Today we will talk about “Is tithing still required today?”. Many Christians wonder about the relevance of tithing in our modern faith journey. Tithing, the practice of giving a portion of our income to God through the church or charitable organizations, has deep biblical roots. As we explore Scripture together, let’s keep our hearts open to understanding the purpose of tithing in our lives today. While there is a historical context to this practice, the principles behind it can guide us in our relationship with God and our sense of community. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Is tithing still required today?
The Origin of Tithing
As we delve into the question of whether tithing is still required today, it’s important to first understand its origins. Tithing dates back to the Old Testament, where it was a way for the Israelites to support the temple, its priests, and the poor. We see that tithing was seen as an act of obedience and gratitude to God. Understanding the roots of tithing helps us appreciate its intended purpose—not simply a tax or obligation but a demonstration of faith and trust in God’s provision. Thus, while the practice itself may have evolved, the spirit behind giving back to God remains a significant part of our faith today.
Genesis 14:20
“And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tenth of everything.” – Genesis 14:20
Leviticus 27:30
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” – Leviticus 27:30
Numbers 18:26
“Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tithe of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.” – Numbers 18:26
Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” – Deuteronomy 14:22
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10
Jesus and Tithing
When we think about whether tithing is still necessary, it’s crucial to consider the teachings of Jesus. While He didn’t explicitly command tithing, He affirmed the importance of giving and generosity in our lives. Not only did Jesus address tithing, but He emphasized a heart of generosity—where our hearts are, that’s where our treasures will be. We are encouraged to give not just out of obligation but out of love and compassion. It’s a reflection of our relationship with God and our willingness to support His mission on earth.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” – Matthew 23:23
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
Luke 21:1-4
“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.'” – Luke 21:1-4
Mark 12:41-44
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.'” – Mark 12:41-44
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
The Purpose of Tithing
Understanding the purpose of tithing is essential to our faith journey. It goes beyond financial support to the church; it reflects our faith and trust in God as our provider. We give because we recognize that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him. Tithing helps us to prioritize our finances and cultivate a spirit of generosity. It is not merely about the percentage we give but about our attitude towards giving. By honoring the practice of tithing, we align ourselves with God’s plans for our lives, His work in the world, and our commitment to support the community.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10
1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” – 1 Chronicles 29:14
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work, we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Tithing and Blessings
As we ponder the question of whether tithing is required today, we can’t ignore the many blessings associated with it. God promises to bless us when we generously give of what He has entrusted to us. The act of tithing is not merely a financial transaction; it’s a spiritual one. It recognizes God as the ultimate giver, and in our giving, we open the door for His blessings to flow into our lives. Blessings can manifest in various forms—provision, peace, joy, and community. By practicing tithing, we position ourselves to experience these blessings.
Malachi 3:10-12
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.” – Malachi 3:10-12
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Tithing as an Act of Worship
Tithing is more than just a financial contribution; it is an act of worship that reflects our dedication to God. In our act of giving, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives and resources. It’s a way for us to express our gratitude, reverence, and love for Him. When we tithe, we remember that our blessings flow from Him, and in response, we offer back a portion of what we have as a thank-you. This practice nurtures our faith and keeps us mindful of His provisions in a world that often leads us to forget.
1 Chronicles 29:17
“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent; and now I see with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.” – 1 Chronicles 29:17
Psalm 96:8
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.” – Psalm 96:8
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
Matthew 15:8
“‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” – Matthew 15:8
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Tithing and Generosity
As we reflect on tithing, we see that it’s intimately connected to the spirit of generosity. Tithing teaches us to be generous with our resources, not just within the church but in all areas of our lives. God is generous, and as His followers, we are called to imitate this characteristic. When we give, we invite blessings not just for ourselves but also create a ripple effect of goodness in our communities. Generosity is more than a financial act; it’s a lifestyle that expresses love and compassion toward others.
2 Corinthians 8:2
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” – 2 Corinthians 8:2
1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” – 1 John 3:17
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
Acts 2:44-45
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:44-45
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
Tithing as a Community Responsibility
Tithing should also be viewed as a communal responsibility. As we contribute our tithes, we support the church and its mission while uplifting our community. It allows us to pool our resources, making it possible for us to engage in more significant impact projects, outreach programs, and assist those in need. By supporting each other, we can unify our efforts, spreading kindness and love and demonstrating faith to the world. Tithing is a reminder that we are part of something larger than ourselves—the body of Christ working together.
1 Corinthians 12:26
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
Ephesians 4:16
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” – Ephesians 4:16
Acts 4:32
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” – Acts 4:32
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
The Heart Behind Tithing
Ultimately, whether tithing is required today is not just about the act itself but the heart behind it. God desires our hearts more than our money. He values our willingness to give, to be generous, and to support the work of His kingdom. It’s essential to approach tithing as a personal choice guided by love, faith, and gratitude rather than as a strict obligation. When we give joyfully and intentionally, we embody the true essence of worship and discipleship. So, let’s examine our hearts and ensure that our giving reflects our love for God and our community.
2 Corinthians 9:12
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:12
Isaiah 32:8
“But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds, they stand.” – Isaiah 32:8
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Matthew 6:2
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:2
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the question of whether tithing is still required today invites us to explore deeper than just financial obligations. Tithing is rooted in our love for God and the understanding that everything we have comes from Him. We have seen how it originated in the scriptures, how Jesus spoke about giving, and its role as an act of worship and community responsibility. Ultimately, it calls us to a heart of generosity and obedience, leading to blessings not only for ourselves but for those around us. So, let’s reflect on our approach to tithing and align it with our commitment to serving God and our community well.
As we move forward, remember that tithing isn’t just about money; it’s about our relationship with God. It is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and trust. Whether or not we choose to tithe, let’s embrace generosity in all areas of our lives. God honors a cheerful heart, and that’s what truly matters in our faith journey.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
