Tithing

Good morning,

I wonder if I should begin tithing. I haven't paid tithes since I was married, about 5 years ago, and now I'm not making very much money--just enough to barely scrape by and I can't even save anything.

I know that tithes are to support the church function and more importantly to give to allow God to give to you and give you more--increase your faith.

I have three things I pay for that I really don't need, but I do because I feel I should. I'm giving my son a small allowance every month (he doesn't live with me), and I'm also contributing to his college savings plan (another very small amount), as well as paying monthly premiums for a small life insurance policy for myself (very very small). Although these three payments are small, they all 3 add up to just below 10% of what I make per month. Without paying these, I could pay tithes. I could not pay on top of those.

I also do have debt, but I'm making my minimum monthly payments.

I'm in school full time and working full time--I get out of school in February 2012, and I will make more money when I'm hired in my career field, so I'm not worried. God has brought me this far. What I am worried about is the Holy Spirit telling me in my heart that I need to tithe, and looking at my checkbook wondering how I'm going to make it on the salary I do. I don't have time to take a 2nd job either.

Please contribute t o this post with your biblical wisdom and your personal experiences. I'm very sure that I want to do all things to add to my faith and bless the church and worship the Lord. Thank you Jesus for all you do for me :) Thank you good people :) I'm so blessed right now with having a job, a place to live, getting an education, having good health, and everything else that's in my life with having such renewal in Christ.
 
I have to ask a question first... Is not what we have God's to begin with?

Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches tithing is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today.

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle/Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent, not the 10 percent which is generally considered the tithe amount today. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “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 9:7).

http://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-Christian.html

Lastly, tithing is not merely about money, are we tithing of ourselves also?
 
Lastly, tithing is not merely about money, are we tithing of ourselves also?
(emphasis mine)

Soulful, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

So, my advice is this, if you feel it would be a burden on you right now, then don't do it. The church is also here to support the poor!!!!!

Some take a leap of faith and pay what they don't think they have, expecting God will provide. I don't know whether God is telling you to do so, or it's just your feeling you should. There is a difference!!!!

I think you should wait and when your situation improves, then you can start tithing OR giving whatever amount you feel happy to give.

Seriously! It's OKAY not to give right now.
It's just how I feel about your situation, but you do what you think is best...not because you have to - you don't have to, but because it is what feels right in your heart - even if it means nothing to the church right now.

I hope and pray the church sees your need. That is what I see as most important right now, but often we humans can't see what is right in front of us.

Ginger
 
Thank you to both wonderful responses. I am reminded of the verse where the woman gave all she had, and her giving was worth more than the rich man who only gave a portion (that verse is...?...someone knows). Today I reduced my cell phone minutes and that will save me some money, but not a whole lot. Enough to give a little back. I want to give to God, and I know all I have belongs to God, and all he's given me is from Him. God has blessed me so much. I went from living off someone in a situation I thought I would never get out of, to being independent, working, going to school, and now living in the light of Jesus. The feeling of being in God's presence is so peaceful and kind and comforting. Giving something to the church would be good, and I plan to bring my checkbook every Sunday from now on because God leads me to, and I'm going to pray how much. I'm not sure about the percentage, and I appreciate that God knows I don't have a lot of money to work with right now--but he's doing this for a purpose, and that purpose is to make me aware of how to manage my money and my life, and to begin with the basics. I need that lesson very much. He's not letting me fall or fail. I know my situation will improve, but my work schedule varies between hours, and so I'm on my knees every two weeks about that too.

Back off my tangent to the place we were... I love your responses so much. Thank you for reminding me about being a cheerful giver and seeking God's wisdom. I'm going to go to the website now also that you suggested in your response above. And I'll be praying about this too just like the bible says to.

;)
 
I hope as we can see your heart is in the right place, thatgod will show you what you could do.
As is said time is money, perhaps you might have time to give somebody?? ( Skills, advice, )
 
A story comes to mind....

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

This story demonstrates where our focus show be - especially when we are new Christians. Of all the responsibilities, the must do's, should do's and have to do's, this needs to come first. Then the "to do" list will be seen more clearly. Monetary giving is a tangible means by which humans measure.

Another story....

But you say, 'Whoever says to father or mother, "Any support you might have had from me is dedicated to God," need not honor his father.' You have nullified the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy about you when he said:
This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.'"

It does not honor God to give to the church, unless you are taking care of yourself and your family, first!

Ginger
 
I love those verses Ginger!!!! Thank you!!!! I'm going to be praying about this. I know God is working on me every day. Giving has been on my heart a lot lately.
 
Hi,

I also find it difficult to make ends meet but also have a need to give :)

Firstly I found that the 'sacrifice' of time was easier and through this time with God found that blessings became such that I am now able to give a very small portion of what I earn back to Him. I do this not because I have to, nor because it make me feel spiritual just because I love Him and want to show Him that.

Since giving the small portion, I have found that my remaining money seems to stretch that little bit further so that I do not find that I am down but actually up.

Your small portion may only be a few pence but, if given with a genuine heart is more than pleasing to God.

This is my experience anyway :)

Rachel x
 
Thank you Rachel. I was blessed to receive a doule shift for tomorrow and some differential pay for working in the evenings. I'm looking forward to my next paycheck and I'm praying about the giving amount. I'm looking forward to pleasing God more. Every day I find more blessings in my life for knowing Him in so many ways.
 
Hi Soulful,

Ginger is right in saying that tithing is part of the Law of the Old Testament. In Christ, we are not under the Law. There are some churches that teach that if we do not tithe, we are cursed - but the Word tells us that we are freed from the curse of the Law.

That said, in your original post you say,
What I am worried about is the Holy Spirit telling me in my heart that I need to tithe,
(my emphasis.) That is not the Law, it is the leading/conviction of the Spirit for you personally, and therefore is something you need to listen to. He knows what your financial position is, and He will not lead you to do something that is going to bring harm to you or your family. What you need to do is to tell Him your willingness to obey, and ask Him to show you how to find the money.

Tithing is not primarily about funding the church, nor about God blessing us. It is about obedience and commitment. Why 10%? In Scripture, 10 is the number of completion, so when we give 10% - one tenth of the whole - we are symbolically saying that we are giving the whole. Again, the New Testament does not give a figure, but if the Holy Spirit is convicting you to tithe, then that is what you need to do.

blessings,

Lynn
 
Thank you Rachel. I was blessed to receive a double shift for tomorrow and some differential pay for working in the evenings. I'm looking forward to my next paycheck and I'm praying about the giving amount. I'm looking forward to pleasing God more. Every day I find more blessings in my life for knowing Him in so many ways.

That sounds like confirmation to me. Prayerfully give what God lays on your heart. :)
 

Act 4:32

And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. And not one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own. But they had all things common.

Act 4:33

And the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power. And great grace was on them all.

Act 4:34

For neither was anyone needy among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Act 4:35

and they laid them down at the apostles' feet. And distribution was made to every man according as he had need.

Act 4:36

And Joses, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which is, being translated, The son of consolation), a Levite, a Cypriot by race,

Act 4:37

a field being his, selling it, he bore the proceeds and placed them at the apostles' feet.

A few things these scriptures point out to me in regards to giving.

  1. They where of one heart - there was unity in their giving. They gave because of Christ - no other reason.
  2. The apostels were able to preach effectively because they where not worried about collecting money to look after the church - the church through it's unity and love for Christ was giving automatically out of love for their church and Christ. How many of our pastors spend their time motivating us to give to the church - if we gave freely, not setting limits (10%) then our pastors would be freed up to preach the gospel.
  3. There were no people in need within their church - how many of us can claim that in our churches?
  4. Some translations call Joseph (Barnabas) the son of encouragement - giving freely with the right motives is an encouragement to the church.
  5. There where no false motives in giving - the verses which follow show what happened to people who gave with the wrong motives.
How much has Christ done for you? How much do you love His church? Can you give without expecting anything in return? Do you trust and have enough faith in Christ to know He will provide for your every need? I ask myself these questions every now and then to check which God do I serve - money or Christ?

Pro 21:13

Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Our prayers can be hindered by not giving
 
Everything we "think" we own is not ours! Its God's, and not to return to God what is His? And as said already, tithing is not merely about money, it also consists of the giving of ourselves. We must also remember the old lady who gave her last cent, and many can not even give of them self?
 
Hi,

I also find it difficult to make ends meet but also have a need to give :)

Firstly I found that the 'sacrifice' of time was easier and through this time with God found that blessings became such that I am now able to give a very small portion of what I earn back to Him. I do this not because I have to, nor because it make me feel spiritual just because I love Him and want to show Him that.

Since giving the small portion, I have found that my remaining money seems to stretch that little bit further so that I do not find that I am down but actually up.

Your small portion may only be a few pence but, if given with a genuine heart is more than pleasing to God.

This is my experience anyway :)

Rachel x
Well said. I agree totally as I am there with ya hehehe
 
Now that I am back to working again, I also want to make some sort of a portion to my church as well. It won't be a lot as I am a slave to the bank :( but I can still certainly give something back.
 
Good morning,

I wonder if I should begin tithing. I haven't paid tithes since I was married, about 5 years ago, and now I'm not making very much money--just enough to barely scrape by and I can't even save anything.

I know that tithes are to support the church function and more importantly to give to allow God to give to you and give you more--increase your faith.

I have three things I pay for that I really don't need, but I do because I feel I should. I'm giving my son a small allowance every month (he doesn't live with me), and I'm also contributing to his college savings plan (another very small amount), as well as paying monthly premiums for a small life insurance policy for myself (very very small). Although these three payments are small, they all 3 add up to just below 10% of what I make per month. Without paying these, I could pay tithes. I could not pay on top of those.

I also do have debt, but I'm making my minimum monthly payments.

I'm in school full time and working full time--I get out of school in February 2012, and I will make more money when I'm hired in my career field, so I'm not worried. God has brought me this far. What I am worried about is the Holy Spirit telling me in my heart that I need to tithe, and looking at my checkbook wondering how I'm going to make it on the salary I do. I don't have time to take a 2nd job either.

Please contribute t o this post with your biblical wisdom and your personal experiences. I'm very sure that I want to do all things to add to my faith and bless the church and worship the Lord. Thank you Jesus for all you do for me :) Thank you good people :) I'm so blessed right now with having a job, a place to live, getting an education, having good health, and everything else that's in my life with having such renewal in Christ.

Hello Soulful, I had been in the same predicament as you are. Of course I was emotional bothered. A friend of mine suggested reading this wonderful article about TITHES AND OFFERING. You may click the following:

http://www.purechristianity.org/index.php/news/Tithes_and_Offering

God bless us. Psalms 56:10-13
 
I am surpised how tithe became a thread in Holy Spirit Baptism and Live. Actually, tithing is a direct offence to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit did give clear instrructions, Him in person, not by inspiring a human author, but Him in person. He, the Holy Spirit did direct instructions, commanded for christians NOT to observ any of the Moses Law.

If somebody can read of tithe in the Moses Law; then it is prohibited for us to practice.
 
Wait....observation of Mosaic Law is now offensive to the Holy Spirit? So, we should all get busy stealing, killing, and bowing to idols?

I can understand the point (I hope) you are trying to make, but the statements you are making are very dangerous. If you mean what I THINK you mean, then I probably agree with you. We are certainly not bound by the Law of Moses anymore, but that doesn't mean we are commanded to not observe the law.
 
The Holy Spirit did give clear instrructions, Him in person, not by inspiring a human author, but Him in person. He, the Holy Spirit did direct instructions, commanded for christians NOT to observ any of the Moses Law.
Can you explain how He did this. He has instructed each individual believer, personally?
 
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