Some might feel uncomfortable hearing churches talk about money, and with good reason! Scandals and exploitation are not foreign to churches today. But the Bible has a lot to say about money, so we must have a biblical understanding of money and financial giving. It’s also important to take stock of your beliefs and relationship towards money, so that we can be challenged by the passages that follow here.
Old Testament Origins of Tithing
Where does the term “tithing” come from? Tithing means “a tenth,” and it was a principle instituted in ancient Israel. The tribe of Levi was given the exclusive responsibility of operating the tabernacle – they didn’t have other jobs or any means to support themselves, so God commanded that the rest of the nation give a tenth of their supply to support the Levites (see Numbers 18 for instance, among other passages in Deuteronomy and Leviticus).
God doesn’t ask for the majority, but He does expect priority – Old Testament giving is always centered on giving God your first and your best.
New Testament Principles of Giving
Does that 10% law still apply to us today? The short answer is, “no.” As New Testament believers, we’re no longer under the law – Jesus is now our high priest, he made the ultimate atoning sacrifice for our sin, and our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. That said, many Christians still use 10% as a guideline for their giving today.
While you don’t see a specific amount or percentage commanded of Christians in the New Testament, you do see an emphasis on having the right motivation behind your giving. Take for instance these principles from 2 Corinthians 9:6-11:
- Give Expecting God to Work (v 6)
- Give Purposefully (verse 7)
- Give Cheerfully (verse 7)
- Give With Faith (verse 8)
- Give With Thanks (verse 7, verse 12)
Jesus said that where our treasure is, there will our heart be also (Matthew 6:21). May we find in Jesus Christ the greatest treasure of all, and may our love for God and neighbor motivate a life of generosity.
