Tithe

[Granny2young]

I have always been taught to tithe. Even as a small child I remember my parents giving us "coins" to place in the offering plate as it went by. My mother always taught us to give a tenth as a tithe and anything over that is an offering (gift) to God. I always assumed this was NT scripture since our church taught that, as did most every church I ever attended, no matter the demonination, but I was shocked to be told this morning that TITHING is not a command of Jesus, nor did he tell christians anywhere in the NT to tithe!! If someone knows of a verse, please let me know.

 

[PonytailGinger]

This is true that Jesus did not command anyone to tithe, but to give cheerfully. Jesus was at the temple and he compared the poor widow's giving to that of the rich man's, saying that her small contribution was more than the wealth of the man doing it for show. It means that you should give from your heart, rather than anything else. I attempted to look up these verses at http://www.blueletterbible.org, but could not find them. Perhaps you would have a better time with it than I.

 

[CoveredByWings]

Well not sure about nt but in the old , I believe it said we should tithe once every three years a tenth of our earnings. thats deut. 26:12

 

[sparkyman481]

God does not want 10%

He wants 100%

 

[Granny2young]

so I guess that man was correct, tithing is NOT scriptural in the NT

 

[Entertaining_Angels]

God will provide our daily needs (bread, shelter, etc...) but everything we have already belongs to him. I believe we are accountable for the way we spend our money. If you were to itemize your expenses, would more be in the 'me' column or the 'God' column? I think that alone is pretty telling.

God bless.

 

[sparkyman481]

God cares nothing about money.

He wants our soul.

 

[Sketcher]

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Cor 9:6-7

We still are to give, and I still use 10% as a rule of thumb. It's a little more flexible in the NT, but when 20% of the people do 80% of the work and giving, that's not right especially in our prosperous country. One of the purposes for the church is to serve, and for that we need resources, and resources cost money.

Since God purchased us with a price (1 Cor 6:20), He has the legal right to all we are and all that we own. We are trustees of the blessings He has given us. He's not against us enjoying some of what He has blessed us with, but remember He blessed you with money and stuff for a purpose. There is work to do for His kingdom. That means if He puts it on your heart to go above and beyond the 10% by all means do it!

 

[ronmathison]

I was shocked to be told this morning that TITHING is not a command of Jesus, nor did he tell christians anywhere in the NT to tithe!! If someone knows of a verse, please let me know.

There is nothing in Christ's new covenant, which began after Christ's sacrifice, at Pentecost, which commands us to tithe. Tithing was an old covenant command, just like circumsision, and marrying your brother's wife, if he died. Christians are not under the law: Galatians 3:10.

 

[ronmathison]

Jesus was at the temple and he compared the poor widow's giving to that of the rich man's, saying that her small contribution was more than the wealth of the man doing it for show.

That was still under the old covenant, where people were commanded to give a tenth. Jesus also told leppers who were healed, to offer what Moses commanded, under the law. Since Pentecost, Christians aren't under the law, but under grace. Please read Galatians.

 

[ronmathison]

so I guess that man was correct, tithing is NOT scriptural in the NT

 

[New_Wineskin]

I have always been taught to tithe. Even as a small child I remember my parents giving us "coins" to place in the offering plate as it went by. My mother always taught us to give a tenth as a tithe and anything over that is an offering (gift) to God. I always assumed this was NT scripture since our church taught that, as did most every church I ever attended, no matter the demonination, but I was shocked to be told this morning that TITHING is not a command of Jesus, nor did he tell christians anywhere in the NT to tithe!! If someone knows of a verse, please let me know.

The NT is *not* about commands in writings on paper . So , even if the newer writings did have something that *appeared* to be a command , it isn't . His commands are written on the hearts of those in the New Covenant .

Anyway , there are no passages directed at the Gentiles in general ( as I am one ) to tithe . Even if one did , the tithing command was to be given as food that one produced on their own land and was to be given to the naturally born Levites .

 

[Antoinette.Marie]

I think I'm a little confused. Is it in the Bible that we should tithe, or no? I tried looking it up, and I found 2 Corinthians 8:12 & 9:6 discuss giving from the heart all we are able, not limiting the giving to 10%. It doesn't specifically mention tithing, though.

Since this is the case, where, in fact, did the term "tithing" come from?

 

[justcallmejamie]

i think God wants the sacrifice, not the abundance. He wants us to trust not do are duty. If i tithe i get blessed if i dont tithe i get blessed. the unchanging variable is my love for Christ and my daily sacrifice to serve him.

 

[Antoinette.Marie]

i think God wants the sacrifice, not the abundance. He wants us to trust not do are duty. If i tithe i get blessed if i dont tithe i get blessed. the unchanging variable is my love for Christ and my daily sacrifice to serve him.

Very well said.

 

[hypostatic]

If no one tithes how would the church (little c, not big C) support itself? Who would pay the mortgage, salaries, and other expenses? I've personally been raised to give 10% as a rule of thumb, based on the OT. I'm a university student. My tithes probably don't even cover the winter salt my church uses. Despite the fixed limit, God looks at the spirit of willingness to give, rather than how much you give.

 

[godcenteredlife]

If no one tithes how would the church (little c, not big C) support itself? Who would pay the mortgage, salaries, and other expenses? I've personally been raised to give 10% as a rule of thumb, based on the OT. I'm a university student. My tithes probably don't even cover the winter salt my church uses. Despite the fixed limit, God looks at the spirit of willingness to give, rather than how much you give.

I agree, the 10% 'as a rule of thumb' based on the OT is a good idea. That doesn't mean you have to give 10%..but it's just a good way to go! Plus..10% isn't that much..unless your a student I suppose..
It's why your giving etc not how much you give. If your having trouble finding a good reason to give etc....then seek God.

 

[JesusZone]

tithing is a simple of Faith and Obedience. God is rich beyond measures. He don't need our money. Matter of fact, he provide us with money. There are many ways of saying I love you God. Tithing is one of them. And when time for us to go home to be with the Lord, he will reward a thousand time the amount. For me personally, tithing is a form of getting out of my comfort zone. Thinking of others besize yourself.

 

[Antoinette.Marie]

good post, JesusZone. I agree, thinking of others besides yourself is something the Father wants from us.

 

[New_Wineskin]

If no one tithes how would the church (little c, not big C) support itself? Who would pay the mortgage, salaries, and other expenses? I've personally been raised to give 10% as a rule of thumb, based on the OT. I'm a university student. My tithes probably don't even cover the winter salt my church uses. Despite the fixed limit, God looks at the spirit of willingness to give, rather than how much you give.

The biblical tithe does not include any of those . Those things are club dues that some groups decide to place on themselves .

The tithe isn't about giving , either . It is about paying something according to a law .

This is the problem when discussing "tithes" . There are several definitions being used at the same time . And , sometimes , a poster will be discussing the term with a couple of those definitions in one post .