What is a tithe?

Let’s start with the basics. Simply put, the tithe is the first 10% of your income that should be given to your local church. It’s strictly measured in money, so you can’t replace it with giving your time or your talents.

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What does the Bible say about tithing?

According to Leviticus 27:30 (TLB), "A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy." And 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) says, "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."

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What’s the difference between tithing and offerings?

A tithe is an amount (a percentage of your income) and an offering is anything given beyond that, but not in place of the tithe.

After you’ve tithed, you can give in other ways: Giving a cash offering to your church above and beyond the tithe, making a pledge in support of a church project, support missions through United We Can and Run 4 Hope, supporting missionaries, or providing for the church with much needed supplies. Not only does giving of your money or other resources generate good in the lives of others, it also generates contentment in your heart.

 

Why should I tithe?

The tithe was not put into place for God’s benefit—He already has everything He needs. He doesn’t need our money! (And "our" money is already His anyway.)

Tithing is an act of obedience and should be given freely with pure motives. In other words, we give without expecting anything back in return. And it teaches us to be good stewards of what God has given us.

Tithing was created for our benefit. It teaches us how to keep God first in our lives and how to live unselfishly. Unselfish people make better spouses, friends, relatives, employees and employers. And they usually have better finances. God is trying to teach us how to prosper over time.

Remember, no one has ever become poor by giving. But what about those times when you’re wondering if your situation is the exception?​

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Other Common Questions About Tithing

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1. Is it okay to pause my tithing during tough financial times?

The Bible doesn’t mention anything about "pausing" tithing.  But get this: Many people have observed that after they stopped tithing, their finances seemed to get worse. In Malachi 3:8–11, God says that if you tithe instead of keeping it for yourself, He will pour out blessing and rebuke your devourers. In other words, He’ll keep you safe from those who might harm you. So keep tithing.

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If you can’t live off 90% of your income, then you’re probably struggling to live off 100% anyway, and that means you have bigger financial problems you need to address. It shouldn’t require a miracle for you to get through the month with 10% less in your wallet.

If you sit down and look at your budget, you’ll see you can make it while giving away at least 10%. That might mean cutting some fun money or increasing your income, but it can be done. Read the Bible and take from it what you will, but remember this: If you tithe, do it out of love for God, not out of guilt.

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2. If I’m not affiliated with a church, should I still donate 10% of my income?

Of course, Victory Outreach is making an impact throughout Paso Robles, especially in the lives of families and individuals who have been impacted by drugs and gang violence.  We love it when people of like purpose join with us, so give knowing that we are doing our best to reach the lost and hurting people of the world.

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3. Do I donate 10% of my income before or after taxes? And do I factor in income from side hustles?

The Bible consistently  speaks about the first of what we make.  Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine."  And in Mark 12:17, "“Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”  God deserves the first 10%, before taxes, because he is first in our lives.  The point here is you’re giving that 10% of your income.  Bottomline, just give and be a giver. It’s about changing your heart anyway.  "You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)

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As for your side hustle—the 10% should be a percentage of your entire amount of income. So if you take a part-time job on the weekends that brings in $200 extra each month, add that amount to your total monthly income.

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4. I’m making more money now. I want to know how to increase giving above the tithe.

When things are going well and you find yourself with more income than you need, it can be easy to spend all that extra cash on yourself. But it should be a great opportunity to begin thinking about other ways to give above and beyond your tithe. That’s why it’s a good idea to budget what you’ll do with the extra so you can make sure you’re giving some of it too.

Once you’ve calculated your tithe, plus any saving and spending you’re doing, see what your surplus is. Divide that surplus among extra offerings, extra investing, and some fun money. It might help to specifically budget a certain amount each month for special giving opportunities above the tithe.  And remember, whether you’re giving a tithe, offering, or some other special contribution, it should come from your heart. It’s an important part of any financial plan, and it’s really the most fun you can have with your money!