Tithing: Give whatever you can?

SportsJunkie25 · Jul 8, 2009

I know the Bible says you should give 10% but what happens if you don't? I always try to give 10% but a lot of my friends don't. Some of my Christian friends say they'll give what they can (which is nowhere close to 10%. I'm not judging...just stating facts for the purposes of this thread ) or some don't tithe at all. If that's the case, can I just "give what I can"?? It's not like I can afford it when I do tithe, but I do so b/c I feel like I should and I just end up having to go without somethings...

But now, I'm starting to wonder if I have to tithe that much b/c it seems like I'm the only one, in my group of friends/family, that does. Thoughts?

PT Calvinist · Jul 8, 2009

that's unfair thought friend

If you keep thinking that way i'm afraid that you could possibly slip out of christianity. (satan starts with the little things)

Beside that point. Should we care what others do? if you're a Christian, then Tithing is a neccessity.

You know what I think about you're friends' attitude....I think that if you can't afford to pay off the bills anyway, or to do much else than tithe, why not give it to God and see what he can do with it.

Oh btw, If you don't tithe you're robbing God.

read this: Malachi 3:6-18

wonderwaleye · Jul 8, 2009

SportsJunkie25 said:
I know the Bible says you should give 10% but what happens if you don't? I always try to give 10% but a lot of my friends don't. Some of my Christian friends say they'll give what they can (which is nowhere close to 10%. I'm not judging...just stating facts for the purposes of this thread ) or some don't tithe at all. If that's the case, can I just "give what I can"?? It's not like I can afford it when I do tithe, but I do so b/c I feel like I should and I just end up having to go without somethings...

But now, I'm starting to wonder if I have to tithe that much b/c it seems like I'm the only one, in my group of friends/family, that does. Thoughts?

I had 8 children and a wife plus any friends that wished to be here and we had Church in the home. So what was my tithe? When Saint Paul had church in the home and worked to support himself how much did they tithe? Some of the early Christian Churches took up a collection for the support of a new church. Was that a tithe? Did JESUS tell you to tithe? How did the tithe come about? What was the tithe used for?

All the answers to these questions are in GOD'S WORD.

MatthewChapter 22

29 Jesus said to them in reply, "You are misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.

It's time to take out GOD'S WORD and read till it's locked in your heart.

LOVE

steven

2 King · Jul 8, 2009

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it."- James 4:17

God bless you.

read this: Malachi 3:6-18

that's a good scripture read.

SportsJunkie25 · Jul 8, 2009

Thanks for the responses.

I'm going to continue to tithe (I never thought about stopping) but I was just wondering what people thought about my OP. I don't have strong Christian influences around me so I feel like I don't have a good example to follow. Yes, I know, Jesus is my example but I'm talking about earthly friends. I know I'll meet some sooner or later, but in the meantime, I'll just ask you guys on CF. Again, thanks!

gabrielListens · Jul 8, 2009

St. Paul's answer for you from scripture...

7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-9 (NLT)

2 King · Jul 8, 2009

know I'll meet some sooner or later, but in the meantime, I'll just ask you guys on CF. Again, thanks!

That sounds like you're going to wait around and let them come to you (If im wrong, forgive me.)

I encourage you to search for Christian influences. If you see someone who is strong in faith, befriend them.
Church groups, Bible study, seminars, etc.

From many of the threads you've made. You sound like a person that's just barely hanging in there. I suppose it would be harsh of me to say, "witness to your friends in their weak points."

SportsJunkie25 · Jul 8, 2009

2 King said:
That sounds like you're going to wait around and let them come to you (If im wrong, forgive me.)

I encourage you to search for Christian influences. If you see someone who is strong in faith, befriend them.
Church groups, Bible study, seminars, etc.

From many of the threads you've made. You sound like a person that's just barely hanging in there. I suppose it would be harsh of me to say, "witness to your friends in their weak points."

No, I'm not going to wait for them to come to me. Lol. I said that because I may be moving home and I'd get to go back to my church and I'd be able to make some good, Christian friends. Where I'm at now, I don't really know anyone and the groups at church cater to the younger crowd.

In response to the threads I've posted in the past, I may be a little dramatic sometimes but I'm definitely not just holding on by a thread (well, 6 months ago maybe lol). I've been going through a difficult season but I get the feeling this season is coming to an end. Things are starting to happen; good things.

Fyi: "I suppose it would be harsh of me to say, "witness to your friends in their weak points." " Huh??

2 King · Jul 8, 2009

Things are starting to happen; good things.

That's good.

Fyi: "I suppose it would be harsh of me to say, "witness to your friends in their weak points." " Huh??

Nevermind.

Stay blessed.

Mobiosity · Jul 8, 2009

Tithing is something we should do. After 50 years, I've just started no shortage for any of my bills, and I'm wondering why I waited so long. I have a feeling I know; I'm selfish and greedy. God's been very good to me in spite of myself and I'm trying to show in some small part how grateful I am for all of it.

Mister_Al · Jul 8, 2009

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (Amplified Bible)

13)For it is not [intended] that other people be eased and relieved [of their responsibility] and you be burdened and suffer [unfairly],

14)But to have equality [share and share alike], your surplus over necessity at the present time going to meet their want and to equalize the difference created by it, so that [at some other time] their surplus in turn may be given to supply your want. Thus there may be equality,

15)As it is written, He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little did not lack.

Jesus said this another way:

Luke 6:38 (Amplified Bible)

38)Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.

Tithing is about the Law, but giving is about the heart. And, God knows the difference in why you're doing the giving.

Blessings,
Alan

jpcedotal · Jul 8, 2009

The founder of Subway, I think (it was some chain store), says (and I am paraphrasing):

I began giving 10% and living off of 90%, but by the end I was giving 90% and living off of 10%.

Sounds like a good way to live to me.

heron · Jul 10, 2009

The home church... interesting scenario.

Friends of mine give different reasons and results for tithing. I find that the "rebuke the devourer" promise stands strong in my life. When things start to go haywire -- car breakdowns, things needing repair, time intruded on -- it reminds me if I had forgotten to tithe that week. (My paychecks are variable, and I am not always in the sanctuary during the service.)

Preachers talk about the floodgates being opened, or multiplication of seed, but I find it's usually more about protection of what I already own, than new provision. What happens to the work of our hands.

You may not see this difference, in comparing your friends' success with your own. But the tithe isn't about getting oneself rich, as I'm sure you know. It's about giving. You can feel good about being an example, and being the one who can encourage your friends to be faithful. That's worth something.

MetalChef87 · Jul 10, 2009

The word tithe actually means a tenth. We should give 10 percent of what we earn to God, because the first 10 percent is already His, you are robbing Him of what is His if you don't tithe.

Trust me on this God can do more with 90 percent of your income than you can do with 100 percent. Trust God and faithfully give Him 10 percent of your income, you will see a difference...we must walk by faith and not by sight. Giving only what you can afford is not walking by faith, but by sight. Have faith and trust the Living God to provide for you, He promised He would and He will.

SportsJunkie25 · Jul 10, 2009

Thanks for all of the responses! I'm going to keep tithing (never was going to stop...just wondering what you guys thought about the other comments that were made about tithing.) Hopefully, I'll be getting a new job sometime soon and although funds will still be rough, I'll continue giving.

freeport · Jul 10, 2009

SportsJunkie25 said:
I know the Bible says you should give 10% but what happens if you don't? I always try to give 10% but a lot of my friends don't. Some of my Christian friends say they'll give what they can (which is nowhere close to 10%. I'm not judging...just stating facts for the purposes of this thread ) or some don't tithe at all. If that's the case, can I just "give what I can"?? It's not like I can afford it when I do tithe, but I do so b/c I feel like I should and I just end up having to go without somethings...

But now, I'm starting to wonder if I have to tithe that much b/c it seems like I'm the only one, in my group of friends/family, that does. Thoughts?

Most important kind of tithing is tithing from your heart out of love for others: praying for your enemies, judging people by right standards you adhere to, being fair to rich and poor alike, forgiving anyone whom you hold anything against, and considering how you might aid others through the Spirit of God.

mikev · Jul 11, 2009

I have been tithing for 33 years, in the good times and in the lean times. Life has its cycles, but God is always constant and has contnued to provide as He has promised.

A key to helping people (your friends) to see and understand tithing is to ask them if they are really giving "their own" money when they tithe. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof - it all belongs to Him in the first place.

Some may say, "Oh, I earned this, and I made that." Well, where did they get their mind and body from? Where did all the resources come from that enabled them to earn and produce?

So really, God gave first - He gave us life, He put everything in motion for us. Now, as a token of honor and respect to Him, we give to Him the firstfruits of our increase - and then, he promises to bless us back! Again!

And, one more thing; as you look around at God's creation, you see it was designed with so much "giving."
Sunlight gives us vitamin D
Seeds give us more plants,,
the soil gives us more plants by bearing those plants
Plants give us oxygen,
Fruit gives us more fruit seeds
Trees give us shade,
etc.

May God bless you and richly supply all your needs!

Mike

jarrettcpr · Jul 11, 2009

My personal belief about making sure you have to set aside 10% of your income is not one I accept.

“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 Corinth 9:7

Give what you want, but do it b/c it makes you happy, not because you think you're told to give 10, 20, 40, 80, or 100 percent of your income to your church and/or charities, and/or etc.

I just hope people are not going crazy making sure they are tithing and thinking are they missing a percent, because IMO it takes away from the fact they want to give back and makes giving money extremely legalistic, which I'm against.

Give whatever you wish, as long as it makes you happy/joyful/cheerful.

SportsJunkie25 · Jul 11, 2009

freeport said:
Most important kind of tithing is tithing from your heart out of love for others: praying for your enemies, judging people by right standards you adhere to, being fair to rich and poor alike, forgiving anyone whom you hold anything against, and considering how you might aid others through the Spirit of God.

Is this what you do instead of giving financially or were you just adding additional ways to tithe?

favoredbyGod · Jul 11, 2009

When u don't tithe, you are considered to be "robbing God" and thats not a good thing. Read the book of Malachi.

If we think about it 10% is not really that much, you get a dollar, you give $0.10, $100 you give $10.

The thing is God already knows what finances we have, it's just that we have to trust God to provide for us and be obedient by taking him at his word.

Tithing: Give whatever you can?

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