Should I Tithe?

Tithing is giving back to God a portion of our income, the fullness of which is already His. God created everything, and Psalm 24:1 teaches us that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness therein.” Everything belongs to Him. When we tithe, we are giving back to God some of what He has given to us.

The word tithe means “tenth.” In the Old Testament, we see that Abraham and Jacob gave tithes even before the law of Moses was instituted (Gen. 14:19-20; 28:20-22). The Israelites were later commanded to give a tenth of their increase to God (Lev. 27:30), and this tithe supported the Levites, as well as the widows and orphans in Israel (Num. 18:21; Deut. 14:22-29). In the New Testament, we find the practice of tithing, with an added call to give generously. The church supports, and is called to support, ministers of the gospel (Phil. 4:16-18; 1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 5:17, 18), as well as the needs of its members, especially of orphans and widows (Acts 2:44, 45; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 1 Tim. 5:3).

It is important to remember that tithing, while a duty, is also a privilege. One of the ways we take part in God’s mission is through tithing. When we give to the local church and Christian ministries, we play an active role in the advance of the gospel. When we remember this about tithing, it is easy to tithe from a willing heart. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7), so we should tithe with thanksgiving for what God has provided us and with faithfulness that He will continue to provide for us. We must remember God’s promise to those who give generously, and we should remember the goal of our giving: God’s glory (2 Cor. 9:6-15).

This article is part of the The Reformation Study Bible collection.