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Response
When a husband and wife have differing views on “tithing” or the amount to donate to the local church and other ministries, conflict can arise. It is crucial to recognize that Christians under the New Covenant are not required to tithe 10% of their income. Tithing was established by God for Israel in the Old Testament era. Tithing was practiced even before the law was given, as seen in «and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. », (Genesis 14:20). Leviticus 27:30 instructs the people to tithe from the land, seed, or fruit of the trees because everything belongs to the Lord. In Deuteronomy 14:22, Moses conveys God’s command to “set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” The Israelites were to give a tenth of their increase back to the Lord, supporting the tabernacle, temple, and priesthood.
Today, our tithes and offerings are a voluntary gift of love to God, expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive as His children. We are no longer bound by the laws of the Old Testament but live in the era of grace. Our tithes and offerings help sustain God’s work in our local churches and missions.
When we give to the Lord, it should come from a joyful heart. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Giving out of obligation or to compensate for something lacking will not benefit us spiritually, nor will it bring blessings.
Coming to the household.
In God’s order, the husband and the wife are one “and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.”, (Mark 10:8). Ideally, the husband and wife should discuss their giving and come to a mutual agreement on both the appropriate amount and appropriate places to give based on biblical principles. If there is a disagreement about giving, the wife cannot usurp her husband’s authority and give in his place or try to stop him from giving. In doing so, the wife takes the headship authority (Ephesians 5:22-33) upon herself, which is outside of God’s order. Wives are to walk in obedience to God’s command and submit as unto Him “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”, (Ephesians 5:22). Likewise, husbands are to submit to God and to love their wives selflessly (Ephesians 5:22-33). A husband should prayerfully consider his wife’s input and ultimately follow the leading of the Lord. If either spouse is an unbeliever, the same principles still hold. The husband, as the head of the family, bears final responsibility for decisions about giving.
Submission to God’s order will bring a blessing and the grace to stand in faith. God has a way of getting things done, and we can confidently stand still and watch without taking it upon ourselves to right what we see as wrong. In 1 Samuel, we find this eternal principle: “But Samuel replied, ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams'” “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to listen than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
