I need your thoughts and testimonies about tithing

[Janet842]

Do any of you consistently tithe when you can't? Do you tithe when you don't even have the money to meet your bills month after month?

Please spare me advice on how to improve my situation financially. That's not what I want to hear. I want to know what God has done for those of you who have faithfully tithed when tithing only puts you further and further behind in being able to meet your monthly expenses EVERY month. I want to know what God has done for you because you have been obedient.

I want to know how to tithe when there is no earthly way I can do so without having to declare bankruptcy and go live in my car.

Thanks.

PS - If you don't want to post here, please send me a private message.

 

[JustSaying]

Hey Janet842,

A short answer might not settle the question for you, especially since "tithe" can mean different things to differ people. But if you're interested in reading a bit I've written a book on the topic.

The book, "Tithing For Today," (Amazon Kindle) does take a pro tithing approach but is NOT demanding or condemning. The whole point was to provide rationale.

In any event, hope you get the answers you're looking for.

All the best

 

[Andry]

Janet842,

The short answer: God doesn't require you to tithe.

Despite what some folks will tell you, the good news that is the gospel isn't based on being rewarded for doing good, punished for doing bad. (Anyone who wants to debate the tithing issue yet again can start another thread, but I don't believe this is OP's intent here.)

FYI, I don't tithe. But I do give, which is a different discussion altogether.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I don't know if my comments fit. But I don't see tithing in the New Testament. If people want to give a tenth or more than a tenth as offerings, then this is voluntary and commendable, but it is not obligatory as in the Old Testament, where the tithes were to be given to Levites. We have no Levites today.

 

[1watchman]

We should give to the Lord in devotion such as we are able. He clearly knows our needs and our heart. Tithing ( a tenth) was the Israelite obligation under Law. In this Age of Grace we are God's children and we have a Father's love, so we should give to Him our love and such as we can materially, for His work among mankind. One should read the NT rather than the OT about giving back to the Lord.

 

[Purge187]

I felt God urging me to begin sending tithes to an organization that aids poor Jews in the former Soviet Union. Scripture tells us that God would bless those who bless Israel, and that He would recompense those who loan to the poor. Two birds with one stone. God blessed my finances in a big way a couple of years ago.

 

[Bobinator]

I tithed faithfully (10% of gross income) for almost 2 years without results while working small odd jobs to survive. It was extremely frustrating and disappointing at the time. I was technically unemployed for 4 years while trying hard to land a permanent job.

It was after I gave a $20 offering to a visiting minister/prophet who spoke at my church, over and above the tithe, that resulted in 3 job interviews and 2 job offers within a week. Thus began my full-time employment for the last 14 years in a rare position in the career of choice that I prayed for while I was still in college 23 years ago. I'm still tithing. Learned a very painful lesson.

God is good and has been taking care of my needs ever since.

 

[Restoresmysoul]

Christ said not to worry about food and clothing, so lets not worry about any material things. Christ said to seek the kingdom and God will give us what we need, and this is not promises of riches either, it refers only to our needs. Paul said Godliness is not about gain, and he said if we have food and clothing we should be content, he says its not good to desire wealth. Paul teaches us that we should set our affections above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and not set our affections on earthly things. Christ teaches us not to store riches on earth but in heaven, he says that where our treasure is there our heart will be also.

Paul does say that we should learn to do good works, but giving money should not be about getting a return on it because this doesn't seem to be setting our affections on heaven instead of earth. Christ said to give to everyone who asks and not to expect it back from them. If we give we should do it because we are seeking the kingdom instead of this world, in my opinion.

Paul teaches us to be careful for nothing but in all things with prayer let our requests be known unto God. All things in prayer. Not some things but all things. When Christ says to give and it will be given back to you He is not talking about money, but He is instead talking about judging others, this is a clear fact, not just my opinion, James says that we "have not" because we ask not, and he says we don't get what we ask for because we ask for the wrong things. Christ teaches us to take no thought for our life but he teaches us to pray for our daily bread.

Parents do have the responsibility of feeding their children and so they must not forget to do this, but they also have the responsibility to teach them how to seek the kingdom as well. Also, the church should be helping its own, in acts 2 we see that the church shared everything, they considered nothing as their own but they shared all things, having all things in common, they worshiped together daily with simplicity of heart, thanking God and loving each other.




Colossians 3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

 

[grasping the after wind]

God loves a cheerful giver. If you aren't giving cheerfully it isn't giving It might be trying to do a duty or looking for something in return but it is hardly giving. Give what you want to give not what someone told you you ought to give. Let God guide and motivate your giving not an effort to reach some percentage that Hebrews gave for both the work of the church and the work of the state.

 

[jacktheman]

my layman's studying have led me to think tithing as sooo many understand it, was done away with with the close of the OT canon.
The Levitical priesthood lived off the (food)tithe...
Heck, many leaders of worship aren't even paid! (but they're commonly referenced as being a 'part of the Levitical' priesthood...)
Malachi is often (mis)used to guilt believers into tithing

It's a funny thing...this tithing
A/G told me "NET/GROSS...it's up to you: but it was clear, tithe, and you'll be taken care of/blessed etc
I also read how tithing in the NT church age, started in the RC Church in like , 700AD or some such thing: haven't followed that one yet to it's conclusion.

My father in law told me once when we were struggling, 'Jesus won't take your house away'

peace,
J

 

[DeonCruywagen]

Do any of you consistently tithe when you can't? Do you tithe when you don't even have the money to meet your bills month after month?

Please spare me advice on how to improve my situation financially. That's not what I want to hear. I want to know what God has done for those of you who have faithfully tithed when tithing only puts you further and further behind in being able to meet your monthly expenses EVERY month. I want to know what God has done for you because you have been obedient.

I want to know how to tithe when there is no earthly way I can do so without having to declare bankruptcy and go live in my car.

Thanks.

PS - If you don't want to post here, please send me a private message.

My dear friend, let me just start off by saying that is no curse if you do not tithe. We have been redeemed from the curse by the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But that does not mean it has fallen away.

Let me quickly talk about tithing. It predates the law of Moses. Let's look at Genesis:

Genesis 14:18-20: And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!" And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.


Now let’s review what Malachi says:

Malachi 3:10-12: Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

I understand when you say it is difficult to tithe. I have been there. I was in a situation where tithing meant that after I paid all my expenses, I could afford to buy one McDonalds meal each month, and that was my treat for the month. Then I worked for another month and at the end of the month, the same thing. Since then, within the space of 5 years, my income has tripled.

You see, here is the thing- there are no curses or punishments for not tithing. We have been redeemed from these by the blood and sacrifice of Christ (I know I have said that, but it bears repeating). The only thing you are doing is cutting yourself off from God’s supernatural supply. Isaac knew this. Let’s see what blessing God gave him:

Genesis 26:12-13: And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The LORD blessed him, and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy.

So, if you are in a bad financial situation, you are making it worse for yourself by not tithing. Tithe, and trust God, and it shall be added to you.

Lastly I would like to refer you to two audio teaching series by Andrew Wommack. You can download these for free, so please do and listen to them. They will bless you with much greater understanding that what I am able to impart in such a short message. There are two series I want to refer you to: Finance Series and Financial Stewardship. Just do a search for Andrew Wommack, go to his website, click on Extras, and the click on Audio Teachings. You will find many excellent series there, but I want to refer you to these specifically on this topic. You can listen to any of his series. They all bless me, even if I think it is not something I needed to hear about.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

I have a few different thoughts on tything, some may seem conflicting. What is generally taught as the scripture for tything 'bring into my storehouse...' is actually meant to convey the meaning of God as saying "stop giving Me far from your best!" Jesus said that the son of the castle is not responsible for it's upkeep but that the foreigners are those who are taxed.
otoh God sometimes needs to free up His money to bless others. There comes in the responsibilty of tything responsibly. My church is very accountable so I have no problem trusting that.
When I don't have the money I don't tythe. Simple as that.

 

[pdudgeon]

Do any of you consistently tithe when you can't? Do you tithe when you don't even have the money to meet your bills month after month?

Please spare me advice on how to improve my situation financially. That's not what I want to hear. I want to know what God has done for those of you who have faithfully tithed when tithing only puts you further and further behind in being able to meet your monthly expenses EVERY month. I want to know what God has done for you because you have been obedient.

I want to know how to tithe when there is no earthly way I can do so without having to declare bankruptcy and go live in my car.

Thanks.

PS - If you don't want to post here, please send me a private message.

First off, it's not tithing that puts people behind in their bills, so let's set that discussion aside.

Secondly, it would be good for you to learn exactly where your money comes from. Money itself is a neutral tool; it's neither a good or a bad thing.
Money is one of the ways that God chooses for our use as a way to purchase what we need.

The source of all our income and our blessings is God. The tithe is our way of thanking God for His provision.

Third, there are 4 things that we must have:
1. food
2. shelter
3. clothing
4. emergency fund
Take care of providing those 4 things first--then tithe from the top, and lastly deal with any bills until you are debit free (other than a mortgague on a home)

as for what God has done for me, i've followed the advice i've given you here for the last two years.
As a result, I have no debits or outstanding payments, i have savings, i have money for shelter, i have reliable transportation, i have all the clothing that i need, i have insurance, and i have an emergency fund.
and i surpassed the tithe long ago.

But most importantly i have peace. and that as they say, is priceless.

 

[notalone32]

“Give to everyone who asks without expecting back”. I'm on disability payment as I've been unable to work and so am on a low income with many disability related costs. I live in a town where there is a lot of homelessness and if I go to the shops I can be asked by 4 or 5 beggars in one trip! Now want to give to them all but can only give to a few when I can (lot of bills at moment). So how can I give to everyone who asks? If I did I would have nothing left to live on

 

[Granny2Shoes]

“Give to everyone who asks without expecting back”. I'm on disability payment as I've been unable to work and so am on a low income with many disability related costs. I live in a town where there is a lot of homelessness and if I go to the shops I can be asked by 4 or 5 beggars in one trip! Now want to give to them all but can only give to a few when I can (lot of bills at moment). So how can I give to everyone who asks? If I did I would have nothing left to live on

I too live on a limited income (social security). I pay a tithe on my gross income plus the amount Indiana pays on my Medicare Part B (I count this as income) as I fall below the poverty guidelines of social security. I do it because the Holy Spirit in me convicted me to do this. Do I give cheerfully? Not always, but I give as an act of obedience to God and I believe God honors my obedience. Through this process I am learning to trust God for everything (and I mean everything). God does not bless me with more money, but He blesses me with bargains when I go to the store, somebody will invite me to lunch and pay for it, and other ways that make what I have go further. One of my favorite scriptures is in Psalms where David says, "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his see out begging for bread." I don't go to church, but I tithe to God's ministries. I feel I have a closer relationship with God because of my obedience to His Holy Spirit through my tithing. My advice would be to ask God and follow His instructions, because only He knows what you are going through.

As for the beggers, I would advise that you follow Peter and John's example in Acts 3:6 where Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give to you." And Peter healed the begger. I would suggest that you tell them that you too do not have any money, but you would be willing to pray for them if they would give you their name. Ask them what their needs are so that you can be specific in your prayers. Be faithful in praying for them and I believe that God will honor this as your gift to them, for once you put their problem in God's hands, He can find resources for their physical needs that you are unable to assist with.

Hope my philosophy helps you.

A Fellow Traveler in Christ,
Granny2Shoes

 

[notalone32]

I too live on a limited income (social security). I pay a tithe on my gross income plus the amount Indiana pays on my Medicare Part B (I count this as income) as I fall below the poverty guidelines of social security. I do it because the Holy Spirit in me convicted me to do this. Do I give cheerfully? Not always, but I give as an act of obedience to God and I believe God honors my obedience. Through this process I am learning to trust God for everything (and I mean everything). God does not bless me with more money, but He blesses me with bargains when I go to the store, somebody will invite me to lunch and pay for it, and other ways that make what I have go further. One of my favorite scriptures is in Psalms where David says, "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his see out begging for bread." I don't go to church, but I tithe to God's ministries. I feel I have a closer relationship with God because of my obedience to His Holy Spirit through my tithing. My advice would be to ask God and follow His instructions, because only He knows what you are going through.

As for the beggers, I would advise that you follow Peter and John's example in Acts 3:6 where Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give to you." And Peter healed the begger. I would suggest that you tell them that you too do not have any money, but you would be willing to pray for them if they would give you their name. Ask them what their needs are so that you can be specific in your prayers. Be faithful in praying for them and I believe that God will honor this as your gift to them, for once you put their problem in God's hands, He can find resources for their physical needs that you are unable to assist with.

Hope my philosophy helps you.

A Fellow Traveler in Christ,
Granny2Shoes

Thanks Granny 2Shoes. The praying thing scares me because I have social anxiety/extreme shyness but I guess I could practice and see what happens