How to Begin Tithing
Tithing is a Biblical concept set forth in the Old Testament books of the Bible. In Leviticus 27:30, the Law commands Israelites to give because "a tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil, or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord." The Levitical priests were commanded to give a tenth of their income, as Numbers 18:26 makes clear, but when the whole Law is considered, Israelites actually gave closer to 23 percent. However, the Bible is also clear in stating that everything belongs to God (Exodus 19:6). Therefore, tithing must be a principle that the Lord wants His people to practice, to learn obedience, rather than something that He needs for Himself. The New Testament books of 1 Corinthians and James, direct Christians to give as they are able, whatever they desire to give, cheerfully and with a grateful attitude.
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Instructions
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Figure how much you are able to give. Do not tithe under compulsion, because you are pressured to by others or because you expect something in return. Follow the advice given in 2 Corinthians 9:7 which says "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Look at your income and expenses and calculate what you are able to reasonably give without hindering your ability to meet your existing financial obligations.
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Pray to God. Ask for direction and guidance from him as to how much you should give and to whom you should give your tithe. Once you have decided upon an amount through analysis of your finances and prayer, select a recipient. Consider giving to your local church as that is the pattern laid out for giving in the New Testament. Consider additional organizations after your church which support Gospel work such as Bible translation societies or Christian missionary organizations.
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Decide upon a method and mode for your giving. Consider check, cash or electronic withdrawal from your checking account as ways to give your tithe. Select a frequency for your giving and decide whether giving weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or annually works best for you. Choose a frequency that works with your budget and cash flow.
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Review your tithing annually and consider whether youneed to make adjustments in light of raises or income losses. Keep a record of your annual giving amounts and recipients so that you may use this information yearly, if you submit an itemized federal tax return.
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References
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