Members of the Christian faith have discussed the practice of tithing for what seems like eons. And whether you were raised in the church or not, chances are you’ve heard something about it. But exactly what does it mean to “tithe?”
You are not alone in your confusion about what a tithe is, how much you should tithe, and whether or not you should tithe at all if you are in debt.
Let’s get down to earth and begin with the fundamentals. In this article you’ll come to an understanding of what is tithe, and how does tithe work.
What Is Tithe
The word “tithe” is of Old Testament origin. The Israelites were obligated to give gifts, which amounted to a tax. These days, it’s usually just a shorthand for “give 10% of your income to the church.” Nothing in the New Testament or in the new covenant understanding of what it means to be God’s people leads us to believe that we are obligated to give 10% of our income to the church.
The expectations set forth in the New Testament are, to put it mildly, higher in many respects. So that the poor may be helped, the work of the ministry may continue, and the gospel may be proclaimed in all the world, we are obligated to give abundantly and cheerfully. So, I’m not sure what to say. Some people may not be good candidates for a 10% donation. For many in the United States, donating 10 percent wouldn’t require much sacrifice or feel particularly generous.
How is Tithe Calculated
There are several methods of tithe calculation available to Christians who want to understand how to tithe. Which method you choose will depend on your religious background, beliefs, and financial situation. We’ll look at all the ways you can calculate tithe, so you can make the best choice for your situation.
This is a difficult question to answer because of the difference in interpretation. Some say that you should only tithe on your income. Others say that you should tithe on your net income (your total income minus taxes). Still others say that you should tithe on your gross income (your total income before taxes).
It depends on how you want to interpret this verse: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” The word translated as “crops” literally means “increase.” Some people translate this verse as saying our tithe should be based upon our net increase. There are others who translate it as our gross increase.
Using Net Income
If you want to use the net income method, then you will deduct all of your expenses from your total income for the year. This might include business expenses, insurance payments, housing costs, transportation costs and more. Then, you will calculate 10 percent of this amount and donate that much to a church or charity.
Do you want to tithe correctly? Our article on how to tithe helps you to understand this important command from God.
You must set up your life so that you can pay your tithe and receive the blessings that God has promised. How do you do this? What is tithing? Where should you pay it? You need answers to these questions.
If you are in debt, give a proportionate amount of what you earn until the debts are paid off. If you are on a low income, give a proportionate amount of what you earn.
A person who is not working should not expect to receive the blessings of tithing. The best they can do is continue to learn and grow in faith, believing that God will open up a way for them to get back into employment or business.
The word “tithe” means tenth or 10%. It comes from the fact that ancient people would give their tithe, or 10th of their crops and livestock to God.
The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your life. Leviticus 27:30 says that a tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
Tithing is a commandment
In Malachi 3:10, God tells us to bring “the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
It is important to understand that tithing is not something we do to get God to bless us; it is an act of worship and obedience because He has already blessed us. We tithe because we love and honor God with our finances – not because we are seeking a financial blessing.
How is Tithe Calculated?
The Bible gives no specific guidance
The word tithe comes from the Hebrew word ma’aser, which means tenth or 10 percent. Tithes are like a payment to God. As your local church’s pastor, I ask that you pay tithes to our church so we can provide for the needs of the congregation.
In general, Christians pay their tithes by giving 10 percent of their income to their church. The income can be from working at a job or running a business. Tithes are typically paid every week when a person attends church service.
Tithes can also be given in other ways besides money. For example, you could give your time and volunteer at the church. You could also donate clothes, food and other items to the church.
Who Should Pay Tithes?
All Christians should pay tithes, with the Bible verse of Malachi 3:10 as the main reason why – “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (King James Version).
The Bible also
Tithe comes from the Hebrew word “ma’aser,” which means tenth. Tithing, in one form or another, has been a part of human culture since ancient times, and it’s still practiced by some religions today. In Judaism, for example, Jews are required to give 10 percent of their income to charity every year. Similarly, Christians are called to tithe 10 percent of their earnings as well.
But tithing isn’t just a religious matter; it’s also a personal financial strategy. If you tithe 10 percent of what you earn — before taxes — you’ll learn to live on 90 percent of your income. That way, if your expenses go up unexpectedly or if your income suddenly drops, you’ll be able to adjust your budget and continue living comfortably.
For example, if you make $2,000 each month and tithe $200 to charity after paying your bills, then all it takes is a $100 increase in your monthly expenses and you’ll be over budget. But if you set aside $200 for tithing before paying any bills — and especially before paying yourself — that extra $100 won’t affect your ability to pay your monthly expenses.
Many people think that tithing is no longer necessary under the New Covenant.
However, tithing was never commanded only for the Jews or the church. Tithing is a principle of Scripture and has been practiced by believers throughout all generations.
God’s promise to bless those who are obedient to His Word has never changed.
Tithing is an act of worship that expresses our love and gratitude to God for providing for us and protecting us.
How Does Tithe Work
It is God’s expectation that you faithfully offer God ten percent of your income, or the tithe. When you tithe, you’re showing respect for the biblical mandates to support one’s spiritual leaders, help the poor, and store up treasures in heaven.
The Bible teaches repeatedly that we should worship God by tithing a portion of our income to him as an act of worship and gratitude. Your “barns will be filled with plenty,” and your “presses will burst out with new wine,” the Bible says, if you “honor the Lord with thy substance” and “with the firstfruits of all thy increase” (Proverbs 3:9–10).
Learn the Scriptural Rationale Behind Tithing.
Tithing is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament, but it is most closely associated with God’s calling of the Israelite tribe of Levi to serve as tabernacle priests and spiritual leaders of Israel. God did not give the tribe of Levi land (as He had given to the other tribes of Israel) because of these two special responsibilities, but He did command the Israelites to bring tithes of their increase to support the Levites and the priests. (Check out the tally in Number 18.)
Jesus approved of tithing (Matthew 23:23), and Paul urged Christians to support the poor and those who preached the gospel by donating 10% of their income (see II Corinthians 9:6–15). Those who have been called by God to the ministry of pastor, missionary, or other similar service can only do their jobs and build God’s church and kingdom with the faithful tithes of the people who attend their services.
Use It Real World
One form of worship is tithing, which serves as a reminder that all of one’s possessions are God’s gift and a token of appreciation for His provision. Your heart will be set on a course to honor God with the rest of your money as you give away the first ten percent of your income.
Time of Donation
Think about how often you get paid and how much you can afford to donate based on that. By meeting the needs of others on a regular basis, you can thank God for His goodness and remind yourself of His faithfulness.
How to Donate
The tithe is a monetary offering that is traditionally given to one’s place of worship. These contributions sustain the ministry of the church in the community and provide financial support for the pastor and ministry staff who are actively serving you. Extra donations can be made to other ministries that are spreading the Gospel as God blesses and guides you.
What Presents
10% of your annual income is the tithe. Consider giving God the firstfruits of your time (dedicating the first part of your day to quiet reflection and setting aside one day per week for rest and worship) and energy (in addition to the ten percent of your income you’re already giving) (investing your gifts and abilities in your church and community).
Ways to Donate
God cares about your heart, so tell Him why you’re giving. For God loves a cheerful giver, so each person should give what they can afford and what they feel called to give. The Bible says, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (II Corinthians 9:7–8). Give with confidence that God will provide all that you need to multiply your good deeds.
Inculcate a healthy respect for the Lord’s authority in your heart.
Regularly remembering your utter dependence on God is made easier by the tithing practice. Tithing is a way to express your gratitude to God during times of prosperity and a reminder that He is the giver of all good things. Tithing encourages you to reflect on God’s provision and shows that you trust him even in the midst of adversity.
According to Deuteronomy 14:22-23, God commanded the Israelites to “truly tithe all the increase of thy seed… of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.” Regardless of your circumstances, tithing is a vital step toward developing a healthy respect for God’s authority.
Put away your money wisely in the Kingdom of Heaven
As Christians, we are urged to prioritize what really matters over temporary pleasures. (Check out Colossians 3:1–2.) “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal not; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” Jesus urged His followers (Matthew 6:19–21).
Honor God and help those in need by giving a tithe and more. Bring all the tithes into the temple so that there may always be food there, and test me in this, says the Lord of Hosts, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and flood you with so much good stuff that you won’t have room enough to store it (Malachi 3:10).
