Tithing; All you need to know about giving Tithes

Giving out tithe is out of your relationship with God and putting God first. It is your trust in Him to provide for your needs and to protect you.

In 2nd Corinthians 9:7. The Bible says; So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity. For God loves a cheerful giver.

When giving to God, it is an act of Thanksgiving for the gift of life and all that He has done in your life. It is a way of recognizing that God is your provider.

We are going to debate on whether to tithe on gross or net income, discuss if you should tithe when in debts and sum up with the history of tithing.

Am I to Tithe my Gross or Net Income?

This is the most asked question by Christians who are not sure if they may be stealing from God if they tithe from their net income.

Well, let me remind you that God loves a cheerful giver. It is not a matter of your gross or net income. If you do not give from your heart, you are denying your blessings from God. Give as you purpose from your heart and not because you feel obligated.

You pay revenue and are taxed by the government, because it is an obligation. If taxation wasn’t mandatory, then many will not pay a dime and would rather use the money for their own purpose. Therefore, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what is His.

Tithing in Debts

I have a sick mother, who needs agent medical attention in India to remove the cancer cells before they spread in her body. I am deep in debts. Should I still give out my tithe? Surely, God can understand my situation.

Yes, God understands your situation. God is full of kindness, love and understanding. He will not give you a stone when you pray for bread or either give you a snake when you ask for fish. He is an understanding God. Therefore, don’t go on debt, give whatever you have at hand and what you can afford.

History of Tithing

Tithing started with Abraham when he gave king of Salem and priest of the highest God, Melchizedek a tithe. In return, Melchizedek blessed him. (Genesis 14). In Genesis 28:22, Jacob was grateful to God and pledged to always give him a tenth of his produce. The tithe of gifts is also mentioned in Numbers, Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which was a show of obedience and gratitude to God.

In modern days, tithes are given on Sundays as it is the first day of the week, or whenever you have money at hand. 1st Corinthians 16:1-2 KJV Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Indeed, faith without action is dead. Tithing is an act of faith and trust in God with our finances. It takes faith to tithe and put God first.