Recently Bro Louis & I were just discussing and sharing our thoughts on tithing. I guess the main focal point of our discussion was on the right amount to give to God. We both agree that there are a quite few schools of thought out there currently. These thoughts span from one extreme stating that Christians should give 10% of your income exactly (probably the Gross income) to the other end of the spectrum arguing that Christians are free to give whatever amount to God but it must be done in a cheerful manner.
So what then is the right perspective?
Before we answer that, let’s look at some of the background of tithing. The following pointers are from one of Louis’ cell group sharing.
What is tithing? – Tithe means 10 percent. Tithing to God means giving 10 percent of what you had received to God.
Tithing in the OT? - The main purpose of the tithe was to support the Levitical priesthood. The Levites were responsible to minister to the people, and were prohibited from owning land, which obviously limited the ways in which they could earn income. God’s plan was that their support came from those to whom they ministered. Tithing is part of the Law.
Should a Christian tithe today?
- We are no longer under law, but under grace, and therefore there is no commandment from God to give any particular percentage amount.
- Under grace, we had shifted from tithing (ie. giving 10% specifically) which is in the law, to giving to God wholeheartedly (ie. everything – our lives and our possessions etc).
Matt 22:37
- Therefore, financial giving becomes part of your offering of thanksgiving and worship to Him. You are free to give any percentage or amount you want/convict to.
p/s: Your salvation is NOT based on your giving to God.
How much then should I give financially to God?
Principle I – No amount is too small (or too great)
Principle II – Give in faith (2 Cor 9:6)
Principle III – Be prayerful in deciding how much to give (2 Cor 9:7)
Principle IV – Give with cheerfulness & willingness (heart & attitude) (2 Cor 9:7)
Principle V – Give an amount that involves a sacrifice (2 Sam 24:24)
Conclusion
As we grow in our faith, we should be growing in our giving not just financially, but also our lives.
Personally, I agree fully with all that was mentioned except that I feel that the point of "we are no longer under Law but under Grace" can easily be misunderstood and/or misused. This point must be carefully preached and elaborated else younger believers can be led to think that they need not follow the Law. Or simply put, one might think that since he is already covered under Grace, then he does not need to follow the Law... On one hand the person is right to say that, however, there is much more to this.
My belief is that instead of drawing a line between Law and Grace, we should see from the point that there can be no Grace if there is no Law. I tend to like to see the Lord's grace and mercies as an extension of Law. In typical lawyer term, Grace/Mercy is not an amendment clause but a supplementary clause.
To not give or holding back the tithe under the OT definition is equivalent to sinning against God, just like murder or stealing. It is punishable under the law term. However, after Jesus had fulfilled the Law by His work on the cross, we are not subjected to the law anymore. This means to say that we are no longer bound to the strict regulations depicting the offerings & tithing. The focus should really be on giving as a form of worship and thanksgiving to the Lord. We are to give just as we had been given!
In straight comparison to other sins like stealing or murder, it no longer means that I cannot steal or murder BECAUSE the Law says so. Instead, the main reason why I won’t steal or murder is because God first loved me through Jesus and He is now asking me to love to extend His love to my neighbours (based on the 2 greatest commandments). In directly, it is saying that if I were to steal from them, I do not love them.
So right now in conclusion, if you were to ask me how much I give, my answer to you is that I give as much as I can possibly give. At the bottom-line, it is really between God and me because only He knows how much I can give.
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