Q: I believe in tithing, but my husband does not. He says it does not exist in the New Testament. He does give, but he doesn’t give 10%. I realized we are to give from our hearts and are under grace now. Does that mean we should give more than 10%? Would you please clarify the New Testament concept of tithing. Did it change from the Old Testament or not?

A: The 10% tithe is an Old Testament concept. It represented 1/10 of property or income for the support of the priesthood or for other religious purposes. References to the tithe are found in both the Old Testament and in the New Testament, but mainly it’s found in the Mosaic law. The early church didn’t support the systematic giving of a tithe, even though some appealed to verses like Matthew 10:10 and 1 Corinthians 9: 7-10. But leaders in the church proved that the arguments taken from these verses were not valid. They emphasized freedom in Christian giving rather than obligation.

Our giving should be motivated by our love for Christ to support people in ministry and the church, as well as the churches work in missions and relief.  The problem is that most Christians disregard any kind of standard and give embarrassingly little. We shouldn’t be obligated to give a tenth of our income, but we should willingly give more than most do. The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Unfortunately, most Christians are stingy with their finances and are short on thankfulness for what God has given them.

God already loves you as much as He ever will, and He always has. Giving God more money is not going to make Him love you more. At the same time, as you get to know God better and better, you will want to do those things that please Him, and that includes giving to His work. Giving reflects our heart and our attitude towards God in other areas.

When you give, be wise. Don’t just pick out a ministry and give them money without knowing something about the ministry and how they use your money. We are strong proponents of the local church, so we think most of your money should go towards the place where you are learning from a pastor who teaches from the Bible, engaging in worship with other believers, and supporting those who are doing the Lords work at home and abroad. Your heart is certainly in the right place God will honor you as you honor him with your money.

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Relevant Scripture

no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. (Matthew 10:10)

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely, he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. (1 Corinthians 9: 7-10)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9: 7)

Reference

Bible Answers 101 by Bickel & Jantz