
If your child wants to give extra, talk about it. Ask whether the gift matches the need. Explore other Ways of giving besides handing over cash.
You don’t need protect them from every mistake-they’ll learn from the experience-but you can give them guidance.