Should a Christian tithe off miscellaneous income?

Answer

For a general understanding of the issue of tithing for Christians, please refer to our article on Christian tithing.

The debate within the Christian community revolves around whether a Christian should donate a portion of an inheritance or any income source to the church or other Christian ministry. There is also a question of whether an inheritance qualifies as income. Regarding the amount of our contributions, some Christians have adopted the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe as a “recommended minimum” for giving. Some suggest giving based on gross income, while others advocate giving from net income after taxes and deductions. Disputes over the specifics of tithing and giving have led to unnecessary arguments and divisions within the Christian community.

It is important to note that the tithe was a mandatory practice under the Mosaic Law, requiring all Israelites to give 10 percent of their earnings and produce to the Tabernacle/Temple (Leviticus 27:30;Numbers 18:26;Deuteronomy 14:24;2 Chronicles 31:5). In reality, the Old Testament Law mandated multiple tithes, totaling around 23.3 percent, rather than the commonly accepted 10 percent tithe today. However, the Bible clarifies that tithing was specific to the Mosaic Law for the nation of Israel, not universally applicable. Just as Christians are not obligated to offer animal sacrifices or observe ceremonial laws, including rituals like washing, they are not compelled to donate a fixed percentage of their income, regardless of its source.

The New Testament addresses giving in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, establishing the principle.

ple for giving for Christians. Paul encourages the Corinthian church to allocate funds “for God’s people,” to do so on the first day of the week, and to save and set it aside in accordance with the giver’s income. The term “income” is not explicitly defined, although in the King James Version, it is rendered “as God has prospered him.” This suggests that inheritance, gifts, winnings, tax refunds, legal settlements, etc., are all part of God’s prosperity and should be considered as income. However, the specific amount of inheritance to contribute is not specified. Another guideline for offerings is outlined in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 where Paul once again urges the Corinthian believers to give generously from their hearts, each person deciding individually before God what to contribute. Paul clarifies that what matters to God is not the quantity, percentage, or source of income, but the attitude of the heart. Each individual should give “cheerfully,” without feeling compelled by legalistic rules or external expectations. Giving should never be motivated by a desire to receive, to seek attention, or to gain spiritual rewards. If we are in harmony with God and content with our giving, then all is well. As with everything, we should seek wisdom from God, who has promised to provide it abundantly «If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. », (James 1:5), just as we are called to give back to Him generously and cheerfully.