What is Tithing?

The Question:

I was just wondering what Tithing meant. Is it right?  What is Tithing?  Did Jesus teach on it??  Is it a requirement ?

The Answer:

Tithing means giving 10% of your income back to the Lord. A "tithe" is a tenth. It was an Old Testament commandment and source of blessing and means of thanksgiving to God. (See Malachi 3:8ff, Hebrews 7) Tithing isn't specifically commanded in the New Testament. And as far as I know, it is not mentioned as a New Testament ordinance, except perhaps in one place where Jesus was addressing the Pharisees, who tithed even the herbs they grew. They were so careful to do this, yet neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness. By Jesus saying "without neglecting" tithing, it seems He is telling us to tithe, but to concentrate on justice, mercy and faithfulness more.

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."

And Paul tells us in the New Covenant we are to give 100% of our SELVES first, and then seek God on what to give financially - and be obedient to whatever % He tells us (2 Corinthians 8) ... For some Jesus required 100% (the rich young ruler Luke 18) and some gave beyond their living - the widow's mite.

Most preachers give sermons on tithing regularly.Why? Obviously because the members of their congregations aren't supporting the ministry as they should. If everyone was obedient to what God tells them to do then obviously there would be no need for appeals for donations! As when the children of Israel gave from their hearts to build the tabernacle (Exodus 36:1-7), there would be so much coming in that the preachers would have to ask us to stop! Don't you think?

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