Should I tithe?

Should I tithe?

Asked by JANET

I keep hearing different advice about whether a christian should tithe or not. Should I do so?

Hello Janet,

Money is, and always has been a sensitive issue for Christians throughout the ages. Money was the topic that Jesus spoke most against during his ministry on earth, and for good reason. Money was the god on his day, much as it is the god of the West. Westerners love money - we love the power it gives us. It is where most of us find our security. As it is often said, the last part of a Christian to be converted is the hip pocket.

I have given a bit of an overview about money because before we give anything at church, it is good to understand what money is, and how it actually affects people. Money is not evil, but money is the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), in that people love money so much, they do evil things to get it.

In terms of tithing, it is important to remember that tithing was a part of the Old Testament law that God required of the Israelites (Leviticus 27:30). As a Christian that part of the law is no longer binding, and therefore Christians do not have to tithe (Romans 3:21). And therefore there is no set amount or percentage that a Christian has to give.

The next thing to remember is that all things come from God (Acts 17:25). Therefore everything we have should be used in thankfulness, to make his name great. And so knowing this how much should a Christian give.

When Jesus spoke about giving, he went to the temple and waited for a poor widow who had nothing but two copper pieces. She gave all she had (Luke 21:1-3). Though it was the least amount given, Jesus said her amount most pleased God. The reason that it was the most pleasing to God is what her giving said about her heart. She trusted God so much that she gave all she had, knowing that God is really the one to supply all her needs.

The truth is Janet, I nor anyone else can tell you how much to give because giving is a matter of the heart. A tithe or 10% is a guide and nothing more. But when you give, plan it. Think about how much you want to give, and then give it. No matter how much you give, do it joyfully from the heart. And remember what Jesus told us about giving - do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3).

Adam

Answers are kindly provided by our friends at Christianity.net.au

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