What is a tithe?

The word tithe means a tenth. Tithing is the giving of one-tenth of your income to the Lord through the local church (Gen. 14:18-20, 28:20-22).

Why should I tithe?

God commands you to tithe! Tithing also demonstrates a partnership with God. It is an act of worship, obedience, and commitment to the Lord (Lev. 27:30-33; Deut. 14:22-27).

What are some of the major benefits to tithing? 

Tithing unlocks the door to God’s treasure chest. It positions you for God’s blessings. By consistently tithing you develop the discipline of obedience which leads to other areas of spiritual maturity. Tithing helps you to budget and practice good financial management (Mal. 3:6-12).

How often should I tithe?

You tithe as often as you receive income. If you get paid weekly your tithe is to be weekly. If your income is commissioned based, your tithe should occur when you receive your commission (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

Do I tithe off the gross or the net?

You tithe off the gross. Do you want God to bless you from the larger or smaller portion—the gross or the net of your income? Abraham paid tithes from the first part of the spoils of war and not after allocating portions to his men (Gen. 14:17-24; Prov. 3:9-10).

Where do I pay my tithe?

The tithe is to be given to the Lord through your home church. If you’re between churches, you should tithe where you are being fed spiritually. The tithe goes to the local church—God’s house (Mal. 3:10; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).

Are we to tithe since we are under grace (the new testament era) and no

longer under the law of the old testament?

Yes, we’re under grace. Tithing occurred before the Law (Gen. 14:18-20, 28:20-22), was an Old Testament practice (Lev. 27:30-33) and is also enjoyed under grace, as taught in the New Testament (Matt. 23:23; Heb. 7:8). Proportionate giving is tithing (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

What did Jesus do about tithing?

Jesus taught that tithing starts in the heart and not with your money. Obedience to all Christian virtues like justice, mercy and faithfulness begins in the heart (Matt. 23:23).

What should I do if my spouse if against tithing?

Strive to keep peace in your home. If you do not work and the entire household income comes from your mate, don’t insist on tithing from that source. However, if you receive a portion as your allowance, tithe from that amount. You may also invite your spouse to take the 90-Day Tithe Challenge as a means of developing their faith in God’s ability to provide (Psalm 133:1).

Is it okay to pause from tithing during tough financial times?

No place in Scripture is that suggested or mentioned. Tithing is a way of maintaining the principle: God is first in my life. Many who’ve taken a break from tithing because of debt have commented how their finances only grew worse by not tithing. Tithing was created for your benefit (Mal. 3:6-12)!

Can I borrow my tithe and pay it back later?

You can; but you may not want to do that. The Bible teaches that if you borrow any or all of your tithe, you are responsible to repay God (through the local church) the full tithe plus 20 percent. If you borrowed $100 from your tithe, God wants you to repay Him $120 (Lev. 27:30-31).

Are tithes the same as offerings?

Absolutely not! The tithe is a mandated payment representing 10 percent of your income. Offerings are any gift you determine and can be given towards a building fund, the poor, missions, or any other expression of thanks in your devotion to God (2 Cor. 9:6-8).

What happens if I want to give beyond a tithe?

That’s great! Learning to live well beneath your income is a wonderful way of safeguarding your heart against greed. It is also a great way of providing additional support to the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt. 6:21).

What are some reasons people give for not tithing?

I can’t afford to tithe. God doesn’t need my money. My church seems to be doing fine. I don’t see the benefit of tithing. Until people learn that generosity is the heartbeat of God and the DNA of His children, they will always find a reason to live in disobedience to tithing and all other godly principles. Giving is a huge step of faith that starts in the heart. We launched this 90-Day Tithe Challenge so that our congregation can testify to God’s willingness to bless them at His invitation to “Test Me”, as found in Malachi 3:10.

What happens if I don't tithe?

Your salvation is secure; it’s not in jeopardy (John 10:28). Your disobedience will cause you, however, to miss out on God’s miraculous means of providing for you and your family (Deut. 28:1-14).