Should I be tithing? It depends on what you mean by tithe. We have to be sure that we’re using the same dictionary as well as the same vocabulary. That is, we mean the same thing with the words that we use. So, let me give you three different ways of thinking about tithes and give answers to that.
We have to be sure that we mean the same thing with the words that we use
Wrong Answer #1
If you mean the biblically commanded specified 10% of our income that we are all, all Christians, are meant to give to their local Church then no, you are not meant to tithe.
Israel were required to tithe but they were meant to give 2 annual tithes and one tithe over 3 years.
Wrong Answer #2
If you mean the biblically specified 10 percent amount of your income that we’re commanded to give our local churches in order to avoid financial curses at best, and hell at worst, and also, to attract heaven’s window blessings then no, we are not meant to tithe.
It requires an unskillful handling of the scriptures to reach that conclusion.
The Right Way to Tithe
But if you mean the biblically commanded obligation to regularly give to our local church in line with our income (that is as frequently as we get paid). Which could equal, could be less than or be more than 10 percent, then yes, we are required to tithe.
The church feeds us regularly and so we should give to it regularly
We see teaching about this implied in Galatians 6:6 and 1 Corinthians 9:11-14. You see the reasons are both an obligatory reason and also an inspirational reason.
We Have an Obligation to Support the Church
The obligation. As I said, we are commanded and also the Church has needs. And so, you’re meant to regularly give to the place where you’re regularly fed. The church feeds us regularly and so we should give to it regularly so that it can meet its operational needs. It can meet also its missional needs.
Now, it’s not the only place you’re meant to give. But it’s the primary place you’re meant to give.
God Inspires Us to Tithe
We must avoid the greed in our heart that wants us to avoid generosity
The inspirational reason is exactly what God does for us in the gospel. God generously gave to us of His son. And so, the people He’s given to are people that like to give.
Now, we must avoid manipulation at all costs. But also, we must avoid the greed in our heart that wants us to avoid generosity as well.
