Tithing and Giving

Heart Matters More Than Amount

"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." - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Money reveals the heart like few other things can. How we give—or don't give—exposes what we truly treasure, trust, and worship. For many Christians, tithing and giving create anxiety, guilt, or confusion. Some see it as an outdated law, others as a mandatory tax, and still others as a prosperity formula. But what does God's Word really teach about giving? And why does Jesus say more about money than almost any other topic?

The truth is that God doesn't need our money. He owns everything. But He invites us into the joy and transformation that comes through generous giving because He knows it changes us from the inside out.

Understanding Biblical Giving

To give biblically, we must first understand what Scripture teaches about the purpose and principles of giving:

Biblical Foundations of Giving:

God's Ownership: "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1)
Our Stewardship: "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)
Heart Transformation: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21)
Generous Nature: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Kingdom Investment: "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20)

The Old Testament Foundation: Tithing

Tithing—giving a tenth of our income—appears throughout the Old Testament as a foundational principle of worship and stewardship:

📜 Tithing in the Old Testament

Abraham's Tithe (Genesis 14:20)

Before the law was given, Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, establishing tithing as a principle of worship and gratitude, not just legal obligation.

Jacob's Promise (Genesis 28:22)

Jacob promised to give God a tenth of everything, demonstrating that tithing flows from relationship and commitment, not coercion.

The Levitical System (Leviticus 27:30)

God established tithing as part of the covenant system, supporting the priesthood and temple worship, showing the importance of funding God's work.

Malachi's Challenge (Malachi 3:10)

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... Test me in this," says the Lord. God invites us to experience His faithfulness through faithful giving.

New Testament Giving: Beyond the Tithe

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles don't diminish giving but elevate it to a matter of the heart and grace:

✝️ Jesus on Giving

The Widow's Mite (Luke 21:1-4)

Jesus praised the widow's small gift because she gave "all she had to live on." God measures generosity by sacrifice, not amount.

Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)

Jesus teaches that giving is investing in eternity. What we give to God's kingdom has lasting value beyond this life.

Generous Grace (Luke 6:38)

"Give, and it will be given to you." Jesus promises that generous people experience God's generosity in return, though not always materially.

Heart Behind the Gift (Matthew 23:23)

Jesus criticized the Pharisees for tithing meticulously while neglecting "justice, mercy and faithfulness." External giving without heart transformation misses the point.

💜 Paul's Teaching on Giving

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" - 2 Corinthians 9:6. Generous sowing leads to generous reaping in God's economy.

The Heart Behind the Gift

God cares far more about the heart behind our giving than the amount we give. Here's what makes giving truly meaningful:

1. Gratitude and Worship

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good" (Psalm 136:1). Giving flows from gratitude for what God has already done, not from obligation or manipulation.

2. Trust and Faith

Giving demonstrates that we trust God to provide for our needs. It's a practical expression of faith in His faithfulness and provision.

3. Love for God and Others

"We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Giving expresses our love for God and our desire to meet the needs of others.

4. Sacrificial Investment

True giving costs us something. When giving requires sacrifice, it demonstrates that we value God's kingdom more than our comfort.

5. Joyful Generosity

"God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). When giving brings joy rather than resentment, it reflects a transformed heart.

Practical Guidelines for Giving

While the heart matters most, Scripture also provides practical guidance for how to give wisely and faithfully:

💡 Biblical Giving Guidelines

Give Regularly and Systematically

"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Regular giving builds the discipline of generosity.

Give Proportionally

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Give based on what God has given you, not in comparison to others.

Give Priority to God

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops" (Proverbs 3:9). Give to God first, not from what's left over.

Give with Purpose

Support your local church, missions, and ministries that advance God's kingdom and meet real needs in Jesus' name.

Give Wisely

Research organizations, ensure good stewardship, and give to ministries that align with biblical values and demonstrate integrity.

Should Christians Tithe Today?

This is one of the most debated questions in Christian stewardship. Here's a balanced biblical perspective:

⚖️ The Tithing Debate

Arguments Against Tithing Today

The tithe was part of the Old Testament law that has been fulfilled in Christ
New Testament giving is described as grace-based, not law-based
The early church shared everything, not just 10%
Legalistic tithing can lead to pride or burden rather than joy

Arguments for Tithing Today

Abraham tithed before the law, suggesting it's a universal principle
Jesus didn't abolish tithing but elevated it (Matthew 23:23)
10% provides a practical starting point for Christian giving
Churches need consistent funding to operate effectively

🎯 A Balanced Approach

Whether you see tithing as a commandment or starting point, the key is generous, sacrificial, joyful giving that reflects a heart transformed by God's grace. The 10% principle provides structure, but grace should motivate generous giving that often exceeds the tithe. Focus less on the exact percentage and more on growing in generosity as God blesses you.

Different Types of Biblical Giving

🎁 Types of Christian Giving

Tithes

Regular giving (often 10%) to support your local church's ministry, staff, and operations.

Offerings

Additional gifts beyond your regular giving for special projects, missions, or needs.

Alms

Direct assistance to the poor and needy, following Jesus' command to care for "the least of these."

Mission Giving

Supporting missionaries and evangelistic efforts to spread the Gospel around the world.

Time and Talents

Giving your skills, time, and abilities to serve God's kingdom, not just financial resources.

Overcoming Barriers to Giving

Many Christians struggle with giving due to practical and spiritual barriers. Here's how to overcome common obstacles:

🚧 Common Giving Barriers and Solutions

"I Can't Afford to Give"

Reality Check: Can you afford not to give? Start small and watch God provide.

Solution: Begin with whatever you can—$5, $10, 1%. Faith grows through practice, not perfection.

"I Don't Trust How Churches Use Money"

Reality Check: Find churches with financial transparency and integrity.

Solution: Ask for financial reports, support specific ministries, or give to trusted Christian organizations.

"God Doesn't Need My Money"

Reality Check: True, but you need to give for your spiritual health.

Solution: Focus on what giving does in your heart, not what it does for God.

"I'll Give When I Have More"

Reality Check: Generosity is a heart issue, not an income issue.

Solution: Start giving now, even small amounts. You'll never feel like you have "enough."

The Blessings of Generous Giving

While we shouldn't give to get, God does promise to bless generous givers—though not always in the ways we expect:

🌟 How Giving Blesses the Giver

Spiritual Growth: Giving breaks the power of materialism and builds trust in God

Joy and Contentment: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35)

Answered Prayer: Generosity opens our hearts to receive from God

Eternal Rewards: "Store up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20)

Unexpected Provision: God meets our needs in surprising ways

Kingdom Impact: Participation in God's work of redemption and restoration

Teaching Children About Giving

Instilling generosity in the next generation is one of the most important financial lessons we can teach:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Raising Generous Children

Model Generosity: Children learn more from watching than from lectures
Start Early: Even toddlers can put coins in the offering plate
Make It Visible: Let children see their gifts make a difference
Explain the Why: Help them understand that giving expresses love for God and others
Celebrate Giving: Make giving a joyful family tradition, not a burden
Give Them Choice: Let children choose some of their giving destinations

When You Can't Give Financially

Not everyone can give large amounts of money, but everyone can give something of value to God's kingdom:

💝 Alternative Ways to Give

Time: Volunteer in church ministries or community service
Skills: Use your professional abilities to serve the church or others
Possessions: Donate items to those in need
Prayer: Intercede consistently for others and ministry needs
Encouragement: Use words to build up and support others
Hospitality: Open your home to serve and bless others
Testimony: Share your story of God's goodness and grace

The Prosperity Gospel Warning

Beware of teachings that promise financial returns for giving. While God does bless generous givers, the prosperity gospel distorts biblical giving:

⚠️ Red Flags in Giving Appeals

Promises of guaranteed financial returns for giving
Pressure tactics or manipulation to give beyond your means
Focus on giving to get rather than giving to honor God
Lack of transparency about how donations are used
Teaching that poverty is always a sign of spiritual failure
Emphasis on sowing "seed offerings" for specific outcomes

💚 The Heart of Giving

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" - 1 Timothy 6:18. True prosperity is found in generosity, not accumulation.

🙏 A Prayer for Generous Hearts

"Heavenly Father, everything I have comes from You. Help me to hold my possessions with open hands, ready to give as You direct. Transform my heart to find joy in giving rather than anxiety in lack. Show me where and how to give so that Your kingdom is advanced and Your people are blessed. Protect me from greed and selfishness, and make me generous like You. Help me to trust that You will provide for all my needs as I seek to honor You with my resources. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Giving is not about obligation or manipulation—it's about joining God in His work of love, restoration, and redemption in our world.

Tithing and Giving: Heart Matters More Than Amount