How should I decide how much to tithe?

Answer

The apostle Paul frequently taught the early church about giving. Jesus also instructed His disciples to give. However, neither Paul nor Jesus nor any other passage in the New Testament mandates believers to tithe. Tithing was a requirement in the Old Testament for Israel to offer one tenth of their income to the Lord (the term tithe means “tenth”). While the New Testament does not specify a tenth, it does provide various principles to guide us in determining our contributions to the Lord.

The initial principle in the New Testament regarding giving is to contribute regularly, whether weekly or monthly, as Paul advised the churches in Corinth and Galatia to do (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Giving should be a consistent part of our communal worship. In practical terms, it is more manageable to give smaller amounts more frequently than large sums all at once. Additionally, the church has continuous financial needs that require consistent weekly support.

The second principle in the New Testament is to give in proportion to our earnings. Paul emphasized giving in accordance with our level of prosperity and based on our means or capacity (1 Corinthians 16:2;2 Corinthians 8:2-3). If we have been greatly blessed, we should contribute a more substantial amount. Conversely, if our prosperity is limited, a smaller donation is still commendable.

Furthermore, the New Testament encourages believers to give generously, sometimes sacrificially, but not to the extent of personal hardship (Acts 20:35;2 Corinthians 8:2-3, 8;Romans 12:1;Philippians 4:17-18). Believers are urged to give purposefully to address genuine needs, with a joyful heart, andNot out of guilt or compulsion but to fulfill an urgent request (2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Philippians 4:16). In essence, our giving should originate from our own free will. When we encounter a fellow believer in need, especially a minister of the gospel, we should strive to assist if possible (1 Corinthians 9:14; 2 Corinthians 8:12-14; Galatians 6:6).

According to Scripture, our primary motivation for giving should be our love for others. Just as Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for the sins of others, we should also be willing to give of ourselves for others (2 Corinthians 8:8-9). Another incentive for giving is that God promises to reward and bless us when we do so (2 Corinthians 9:6; Luke 6:38). “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

These New Testament principles of giving revolve around a crucial aspect: the believer’s relationship with God. Determining the amount to give to the Lord should be a subject of prayer. By seeking to understand God’s will through a consistent relationship with Him, we will discern His guidance on how much to give. It could be the traditional tithe or a different sum.

Believers should be ready to present to the Lord whatever He requests, whether it is 1 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, or 100 percent. Through our giving, the Lord strengthens our faith and deepens our reliance on Him. It is often said that financial generosity is a tangible expression of our trust in God.

Living is not God’s way of raising money but of developing character in His children.

As we recognize all that Jesus Christ has done for us, we will want to offer ourselves humbly and wholly to God as living sacrifices of worship to Him. Our giving will flow freely from hearts filled with gratitude and indebtedness, knowing that everything we have and everything we give already belongs to God. We own nothing. While the tithe may be an Old Testament concept, the New Testament requirement is radical and total obedience to the Lord, who guides every aspect of our lives, including our giving.