What if you can't afford to tithe?

Minty

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This is the one issue that has stopped me going to church...tithing.


At the moment my family are going through very hard times...we have barely enough to buy food and pay our bills, and after that we have nothing (and I mean nothing, empty wallets all round).

So what can I give? :( I can't even afford a newspaper, and to give 10% of my income would mean that we lose our house. At max it would be literally pennies that I would put in the collection, and I refuse to have my financial issues spread around church...so I stopped attending.

Is this wrong?
 
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This is the one issue that has stopped me going to church...tithing.


At the moment my family are going through very hard times...we have barely enough to buy food and pay our bills, and after that we have nothing (and I mean nothing, empty wallets all round).

So what can I give? :( I can't even afford a newspaper, and to give 10% of my income would mean that we lose our house. At max it would be literally pennies that I would put in the collection, and I refuse to have my financial issues spread around church...so I stopped attending.

Is this wrong?

THAT IS REALLY WRONG!

The tithe is there to help the community and the faith.
Is your economy more important than that?!?
 
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drich0150

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We are to give according to how God has prospered us.. This has nothing to do with percentages or money.. It's according to our increase whether it be in time, knoweledge, wisdom, Joy, administrative gifts, any of it.. I know alot of churches have taken the liberty to impose a dollar amount on it's congregations, but the simple truth is there isn't a new testament example of anyone giving less than 100% of everything they have. If all that you materially possess belongs to creditors and other people then find other ways to give.

Remember it all belongs to God anyway, even if you make your monthly payments elsewhere. So what exactly are you giving, unless it's of your heart? this may not be a "popular christian" view, but it is a biblical one.
 
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Bellicus

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Nothing in the new testament gives a expression that giving tithe is something Christians must do. However it is mentioned as a good thing when Christians give money to help other Christians. I don't think anyone could suggest that salvation depends on how many coins a person gives away.
 
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Minty

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We are to give according to how God has prospered us.. This has nothing to do with percentages or money.. It's according to our increase whether it be in time, knoweledge, wisdom, Joy, administrative gifts, any of it.. I know alot of churches have taken the liberty to impose a dollar amount on it's congregations, but the simple truth is there isn't a new testament example of anyone giving less than 100% of everything they have. If all that you materially possess belongs to creditors and other people then find other ways to give.

Remember it all belongs to God anyway, even if you make your monthly payments elsewhere. So what exactly are you giving, unless it's of your heart. this may not be a "popular christian" view, but it is a biblical one.
That's just it, I don't know what to give. I have to work two jobs just to get the small amount of money that we get now, and as the only Christian in my house I don't see why my parents should have to give anything, to be honest. Everything that I get I put into the house as without it we would lose it.

I don't know anyone at church well enough to say this to them, so I thought it better to not be a drain on their precious resources by attending.

I figure that when things get better for us, then I will go and more than gladly give what I can. But I have no right to make my parents go without food and heat just so that I can give that money to a church that they don't even attend.

Is that so wrong?
 
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Nothing in the new testament gives a expression that giving tithe is something Christians must do. However it is mentioned as a good thing when Christians give money to help other Christians. I don't think anyone could suggest that salvation depends on how many coins a person gives away.


What do you know... you norweigans are nothing but church burning devil worshippers....

Giving coin proves your faith towards God, as you put your worldly power in HIS hands... and therefor clearly become a better christian!

EDIT:
Now I see why you are punnished.... nonbelievers can't expect any mercy from HIM....
Make them faithfull to him, and all will become better
 
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mont974x4

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We are to honor our commitments. Someone who would push you to ignore paying a bill in favor of giving to the church has taken a legalistic approach and missed the whole point.

Why would someone require you to tithe just so you'd have to turn around and ask the church for help?


If your church is not one where you can go speak to your pastor and trust things to not get your business the subject of town gossip something is wrong.
 
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Minty

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I don't think that is something God is telling you.
You're right, He didn't, but I am not even sure if the church that I used to attend is even the right one for me...I was hoping to attend a new Methodist Church that was opening near me this month, but the building has been delayed and they are not opening until the new year now, so...
 
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THIS is what is wrong with the world... Do you think the people in the dark ages whined about these sort of things?!? THEY DIED IN SERVICE OF HIM, and are now eternally rewarded for it!

Choose your reward MintyAngel, choose salvation ahead of damnation! Attend church and don't pay the tithe if you lack the faith to!
 
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drich0150

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That's just it, I don't know what to give.

Again, Giving has nothing to do with money. look at what you do here as a member of the Moderating team. You give of your time and administrative talents to keep this a clean and safe environment for all those who seek help. This is a gift from your heart to the purposes of God's work. alot of people are helped out because of your efforts here.. People who would have other wise have fallen thru the cracks of organized religion.

To me what you do here is "Tithe" enough to justify getting your church on at your local congregation. If you still feel a need there, then teach a class or bring a little old lady to services.. Do something for someone who would have normally fallen thru the cracks of your local churches efforts.

This is what i mean by giving from your heart.. Do what you can to fill a need. Most people try and buy there way out of a "True tithe" with there 10% and because church has become such a business this practice is not only excepted but now expected. (This is what I refer to as a non biblical christian standard.)
 
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mont974x4

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In the NT people gave in order to help people in your situation.

Now, does that mean we don't have some responsibility? Of course not, we should (I know I am) prayerfully seeking His wisdom as to finances. I know I need to make some changes. However, ignoring bills in order to tithe is wrong. Not paying our debts is a poor witness and does not bring honor and glory to God.

If there is anyway to give, I would encourage it....but not demand it. From personal experience I believe it helps. Don't worry about the amount and make sure bills and needs are met first. I believe God will bless you and knows your heart.
 
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I think it is well past time for you to leave this thread. You are not being helpful.

This is the edification section, do you understand what edification is?

Yes I do, and that is what I'm doing. I'm giving the advice that will ultimately bring MintyAngel true happiness. Not some stupid talking about bills and things!

Why should we pay bills to non believing governments, or false believing ones!?! That is wrong and I won't stand idly by while another one becomes a victim of your lies and tricks!

Why should you pay bills to men, when you can pay to God?
 
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Minty

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Again, Giving has nothing to do with money. look at what you do here as a member of the Moderating team. You give of your time and administrative talents to keep this a clean and safe environment for all those who seek help. This is a gift from your heart to the purposes of God's work. alot of people are helped out because of your efforts here.. People who would have other wise have fallen thru the cracks of organized religion.

To me what you do here is "Tithe" enough to justify getting your church on at your local congregation. If you still feel a need there, then teach a class or bring a little old lady to services.. Do something for someone who would have normally fallen thru the cracks of your local churches efforts.

This is what i mean by giving from your heart.. Do what you can to fill a need. Most people try and buy there way out of a "True tithe" with there 10% and because church has become such a business this practice is not only excepted but now expected. (This is what I refer to as a non biblical christian standard.)
I hadn't thought of it that way...thank you :hug:
In the NT people gave in order to help people in your situation.

Now, does that mean we don't have some responsibility? Of course not, we should (I know I am) prayerfully seeking His wisdom as to finances. I know I need to make some changes. However, ignoring bills in order to tithe is wrong. Not paying our debts is a poor witness and does not bring honor and glory to God.

If there is anyway to give, I would encourage it....but not demand it. From personal experience I believe it helps. Don't worry about the amount and make sure bills and needs are met first. I believe God will bless you and knows your heart.
That is what I thought, and I thank you for your advice :hug:
 
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I hadn't thought of it that way...thank you :hug:

That is what I thought, and I thank you for your advice :hug:

As for you, my funny little troll...please either give a proper opinion or just take your hate somewhere else...we all know that you are now not being serious so please don't bother carrying on making yourself into a laughing stock ^_^

You have given me a laugh, though, so thank you for that :hug:


phew... I'm tired of all this christian [wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth] >.<....

These are my serious opinions:

If a god exists, then he's [wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth]ed.
Bills and taxes MUST be payed, and the church can't demand anything from you.
I love that you want to take care of your family like you do, and you appear to be a good person.

Soz for weird talking and all, but I was training for the 4chan raid, and was boored lol.....
 
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Lyle

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To tithe would be more then just money, but the firsts of everything we have. Throughout the Old testament people were to give the first tenth of everything they had. The first of the harvest and what not. People harp on what is actual amounts we are and are not to give. I have seen a church where you have to set up a direct withdrawl in order to be there... and another with an atm inside.

Think of it this way. You have nothing except what God has given you; therefore everything cent you have is already God's. We make the mistake in thinking we give God a certain amount, He already owns it all. Another way to render service to God may be more through your time and efforts. Serve, as we are all called to do.

I have heard it said give ten percent and trust God. This is like jumping off the diving board of logic into the pool of uncertainty. I know people that have nothing and give what they have and God provides in ways that are, well, simply amazing. I think if we go all out and trust God in whatever and walk in His way, He will hold us. I believe it because He promised it. Like my friend Guillermo is from Argentina and he told me about Christians that have to choose between using their three cents on food or coming to church.... You'd be surprised how many come to church.

See, we have liberty in Christ. We are free. This means we are free to turn around and give that liberty to Him, just as the leper that returned to give thanks. We are given things by God we are to be good stewards of. Giving what will cost you more then you'd like to pay sounds like not being a good steward, but that is for you to judge for yourself. Honestly, I would work first to establish firm foundations as far as money goes. Not waiting till you are rich before you give, but give where god has laid on your heart and trust him, but hold onto the things (talents) God has entrusted you with.
 
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DreamsAreFree

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You said you are working two jobs to meet family commitments and you don't know what to give. Isn't that enough? Would God not have you give to your family of yourself first? Your family is your priority. If you cannot serve in church or give financially after that, you have met your first obligation and I believe that is how God would have you serve. Serving your family comes FIRST.

Tithing, while preached by many churches including my own, is not scriptural under the new covenant. Giving is to be freely and without compulsion. I do tithe because I am in leadership and it is a value of my church ... I would feel hypocritical if I did not. However that is my choice and I don't feel obligated to do it. No-one should know who is giving what in a church anyway.

Go to church but only give what you feel you can - if anything. Even if you can't now in future you may be able to give more. God sees your heart and understands.
 
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