Question from a friend of WordTruth Ministries:

WordTruth.Com Response:

Giving, or not giving, like anything else we do – is a matter of faith (Heb. 11:6; Rom. 14:23). The tithe is just a specific amount of giving (a tenth of your increase). The use of the word “tithe” has become somewhat synonymous with giving (much like saying you need to “Xerox” a document when you need a paper copy).

But keep in mind that giving a tithe is a principle that was practiced by Abraham, a man of faith, some 400 years before the Law of Moses. So as a principle, it is something that has been practiced by believers for thousands of years, whether they lived under the Law of Moses or not.

As you point out, many pastors teach “tithing” as a command. The only New Testament teaching about tithing is a passage in Matthew where Jesus tells the hypocritical religious leaders living under the Law of Moses that they should tithe but, more importantly, practice justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matt. 23:23). Obviously the Law of Moses does not apply to the Christian under the New Covenant (John 1:17; Rom. 6:14; Gal. 2:21,3:18,5:4). Nevertheless, some pastors willfully and many unwittingly engage the body of Christ with coercion regarding giving a tithe.

The New Covenant in Christ does not contain a command to tithe. Rather we have principles for giving such as:

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. (2 Cor. 8:7-8, NIV).

So giving is a matter of faith and a reflection of your love for the LORD Jesus. It is also deemed a matter of equity within the body of Christ: that those who have give and those who are in need receive (2 Cor. 8:13-15). The church is to be the agency of collecting and distributing those funds (2 Cor. 8:19-21; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).

Giving to the LORD through His local church supports the work that Jesus has entrusted to that church. While many people contribute to many fine charitable organizations and para-church ministries that do fine work all over the world, the biblical admonition is that this activity take place through the church, the body of believers in the LORD Jesus. As people give, churches are supported in their ministry to people in their community. As churches cooperate to meet specific community needs, even more people can be helped and reached with the life-giving gospel of grace.

Giving is important to the life of the believer as well as the life of the church. But it should never be done because of coercion or guilt but out of pure love for the LORD Jesus (2 Cor. 9:7-8).  Set a goal to give what you can for now.  Then each year, set a new slightly higher goal to give based on the LORD's provision for you.  You will be surprised in a few years just how much you are able to give.

May God bless you with His wisdom and the courage to follow Jesus!

Rev. Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth Ministries