Today we will talk about Tithing vs. offering. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Tithing refers to giving one-tenth of our income as a way to honor God and trust in His provision. It is often seen as a requirement for believers, a way of returning to God what is already His. On the other hand, an offering is any additional gift we give above and beyond our tithe, demonstrating our love and gratitude. Both practices are vital aspects of our spiritual lives, fostering a deeper connection with God and supporting the church and community.
Tithing vs. Offering
Understanding the Concept of Tithing
When we discuss tithing, we come to a fundamental part of our relationship with God. Tithing is more than just a financial obligation; it’s an act of faith. As we dive into the Scriptures, we can see how tithing is a Biblical principle that God instituted for His people. It’s a daily reminder that He is our source, encouraging us to trust Him fully. By understanding the concept of tithing, we learn that it isn’t just a rule to follow, but an invitation to experience God’s blessings poured into our lives as we take this step of obedience seriously. We find joy and freedom when we tithe with a cheerful heart, knowing God rewards faithfulness.
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
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
Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” – Deuteronomy 14:22
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9
Genesis 14:20
“And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” – Genesis 14:20
The Heart Behind Giving Offerings
When we turn our hearts toward offerings, we see a different yet complementary perspective. An offering is essentially a freewill gift to God, demonstrating our love, gratitude, and recognition of His many blessings in our lives. It is important to understand that offerings are not bound by the stringent guidelines of the tithe. Instead, they reflect our personal relationship with God and our ability to respond generously to His goodness. This is our chance to sow into what God is doing around us and extend our gratitude beyond what is expected. It’s an opportunity for us to express our faith in action through generous giving.
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
Exodus 35:29
“All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.” – Exodus 35:29
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
Philippians 4:18
“I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:18
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
God’s Promises on Tithing
Tithing comes with promises from God that we can hold onto with great faith. These promises reassure us that when we honor Him with our finances, He won’t leave us empty-handed. God’s commitment to bless us is woven throughout Scripture, showing His faithfulness in providing for our needs. By choosing to tithe, we are actively participating in God’s divine economy, which assures us that we will receive abundantly. It’s comforting to know that while we are obedient in our giving, God in turn will provide for our every need. Let’s encourage one another to step into these promises with boldness and trust.
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
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” – Matthew 5:42
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” – 1 Corinthians 16:2
Spiritual Growth Through Giving
Giving, whether through tithing or offerings, is a powerful way to experience spiritual growth. As we learn to give, we move beyond our own needs and desires, learning to rely on God’s provision. It encourages us to be more selfless and cultivate a spirit of generosity. When we understand tithing as a part of our discipleship, our hearts are transformed closer to God’s image. We begin to see the impact our contributions can have not only in our lives, but in the lives of others. Allowing our faith to inspire us to give creates a ripple effect that touches many.
2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” – Ephesians 4:28
1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” – 1 Timothy 6:18
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
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
The Role of Faith in Tithing and Offerings
Faith drives our practice of tithing and offerings. When we give, we demonstrate a profound level of trust in God, believing He will provide for our needs. Each time we write that check, make that donation, or offer service, we take a leap of faith, aware of God’s capability to affect our lives and those around us. In this journey, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, growing in reliance on His provision over our own wisdom. Our willingness to give of our time and resources invites God to make miraculous changes, proving that faith and finances can go hand in hand in our daily living.
Matthew 17:20
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:20
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
The Importance of Contentment in Giving
Contentment plays a crucial role in our approach to both tithing and offerings. When we find contentment in our hearts, we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. This perspective changes how we view our resources and our willingness to share them. Learning to be content leads us to give generously and without hesitation, understanding that our value isn’t determined by our possessions but by our relationship with God. This spirit of satisfaction allows us to open our hearts freely, as we trust in God’s provision and goodness over our lives. Cultivating contentment helps us step freely into the life of giving.
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Matthew 6:24
Philippians 4:11
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Supporting the Church Through Tithes and Offerings
Tithing and offerings also play a key role in supporting the local church and its mission. When we contribute, we’re ensuring that our communities can be transformed through the ministries that serve them. Our resources can help fund outreach programs, support church staff, and create a place where worship and fellowship occur. Understanding this aspect enhances our appreciation for our contributions, knowing that we’re helping fulfill God’s calling in our local area. It’s essential for us to come together and support the body of Christ so that we, too, can be uplifted and nourished in our own walks of faith.
Acts 2:45
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:45
Acts 4:34-35
“That there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” – Acts 4:34-35
1 Corinthians 9:14
“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” – 1 Corinthians 9:14
2 Chronicles 31:5
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil, and honey, and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.” – 2 Chronicles 31:5
Malachi 3:8
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.” – Malachi 3:8
The Joy of Generosity
Lastly, there’s immense joy found in generosity through tithing and giving offerings. God delights in cheerful givers, and when we approach giving with a joyful heart, we tap into a deeper sense of purpose. Our generosity can spark joy not only in our lives but also in the lives of those we help. In every act of giving, we can share God’s love and grace, creating a profound impact on our communities. Whether it’s tithing or giving an offering, we can experience the beauty that comes from sharing what we have, knowing that there is happiness in giving.
Proverbs 21:26
“All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.” – Proverbs 21:26
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
Acts 2:44
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:44
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Final Thoughts
In exploring the topic of Tithing vs. Offering, we’ve discovered numerous truths through scripture. We learned that tithing is about honoring God with our finances, while offerings are an expression of our love and gratitude. Both are significant in our faith journey, teaching us important lessons about trust, generosity, contentment, and growth. As we unite to support our church and community through these practices, we can experience joy and fulfillment in giving. May our hearts be open to the lessons God has for us and may we embrace His call to be generous and faithful stewards of all that He has provided.
Let us remember that both tithes and offerings are ways to enrich our spiritual lives while also blessing others. Our giving should stem from a heart that seeks to glorify God and partner with Him in the work He’s doing in our world. Together, we can touch lives and further His kingdom, becoming the hands and feet of Jesus.
As we boldly step forward in faith with our giving, let us continue to encourage one another in these beautiful acts of worship that allow us to reflect God’s love and blessings abundantly.
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
