Does God Expect Me to Tithe?
Question: I’m in a bad way financially, and I haven’t been able to tithe on a regular basis (and when I do, it’s not very much). I feel very guilty, because I know we’re supposed to give 10% or more. Does God hold you back from increase if you’re not giving what you should? I would so appreciate an answer!
Answer: The subject of “tithing” is a very important one, and easily misinterpreted. There are many preachers (in churches and on television) who will tell you that you need to “give to get.” They say that the only way God will bless you is if you give to Him. Even more, they say that the reason you should give is to get God’s financial blessing.
This has no basis in Scripture. In fact, tithing is more of an Old Testament concept (under the law) than a New Testament concept (under grace). The principle that should guide our giving is a willingness to give. The Bible says that God loves a “cheerful” giver, not one who feels obligated, or who is simply giving to get something material in return.
At the same time, if this is something that’s bothering you, you can always give something. God would never want you to go further into debt in order to give, but perhaps there is something you can do. Jesus commended the widow who gave a very small amount above those who gave out of their wealth. Here’s the story from Mark 12:41-44:
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
This has to be between you and the Lord. Pray and ask for wisdom. Don’t be foolish, but on the other hand, listen to your heart. The Holy Spirit may be prompting you.
Is tithing limited to money? Wouldn’t giving of your time to your church or helping people in need be the same? We are to be Christ like. Jesus didn’t have any money but gave of Himself. Shouldn’t we do the same? I don’t tithe 10% but I am always giving of my time and extra finances to help those in need. I thank God every night that all my needs are met but also ask for extra to help others. Whether it is time or money. I heard Joyce Meyer say that someone put shoes in the offering bucket once - haha. They did what they could do. The fact that it bothers you says alot about who you are in Christ. I may be way off here but whatever you do - with Christ in mind - God will bless you for it.
The early church did not tithe. This is if you believe the historians. If you believe Paul’s words on this. You are not in bondage to the law. If you believe God, bring your corn, oil, and wine, without adding to His words or taking away from His words. If you believe me, don’t sweat it, God does not own a calculator. If you believe the most of the pastors out there, give until it hurts, even if they are not starving or going broke, cause after all, you are giving to God, not to them.
I know that God expects us to tithe. In Malachi 3:10 says, “bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house and prove me now, saith the Lord, if i will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that you shall not have room to receive.” Then verse 11 and 12 states the blessings and promises of God for your obedience. I believe it is very important to give, even when it is a sacrifice because God will see it honor it when you give your first 10% of your income. God can not lie and God will not fail you. He said prove me now, try it and you wont be disappointed. But I also learned that God requires total obdience. God is a Holy God.You can not be living a life of sin and expect for God to bless you. Read Isaiah 1:19 and 20.