GIVING TO GOD

So what’s the deal with “tithing”? The word tithe simply means “one-tenth part.” Under the Law of Moses in the Old Testament, the Israelites were required to give three different tithes, totaling a little over 23 percent of their income. The first tithe was 10 percent of all of their possessions (Lev. 27:30–33; Num. 18:20–21), which was given to the Levites for Temple Ministry. A second tithe was taken from whatever produce was left after the first tithe was given. Jewish interpreters consider this to be a second tithe for feasts and sacrifices (Deut. 12:17–18; Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21). Finally, a tithe was given once every three years to support the poor (Deut. 14:28–29). On top of these tithes were the voluntary freewill offerings given out of their own will and desire above and beyond their normal tithes (Ex. 35:29; Lev. 22:23; Ezra 3:5). 

When it comes to the New Testament teaching on giving, we must realize that the Mosaic Law no longer binds us. This leads us to the question, “Should we still give according to the Old Testament system, or are we able to give less or even more?” 

Concerning this, Paul wrote, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 9:6–8). 

As Christians who are no longer under the Law, we give because of the grace that God has given us. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul commends the believers in Macedonia for what is often referred to as “grace giving.” Paul describes the qualities of this benevolence as being generous (2 Cor. 8:2), willful (2 Cor. 8:3), directed by God (2 Cor. 8:5), shared (2 Cor. 8:6), active (2 Cor. 8:7), and motivated by love (2 Cor. 8:8). This kind of giving should not be done out of a “legalistic” mentality, but as the Lord leads you to give (2 Cor. 8:8). 

In the Old Testament tithing system God set a standard for giving. Under the New Covenant of Grace God allows us, individually, to set our own standard of giving. We are not under compulsion to give; rather, we should give cheerfully and prayerfully as the Holy Spirit leads us. In a sense giving measures both our love for God and our level of spiritual maturity as we align our heart more and more with the heart of God through spiritual growth. Most importantly, giving to God is an act of worship, and God is seeking worshipers!

GIVING: A MATTER OF THE HEART