About Tithing

Tithing is a form of monetary giving that some Christian denominations participate in. The tithe is the giving of the first 10 percent of all income to God. The local church or ministry is the steward or caretaker of the tithe and utilizes the funds to maintain the church and it's facilities. In the U.S., this type of giving is tax deductible as long as the proper paperwork, such as tithing envelopes is used as official records. Tithing is not forced or mandated by church leadership. It's a voluntary offering given by members of the congregation.

Scripture

Support for the tithe can be found in the Old Testament. The relevant scripture is found in the book of Leviticus chapter 27, verse 30. According to the New King James Version the scripture says, "And all the tithe of the land, whether the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord." Christians based their tithing on this scripture and feel compelled to give the holy portion of their income back to God.

Worship

As worship, tithing is the way Christians recognize God and his supreme ownership of everything. Since the book of Genesis men and women have worshiped God with their substance. Giving up something monetary showed recognition that they truly worshiped God.

Blessings

According to the Old Testament Book of Malachi, tithers were to be blessed. Chapter 3 verse 10 says that when you are obedient and bring the tithe to the church you feed the servants of God's house. God promises to give so many blessings to the obedient that they will not have enough room to house them. This blessing is repeated in the second letter to the Corinthians. Chapter one, verse 20 says that all the promises of the Bible are agreed with by Christ. Christians are assured that his answer to them will be yes.

Supports Ministry

The tithe is used to assist the priests and ministers of God's temple or church. According to scripture they are fed with it, clothed with and even given portions of land to raise family with. The tithe is also used to further the preaching of the gospel to the world. Missionaries from local churches often are supported by the tithe and the giving of Christians. These workers are free to work exclusively for God in his service to the people. Local pastors visit the sick, minister hope to the hurting as well as feed and clothe the poor.

Personal Growth

Tithing helps the Christian fight inner issues such as greed, selfishness and an unhealthy focus on material things. Many people struggle with money issues but a life focused on disciplined giving is able to overcome many of these problems. Giving the tithe every time income is received helps the Christian remember that God is his ultimate source. Tithing builds faith in God and dependence on him and not ourselves.