Tithing in the new testament
As long as I have been a Christian I can remember people arguing and debating about tithing. Some say it was only an Old Testament Law that doesn’t need to be followed as believers under the New Covenant. And some say that it is just a relevant to New Testament Christians as it was in the Old Covenant.
I recently wrote about my tithing experience and I’d like to offer my thoughts on tithing in the New Testament…
It isn’t a means of salvation
You can’t earn your way to Heaven by giving and you won’t be excluded from Heaven by your lack of giving.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Out of our Faith, our good works manifest. So, in my opinion, if someone truly understands how great of a gift they have been given, they will expend a lot of energy giving back.
Can you be blessed without tithing?
Some say you won’t be blessed if you don’t tithe. I kinda think this completely depends on the person and their maturity level as a Christian. You expect more from a 13 year old than a 5 year old - right? I don’t think God is any different, He knows where were are on our walk and will meet us where we are.
I was a Christian for a while before I started tithing and I think I was doing okay. I know some Christians who don’t tithe and seem to be very blessed. But, there is no getting around the fact that you will be MORE blessed if you tithe, than if you don’t. The Bible says that there will ALWAYS be seedtime and harvest (Gen 8:22). What we sow, we will reap. If we give, it will be given back to us in good measure.
Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
God loves a cheerful giver
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
God loves a cheerful giver, not under compulsion, if you aren’t giving with the right attitude, don’t waste your time… If you have a bad attitude about it and want to change it, just ask God for help. He will, I promise.
Tithing verses in the New Testament
There are a ton of verses about tithing in the Old Testament and a lot fewer in the New Testament. Actually, it is true that tithing isn’t talked about nearly as much in the New Testament as the Old Testament. Personally, I don’t believe that in anyway takes away from the fact that tithing brings a blessing.
Under the New Covenant our salvation is not based upon our obedience to the 10 Commandments, but does that mean that we shouldn’t still follow them? Are they suddenly of no value? I think the same can be said of tithing. While you can debate all day long about whether or not it is a command for New Testament believers, it will still provide a blessing like it did in the Old Covenant.
FMF brings up two great points about New Testament tithing…
1. Jesus endorsed the tithe
In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 Jesus referred to tithing as something that should not be neglected…
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
2. As New Testament believers we are called to a higher calling
Like it or not, we are living under the New Covenant and as a result, we have increased responsibilities in certain areas.
Luke 12:48 (NIV)
…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
From FMF…
“No longer are animal sacrifices necessary, but we are now to sacrifice our own lives and live for Christ, not ourselves. No longer is ‘an eye for an eye’ appropriate but we are to love our enemies and ‘turn the other cheek’. These are only two examples of heightened responsibilities Jesus taught His people. As such, I can only conclude that the same holds true with the tithe. While it used to be the requirement, it should now be the minimum.”
He said we could test Him
Do we have any better invitation that to actually test it out and see if it really works? Most of us who do tithe were probably in the same spot as the non-tithers and didn’t believe it ourselves, but we tried it out. Guess what, just like God promised, things are better after tithing! It really is like all the other areas of our walk with God - it requires FAITH. No it doesn’t make sense that when we give all this money away, things will actually be better - but I have found it to be true in my own life and others have as well.
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
It is so much bigger than us
The much bigger issue here is that God’s Kingdom needs to be advanced!
Who does He use to do that? Us, the believers! If we aren’t funding and financing Kingdom activities, then who will? How are the lost going to be reached if we don’t send those to preach? (Romans 10:15)
We shouldn’t be getting all caught up in percentages and what we “have to do” according to the Bible - what we (as God’s people) need to do is to forget about our ambitions, goals, and motives and pick up God’s plan. We have been saved from eternal separation from God by grace! With all that we have been given, how can we do anything else but give all we have?
What if we all got our minds off of our own earthly bank accounts and focused on sowing into things that will have eternal value.
“I judge all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity.”
- John Wesley
I know it is difficult to comprehend, but eternity is a LONG TIME! We can either be doing things with our time and money that may benefit us for a few years down here, or we can see ourselves as the eternal beings that we are, get our priorities lined up with God’s, and starting giving in a way that will actually last for eternity!
Matthew 6:20 (NIV)
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
When we give into our churches and into ministries that are reaching the world, we get to be included in their eternal reward. We are the BODY of Christ, we all have a part to play.
Ephesians 4:16
…from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
The amazing thing is that as we start getting our focus off of ourselves and on meeting the needs of others, we will have our needs taken care of. It is just the way God set it up. He is so good, isn’t He?
I would love to hear your comments - so please share them below. Disagreeing is absolutely okay, just please be civil. Deal?
Related posts
Filed under Biblical Perspective on Money
Comments on Tithing in the new testament »
Good Post!
Yes, there are more verses that mention the tithe in the old testament but so what? We should read the Bible as one unit.
Furthermore, it should be pointed out that the tithe was never described as redemptive. Its stated purpose (See Malachi 3:10 and others) was for the support of God’s house (i.e. local church). This need did not end with Jesus’ sacrifice. If anything, this need grew exponentially.
Make no mistake, the tithe is 10%. The word tithe literally means a 10th. This is the beginning of giving but not the end-all. There were other types of offerings that apply (i.e. so-called “alms” giving to the poor, support of missionaries, etc.). If you’re attending a local church — and you should! — you should give a tithe to that church otherwise, frankly, you’re a freeloader.
Most important, God gave us His very best — Jesus — to us so that we can have redemption, adoption, and fellowship. Isn’t it a small thing to give him 10% (at least) when, in fact, he owns it all anyway?
I just started tithing faithfully starting January 2008 (I’ve been a Christian since 1995). And while I haven’t had any wind falls or pay increases (in fact I feel as if I’m under-paid)and I’m in debt over my head, God had blessed me tremendously. There have been numerous layoffs at my job and I’ve been spared each and every time. All my bills are paid and I’ve never been without. I believe that that only reason God hasn’t blessed more is because my heart isn’t right. I’m still hoping money will save me when it’s Him who will save me. I’m in continual prayer about this and hope that you all will pray for me. I love the site! It has been a great blessing to me to read about everyone else success stories. It is very encouraging!
Fixed expenses of
housing/food
student loan garnishment
medical
comprise 90 percent of my income
Don’t see a lot of room for tithing until income/expenses improve.
CoolHappyGuy said:
Make no mistake, the tithe is 10%.
Okay, try this…
A’s employer pays him $50K cash plus $10K non-cash fringes (e.g. health insurance).
B’s employer pays him $60K cash without fringes. B buys his own (non-group) health insurance for $15K.
C’s employer used to pay $50K cash plus $10K non-cash fringes, but changed the compensation to $60K cash without fringes.
Questions:
How much is A’s tithe?
How much is B’s tithe?
Did C’s tithe change when his employer changed the compensation?
I believe that god speaks to your heart and lets you know what is best to do in your own personal situation. As a student, I don’t have a lot of cash but I would say that I still “tithe” - it’s just not all to the church, or all at once. I give about 5% of my income to the church through the collection plate, and spend another 5% on charitable giving that god encourages me to do (paying for someone else’s coffee in a time when they need my counsel, contributing to charities) or saving to contribute in goods to offer to the church rather than money (I have just bought a new couch for our prayer room). I think that for me, the Lord has just asked in my life to live in the spirit of giving… and who am I to argue?
Another great post. Thanks for the research to put this together.
It really boils down to a matter of faith and personal conviction.
Hi Bob,
I tell you this just as an illustration, not to toot my family’s horn. My husband and I have decided within our hearts to give, and to give generously. Much of that time, it equates to approximately 10% of our monthly income which we give to our church. However, more recently, we determined, after much prayer and discussion that our giving is better served by being given directly to those that are in need, within the Body, rather than simply our church as a building. We belong to a church that is a type of “mega” church (it serves over 2000 a week) and as such it has many administrative costs. It may be that they are not unreasonable for the size of our church, however, we do not feel that the bulk of our OFFERING (we don’t call it a tithe, unless we are sharing food, which the “tithe” was ALWAYS) is being given to the areas where it is most needed by giving it to the church. (Because so much of it goes to administrative needs.) So, it’s our opinion that the giving we do, should be generous and with a willing heart so we give to those that we know are in need. And in those circumstance, more often than not, we give well above the 10% which is the definition of “tithe.” So while I agree that we, as believers, are blessed by giving monetarily or even with our time or with food, etc. That giving in monetary ways is not the only way to OFFER ourselves and what we’ve been given, unto the Lord. That is just our opinion, but I thought I’d share. I will agree that giving to the Body, in whatever capacity we give, has been a blessing; a tremendous blessing, and I would also encourage others to do so, as the Holy Spirit leads them. Thanks for letting me share. Be blessed!
We cannot justify paying tithes in this new dispensation because Abraham did so! There are many other things that Abraham did that we have decided not to follow because we label them as Old Testament practices. Everything Abraham did, he did before the law: animal sacrifice, circumcision, tithing (a one time event) etc. So we can well argue that animal sacrifice is compulsory for the church today because it had been a standard practice from the beginning. Abel did it, Noah did, Abraham did it, Isaac did it, Jacob did it and the list goes on. They definitely did it before the law was introduced. However, we do seem to forget that our relationship with God in this new dispensation is completely different from the relationship God had with Abraham.
If we carefully consider the events surrounding Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, we will see how ignorant we are of God’s word. Abraham goes on a battle to rescue his relative, comes back victorious, meets a High Priest and decides to give a tenth of the recovered plunder to him and then proceeds to give the rest of the plunder to the King of Sodom. How does that singular act become binding on us today? We are just misapplying scriptures and drawing our own conclusions because they seem plausible. A noble act does not validate God’s word. We already have a hard time obeying clear-cut commands why then do we want make additional doctrines, which we know would be very difficult to obey? Talking about the consequences of noble deeds over simple obedience ask King Saul and Uzzah. King Saul was told to utterly destroy the Amalekites and everything they owned but he decided to spare the fat cattle to present as an offering to God. Note they were not going to eat them but to offer them as a burnt offering unto God, how noble! Was God pleased? No! What about Uzzah? His actions could be attributed to zeal for the things of God. The cart carrying the Ark of Covenant stumbled and he held onto the Ark to prevent it from falling and God struck him dead. He was only trying to help! But God does not need your help!
Back to Abraham and Melchizedek. Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek and NOT to God! He would not have been worse off if he didn’t and he certainly was not better off when he did. He was already wealthy, he was already blessed and that did not come from him sowing seeds, paying tithes or giving offerings. It had nothing to with his actions. Some of his actions were indeed questionable and if works were the basis for God’s blessings upon his life, he definitely would not have been blessed. He was a liar and an adulterer. We do not see any portion of scripture that cites this singular act as a standard requirement of our faith in God. If it was, the apostles would have mentioned it! Ananais and Saphira would definitely not have died; they could have argued that it was the tithe of the sale of their property that they brought.
Let us stop being Pharisees in our sharing of the Word, giving people heavy burdens that we know they cannot bear. Enough of this works led Christianity, where you beat your chest, take pride in tithing and then believing that God is obligated to bless you and provide all your needs as well as rebuke the devourer for your sake. That is works! You are relying on your works to save you and have definitely thrown faith out the window! Bible says God spoke to Abraham and Abraham believed God and that was credited to him as righteousness. That was why he was blessed and definitely not by giving a tenth to Melchizedek.
Somebody would ask “but the bible definitely says that you have to pay your tithe so that God will rebuke the devourer for your sakes”. Does the bible truly say that? Why do we dive straight to Malachi 3: 10 without starting out at chapter 1 to gain a better understanding of what is being said? If you start reading from chapter one and verse one you will find out that this book was not a command for the church to come, it never even referenced Abraham’s act to Melchizedek as the reason for the warning. If you read it you will clearly see that the prophet was addressing the practice of priests in his time. The priests had started to do their own thing, offering up diseased animals as offerings unto God and they had also begin to default on their tithes, a command that was given to them by God with no bearing on Abraham’s act to Melchizedek. So how can we truthfully say that this is the reason why we are being saddled with this burden of tithe paying every month? Are we not then guilty of reviving the law? Are we then not claiming our blessings from God through our works instead of through faith?
I am not advocating stinginess in the church, neither am I encouraging people not to give towards the work of God. I am only pointing out where we have erred. And err we have! How can giving ten percent of what you earn every month keep the devil at bay? If you advocate this doctrine, you are in effect saying that you do not need the sacrifice of Jesus and you are very capable of taking on the devil by yourself with your works. What a pity! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! You cannot supplement your salvation by the works of your hand, you cannot be in right standing with God by doing good deeds in the name of putting God first or giving him the best. Those of the old dispensation could not get right with God by doing that so why do we think we can? God has made it easier for us, we do not have to live by a set of rules, and there are no dos and don’ts that we have to obey to make us right before Him. That is why Jesus came and with the death of Jesus, there had to be a change in the way we relate to God.
The doctrine of tithe is very dishonest. It has no place in this present dispensation, the blood of Jesus has redeemed us and thus we should not trample his sacrifice under foot, treating it as an unholy thing by promoting salvation by works.
Stop making people feel guilty for not paying tithe, God does not require it from us. We are supoose to give as we are led. And remember Jesus said on the cross “it is finished!” so do not think you can add to what He’s already done.
Tony,
thanks for taking the time to share your insight - I think the main point of confusion that we seem to be having is the difference between salvation and blessing. I am in complete agreement with you that tithing or any other work will not put us in a better place with God - Jesus did that for us.
On the other hand there is no denying that there are biblical principles and laws that God has set in place. If we work with the principles we will enjoy the blessings of them, if we do not we won’t. It isn’t a matter of heaven or hell, but it does affect the level and depth of blessing that we will experience.
Giving is just one of these laws God has set in place. BY humbling ourselves God exalts us, if we are merciful and truthful we find favor with people, if we get in God’s word and meditate on it we will experience true success - the list goes on and on…
Also, I am not sure how you think this post makes people for guilty for not tithing. That in no way was my intention and after re-reading what I wrote, I don’t see anything that suggests that… Basically the message I was trying to point out was that regardless of how we feel about tithing, we should get our mind off ourselves and focused on giving to God’s plans. Personally, I have clear evidence in my life that I have been far more blessed since I started tithing than I was before. Maybe it is just a coincidence, but I don’t really think so…
I really appreciated this article.
Tithing is a matter of faith-point blank. Each person must determine in his or her heart do they really trust God? I hear those who do not tithe because of their financial issues that prevent them from tithing and I say what a shame. I wonder if those people really are good stewards of their finances in the first place. I have friends who tithe and the ones who do not believe in what the bible clearly states are more materialistic and have financial problems. I cannot change their view so I am amazed that they bother to tell me their struggles and they how never put two and two together. Trusting God regardless of the situation is not so easy at first because fear sets in and God does not move according to your fear but your faith. God has a way of placing us in His Hands especially when it is uncomfortable BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL! Please trust Him with His money. If you search your hearts, you will discover that you spend more than 10% on things that have no benefit at all.
I also see how people purpose in their hearts to play with God by giving the money directly to the poor in place of tithing. God means what He says. If you do not believe me then read about Jonah and Saul, and Adam. Why can’t you pay your tithes and give to the poor? I do because I believe in giving and my family receives abundant blessings as a result. If you keep in mind that you are giving God His money and not some preacher then you will comprehend the lesson of tithing. The lesson is to trust Him and Him only to supply all your needs. God does not seem to move on our timetable and I believe that this is why people fear tithing. Joseph had a dream that his family would bow down to him but I wonder what would have happened to Joseph if he had given up when: his brothers threw him in the hole: or when they sold him into slavery; or when he went into prison. Joseph held on to God’s promise and finally he walked into the promise. Believe God!
I speak form experience where it has hurt my flesh to tithe but my spirit is happy because I know that God has already made my way (Isaiah 43:19). In addition, keep your mind focused on God instead of the situation, remembering that Peter walked on water as he looked at Jesus but began to sink when he looked at the situation. I perceive that some of your try your best (worst) to beat God and as He told Paul, you cannot kick against the pricks. You may believe that you are correct but the Holy Ghost will lead you into Truth. Truth is a place where your head knowledge means nothing and there God gets the glory.
I pray for you all that you review all scriptures concerning giving and you will see that giving is a faith and heart issue more so than about money. Additionally, you must be lead by the spirit in order to comprehend spiritual matters. Please seek the Lord and the true intentions concerning tithing and you will believe God.
I wonder have you all considered why the first Christians sold all and shared their possessions amongst each other. I wonder if you do not believe in the tithe then why aren’t you preaching that message considering that it is a New Testament principle? I believe in giving more than the tithe because I love the Lord, I believe what He says, I believe in the principle of sowing and reaping, seedtime and harvest, and more important-obedience to our true and holy God. In review of the many scriptures on giving all throughout the bible, I can only conclude that God wants us to trust Him by giving. If your heart does not bear witness to giving the ten percent then that is your choice. No one can change your heart but I did want to present an occasion where you all may revisit your view on why tithing is such a sore issue for you. Why are you kicking against the prick?
I understand giving finacially to advance the kingdom. However, this is where I am torn. My husband is in the trucking industry. He is a company driver. Needless to say, my salary is barely enough to support my three children (ages 8, 12, and 15) and myself. The 12 and 15 year old are both in band and I am owed $12k in child support by their father. I am currently enrolled in grad. school to obtain my 5 yr teaching license so that I can KEEP my job. A member of my church’s praise/worship team and choir, I was told that if I don’t start paying tithes I can’t participate on the praise/worship team and choir. I was also told that absences from Wed. night service or Thurs. night rehearsal due to school were unexcuseable. Am I to understand that GOD wants me to pay the 10% and my utilities be turned off, my car be repossessed, and we have no place to live? Don’t get me wrong, I give. However, I do not give 10%.
Sonyia,
Again, I must admonish you to trust God enough to know that He makes your ends meet financially. Most people I know who do not believe in tithing have financial problems. It troubles me that in this difficult time that there are so many people discouraging believers from tithing and we see the fruit. Please try God and see won’t He show you how faithful He is. I do also admonish you to study the scriptures on tithing as well as giving because if your heart and mind is not settled then you won’t tithe by faith and whatever is not of faith; it is sin. So please get your heart and spirit right before you tithe. Talk to others who tithe and they will attest to just how God makes the river in the desert.
See, you are giving what you want to give and your finances are not blessed. You may ask why but the answer is because you are being disobedient. This may not be your intent so I am not saying this to be harsh but we err because we do not know the scripture. Websites like this discourage believers from walking in the total blessings of God. Although tithing pre-dates the law, Malachi mentions that God says to test Him and see that He opens up blessings that you cannot contain. I have not observed God making a promise similar anywhere else in the Bible. The blessings may not always be monetary blessings but He may bless you through other people. Please step out in faith. You will not be disappointed.
Your church is only honoring biblical principles by ensuring that that all members obey the bible. The biblical church also would not allow a known fornicator or a person who sows seeds of discord to be in any position of ministry, which includes the choir. I applaud your church for taking such a bold stance for righteousness. I also see that although you have other responsibilities if you cannot be there for the choir then you are tying their hand. Perhaps when things slow down for you and you make a decision to tithe then you can return. I understand that you may have all the best intentions in the world and want to worship the Lord through singing, but the other members are present for rehearsal and if you cannot be there with them then it affects the entire choir.
I pray for your strength in the Lord because you are reading my comments, you have many issues that are pressing, you have your church warning you, and you hear the comments on this website that appease your flesh. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into the truth. There is a part of you that knows God’s will and there is your situation staring you in the face. I pray that you listen to God and make the right decision. Partial obedience is disobedience. Additionally, read Matthew 23:23 and pay attention to what Jesus says about tithing. Life is not easy and the world has so many demands on our life but we must resolve to do thus saith the Lord. Man’s wisdom is foolishness so I pray that you will accept the truth and not faint.
Change remember that Peter walked on water as he looked towards Jesus. When he took his eyes off of Him then he sank. Keep your eyes on Jesus through faith and you will do the impossible. Your money will be enough and your bills will be paid. Psalms 37 says that, “I was young and now I am old yet I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread. Are you righteous? DO you believe the word? Well, you are NOT forsaken. Trust Him and He will work these problems out for you.
I completely agree with everything you have said. It is the truth that most Christians don’t seem to want to hear. Tithing is an old testament command to the Jews….not the gentile/Christians. And not only that..it had nothing to do with money…Tithing was all about food.
What I have never understood is why do we go back to the law which was put to rest by the blood of the lamb on the cross, and try to revive it again. Why would anyone want to put themselves back under the law. And even more depressing is why would Christians want to follow a command given only to the Jews?
My mother said to me many, many times as I was growing up and asking questions..” a person must rightly devide the word of truth”.
Please dear Christians…read your bible, and ask God to open your heart to his truth….sometimes it is not what your church may preach, but its what God has to say to your heart that matters…learn to listen to that still small voice, and as the bible says…” you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. Peace to you all.
I think it is untrue to link non payment of tithe with financial problems. I see no evidence in the bible to support that. It is so ironic that we pentecostals that have the loudest voices do not even understand scriptures as we ought. We still seem to express the works mentality, trying to gain God’s favour by works and that is a pity. Child of the most high, don’t kid yourself! This doctrine of tithing distracts us from the truth. Looking at scriptures, 2 corinthians 8 : 12 talks about giving and it says the most important thing about giving is first of all having a willing mind. Then give according to that which you have not according to that which you do not have. Spirit led giving which the new testament advocates does not prescribe a ten percent. God owns all that you earn, he does not own just a ten percent and He would require any percentage as He sees fit.
Sonya, I do feel your pain. I am in a similar predicament in my church because i do not believe in this ten percent business. I know how it feels not to have enough to get by and in all honesty can not squeeze out the MANDATORY ten percent from an already lean pocket. But all I can say is that Jesus died so that you would be liberated and He has said that He will not put more upon us that we can bear. Present your case before him and he will definitely make a way. He might lead you to a good financial advisor and even open doors of opportuinities to you. And do not forget, Jesus did not condemn the widow for the little she gave so do not feel judged or condemned.
Nita, I totally agree with you, we christains want to revive the law!
It is quite funny though, I discovered two things about tithing: one, in the bible, God never instructed that money should be tithed. Instead tithes where paid from the produce of the land, crops and livestock. Two, the jews that where originally given the instruction to tithe do not tithe today and I beleive they have a better understanding of tithing than we do. They do not tithe beacuse, when God gave the law to tithe, He gave specific guidelines. The tithe most only be collected by the descendants of Levi and there was a designated place it was to be collected. Presently since they do not have proper records of Levy’s descendants and also cannot gain access to the place where God told them tithes must be collected, they do not pay tithes becaus eit would be illegal.
So can anyone show me where in the bible we have been instructed to tithe money and where it says that without that we cannot prosper. And please remember we are talking about tithing specifically and not giving in general.
Tithing has been a big topic in my household this year. I am not sure where I stand on whether you have to tithe. My thought though is tithing shows your faithfulness to the Lord and in turn He will bless you. I have been unemployed since February and my wife stays home with our girls. That being said, we continued to tithe even though there was no income coming in. Each month, when we were not sure how we were going to pay the bills, the Lord provided. He gave painting jobs to my wife (she is an artist) and website jobs for me (a side job for me). If we didn’t tithe, would we have gotten those jobs? Maybe, but I truly believe because we gave our finances up to the Lord in February, he has provided for us in his way. After all, its in the Lord’s prayer. Give us this day our daily bread. Every day of every month this year he did just that and I know it is the power of tithing that blessed us!
How can a Christian talk about “offer body as a living sacrifice” when he is arguing about offer above 1/10 or below 1/10?
I have 3 sons, 8, 6, and 4. Our household income has meets the standard of low-income.
My wife and I decide to offer 2/10 to God each month, for 8 years, we never in a situation of “in need”. Sometimes when it seems “not enought”, we change our life style, not our offering percentage.
May God bless you as He has blessed us.
Just want to clearify that we give 1/10 to our church, and 1/10 to the people of organization that we think is in need. And it is a work of joy to search for the people/organization that has more needs than us.