Have you ever heard someone tell you that because Jesus gave His life for you, the least you can do is give Him 10% of your income?
I used to think that way when I was a member of a denomination caught up in legalism. When you look at the statement closely, a salvation by works theology is at its core. It's as though these people expect you to offer Jesus payment for the sacrifice He made. That's not the gospel, but a man-made tactic used to manipulate people into giving money to a church organization.
I have looked into the Scriptures to see what the Bible says about tithing. There is no biblical support for the belief that God requires believers to hand over 10% of their gross income to a church organization. It is a man-made doctrine.
Before you jump on me for saying that, watch the following video.
Next time someone says the least you can do is give Jesus 10% of your income, you can respond: Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (Jn. 14:15). And then ask him or her to show you where Jesus commanded believers to give 10% of their gross income to a church organization.
They will likely proceed to take several Bible verses out of context, but if you watched the video above, you will know how to respond to their legalistic teaching.
Should we support those who labor for God? Yes. But it is up to the individual how much he or she gives. It is not for us to weigh people down with false guilt by demanding they give an amount God doesn't require of them. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)
If people are making such demands of you—accusing you of robbing God because you aren't abiding by their church rules on tithing, then I suggest looking elsewhere for a place of fellowship.
I used to think that way when I was a member of a denomination caught up in legalism. When you look at the statement closely, a salvation by works theology is at its core. It's as though these people expect you to offer Jesus payment for the sacrifice He made. That's not the gospel, but a man-made tactic used to manipulate people into giving money to a church organization.
I have looked into the Scriptures to see what the Bible says about tithing. There is no biblical support for the belief that God requires believers to hand over 10% of their gross income to a church organization. It is a man-made doctrine.
Before you jump on me for saying that, watch the following video.
Next time someone says the least you can do is give Jesus 10% of your income, you can respond: Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (Jn. 14:15). And then ask him or her to show you where Jesus commanded believers to give 10% of their gross income to a church organization.
They will likely proceed to take several Bible verses out of context, but if you watched the video above, you will know how to respond to their legalistic teaching.
Should we support those who labor for God? Yes. But it is up to the individual how much he or she gives. It is not for us to weigh people down with false guilt by demanding they give an amount God doesn't require of them. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)
If people are making such demands of you—accusing you of robbing God because you aren't abiding by their church rules on tithing, then I suggest looking elsewhere for a place of fellowship.
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