Tithing vs. Debt

Being committed to your church or a charitable organization sometimes means that you will give a financial contribution on a regular basis so the church can pay its bills and or the charity can help the community. Giving a portion of income for the good of others is expected from most religious individuals. Many churches take a collection as the only means of supporting their ministry.

Tithing

Tithe is a term that refers to giving a percentage of your income to charity, such as your church. Traditionally, 10 percent is the amount that is expected, but not required to give because "tithe" means one-tenth of something. Tithing is a Biblical term supported by versus in books such as Sirach, Acts, Timothy and Malachi. The idea is that all that you have comes from God, so it is right to give a part of it to benefit others in thanksgiving. Also, you may choose to donate enough money so that it feels like a sacrifice on your part, which shows your gratitude for what you were given.

Debt

Debt is something that you owe to someone else. It is normally in the form of money that you must repay to a creditor, but it can be what you owe another person for work performed or an item that was given. When you receive too many goods and services on credit, you risk owing more than you can repay at one time. Since much debt incurs interest charges, the amount can seem astronomical and impossible to handle.

Tithing in Debt

When you realize that your debt uses most of your income to repay, or if you do not bring home enough money to meet your monthly obligations, you may be tempted to cut out the tithe to which you have committed. However, full-time missionary Craig Ford recommends that you continue your tithe payments with the risk of running out of money to pay your bills because God should be first in your life and you will receive blessings for your generosity. Ford states that there are no instances in the Bible where a person was too poor to tithe. He suggests that if you must stop your regular donation, you should seek spiritual direction from a leader whom you trust and that your actions should not be out of greed, but necessity.

Alternatives to Monetary Tithing

If you find that the act of giving financially is impossible for you because your income will not cover your debt payments, consider being creative by giving in other ways. Volunteering by performing works of mercy is one way of donating your valuable time. You can help a sick friend or relative, visit the elderly, volunteer at a homeless shelter and perform other acts through charity in gratitude for what you have been given. Use the gifts that God has given you to help or enhance someone else's life. For example, if you are a talented musician, you can entertain the elderly in assisted living facilities. Also, if you are good at caring for the physical needs of others, you can volunteer to hold babies in a hospital neonatal center.

References

• Oblates and Missionaries of St. Michael: Philosophy and Principles of Tithing according to the Rule of St. Michael
• Constructing a Postwar World: Does It Pay to Borrow?
• Money Help for Christians; Tithing (Giving) While in Debt; Craig Ford
• Sacred Heart of Jesus: Guidelines for Tithing
• wordiQ.com: Tithe - Definition