What Is the Definition of Tithing?
People who don't believe in tithing often argue that they work hard for their money and can't afford to give 10 percent to churches, ministries, religious organizations or charities. They don't understand--or choose not to remember--that according to the Bible, it's God that gives them the ability to make a living and everything comes from Him (Psalm 24:1). For many people, once they understand the blessings of tithing they realize they can't afford not to tithe.
Other People Are Reading
-
Identification
-
The word tithe means "tenth." The practice of tithing is defined as giving away 10 percent of an annual income, usually to a church or charitable organization. The value of tithing varies among different churches. While some hold it as a principle, others use it as standard for giving.
History
-
The first Biblical reference to tithing is recorded in Genesis 14:20, in which Abraham gave a tithe of his treasure to the high priest, Melchizedek. Five hundred years later, it's written that God set up a tithing law for the Israelites to support the priests and Levites serving in the Tent of Meeting (Numbers 18:21-16). Also, Jewish males paid annual temple taxes (Exodus 38:26). King Solomon demanded a temple tax and tithes to support temple priests when he built the first temple in Jerusalem in 960 B.C. When the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D., the temple tax stopped because there was no temple.
New Testament references on tithing include Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, Luke 18:12 and Hebrews 7:8-9. However, because there is no New Testament passage equivalent to tithing, it's not clear how early churches were supported. Later, the idea of tithing developed more in the West than in the East. In 585 A.D., the Council of Macon ordered payment of tithes, threatening excommunication to those who didn't comply. Today, most churches encourage tithing but it's not compulsory. However, in some churches it's needed for membership. -
Benefits
-
Tithing provides greater wisdom in using your money wisely. It strengthens faith, giving peace of mind. By tithing, people receive opportunities to grow closer to God as they witness how he takes care of them. When you don't tithe, you miss the joy of knowing how God comes through in times of need, strengthening faith. Tithers are more prone to become involved with missions through prayer and serving. Also, tithing gives inner peace, as givers feel good they're making a difference in lives.
Warning
-
Don't tithe if you feel forced or because you want a return on your money. Unfortunately, some televangelists mislead people, condemning people if they don't. Tithing should be done with a peace in your heart and not out of fear or to get money back. Instead, give from the heart because it's what you believe God wants you to do. The Bible cautions in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that God loves a cheerful giver. In other words, if tithing is done begrudgingly, there's a possibility it's not received in God's eyes.
Misconceptions
-
Tithing is often considered just giving money. More than just giving cash, tithing is also giving a portion of your time and talents to help others.Many believe tithing is taking 10 percent of an income after taxes. However, tithing is giving before taxes. The passage in Proverbs 3:9-1 supports this belief. "Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first fruits of all your increase so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine."
Another misconception is that if you decide not to tithe, don't give at all. If you don't have the faith to give 10 percent, start out small, giving a smaller percentage. Chances are, as you see God continue to bless your offerings, your faith will grow and soon you'll want to tithe.
Considerations
-
Giving a tithe doesn't have to be weekly through a church offering but can also be monthly, semi-annual or yearly. It doesn't have to be cash but can also be stocks. Give if you're receiving sound spiritual direction from a ministry.
Besides tithing to a church or religious organization, you can also tithe to a charitable organization such as a local animal shelter or library.
Prevention/Solution
-
Examine a ministry before giving. Tragically, many people have been disillusioned, only to discover the ministries to which they gave their tithes were fraudulent. As a result, they became bitter, losing faith in God as well as all good causes that ask for money.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Dreamstime
Comments
-
Tithing is the only time where we can actually test God Malachi(3:10) and that's by giving 10 % of our weekly income , he has given us, to any Biblical orginizations. Jesus gos on to say :"give and it shall be given pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing shall men give into our bosoms(Luk6:38), praise God! Do what God says to do and see more than you put in...more blessing than you have enough room to receive!
-
for me l think someone who does not tihte is committing a sin, coz if GOD instructed us to pay tithe then we need to abide in his instructions and laws so as to create symbiotic relationship with the LORD.Blessings comes by tithing and by tithing, listening to what GOD is talking to your inner.
-
through tithings I know that God will bless us more for he knows our needs, this will unlock all the blessings that he wants to shower to us, obedience is better than sacrifice.
-
when you tithe God protect you against the devoulor.
-
billwoodmancy
Jun 24, 2009
Why do people have such a hard time understanding tithing? In the book of Leviticus we are told 10% belongs to God. In the book of Malachi we are told if we don't pay our tithes, we are robbing God, we are also told in Malachi if we do pay our tithe then God will bless us, He even says "try it let me prove it to you." In the book of Matthew 23:23 Jesus said we should not only paid tithes but we should also not neglect justice, mercy and faith. In Matthew 5:17,18 Jesus said he didn't come to destroy the law and as long as heaven and earth exists the law would be in existence.
