What is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth of one’s income to God. It is based on the biblical principle that everything we have belongs to God, and that we are simply stewards of His resources.
Tithing in the Old Testament
Tithing was first introduced in the Old Testament. In the book of Leviticus, God commanded the Israelites to tithe on all of their crops and livestock. The tithes were used to support the priests and Levites, who served in the temple and taught the people about God’s law.
Tithing in the New Testament
While tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, Jesus did commend the Pharisees for tithing on even the smallest of their possessions (Matthew 23:23). He also taught that His followers should give generously to those in need (Matthew 6:1-4).
Why Should We Tithe?
There are many reasons why we should tithe. First and foremost, tithing is an act of worship. It is a way to acknowledge God’s ownership of our lives and to express our gratitude for all that He has given us.
Tithing is also a way to provide for the work of the church. Churches use tithes to pay their staff, maintain their facilities, and support missions and outreach programs.
How Should We Tithe?
The Bible does not specify a specific percentage that we should tithe. However, most Christians tithe 10% of their income. This can be done on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.
When we tithe, it is important to give cheerfully and out of a sense of gratitude. We should not give out of obligation or because we feel pressured to do so.
The Benefits of Tithing
Tithing has many benefits. It brings God’s blessing into our lives, helps us grow in faith and generosity, and supports the work of the church.
When we tithe, we are trusting God to provide for our needs. We are also demonstrating our faith in Him and His promises.
Tithing also helps us to grow in generosity. When we give regularly to God and to others, we become more generous people.
Finally, tithing supports the work of the church. When we tithe, we are helping to spread the gospel and to make a difference in the world.
