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In today's world, with endless charities and causes vying for our attention, it's easy for Christians to feel overwhelmed about how to give. We want to honor God with our finances, but the question of how much and where to give can be perplexing. Is tithing still relevant? Does it all have to go to church? Let's dive into these questions and explore a biblical perspective on giving.
What is a Tithe?
A tithe is an Old Testament command given to the Israelites, God’s chosen people, to give back to God from the blessings that He had given to them. In Hebrew, the word “tithe” literally means, “a tenth”—God commanded the Israelites to give a tenth of everything to the Levitical priests as an act of faith and worship.
We see in 2 Chronicles 31:4-5, how God asks for a tithe from His people:
“He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the first fruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.”
In this passage, the people of God set a precedent for bringing the “first fruits,” or the very best of their earnings.
Learn more: What is Tithing, Offering, and Giving
Are Tithes Required of Christians?
Because of Christ, we are free from Old Testament ceremonial and civil laws (including that of tithing); these laws no longer bind us, for Jesus has set us free! Additionally, tithes are not a “command” in the New Testament. However, that doesn’t mean Paul and the other apostles ignore the importance of giving, and its role in the mission of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Paul writes in Romans 7:6, “Now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not the old way of the written code.” This emphasizes how while we are not bound to the “written code,” we as believers are called to serve in the Spirit!
What is the Difference Between Giving and Tithing?
So, if Paul doesn’t ignore the subject of giving, what does he have to say about it? How does Paul distinguish between the old law of the tithe, and what it means to give generously as a believer in Christ? He explains in 2 Corinthians 9, verses 6-11:
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.’
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
The heart of Paul’s message in this passage is for Christians to give generously, and not be held back by fear, for the Lord our God supplies all our needs. Our generosity is meant to spur one another on in service to Christ and pour out in thanksgiving for what God is doing. It is because of Christ’s work on the cross, setting us free from the law, that we now give back to him—it is out of love and thanksgiving, not compulsion.
Does My Tithe Have to go to a Church?
We at Set Free are advocates of the local church and see a clear Biblical emphasis of importance on the Church. The local church is the one institution that is established clearly in the New Testament—and it a part of the beautiful metaphor of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb when Christ returns in all his glory. All that to say, your local church is a great place to start giving back into the Kingdom of God; it is the base of all other ministry. Giving a regular gift to the church is a great place to start, and then you may want to consider giving above and beyond to other ministries.
Can I Give My Tithe to Something Else or Another Ministry?
Yes! There is no rigid rule that a monthly tithe must be given to your church. However, as explored above, there is value in recognizing the importance of the local church in relation to the work of Christ around the world. Additionally, it can be valuable to ask about your church's missions budget. How is your gift being distributed into the community and around the globe? In fact, Set Free is a mission partner through many local churches. Are there other areas of ministry that you are passionate about? Then give generously there too!
Giving to Set Free
At Set Free Alliance, we are working to bring freedom in Christ to those who are trapped in slavery and lack access to clean water in remote parts of the world. We serve people by meeting their most basic human needs. Working primarily in India, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, we focus on immediate challenges in order to make a long-term impact and an eternal difference.
Whether it is hosting mobile medical clinics, rescuing children from slavery, reuniting them with their families, or providing clean water – everything we do is for the glory of God. It is our way of making the love of Jesus real in this broken world. And these simple acts of love open the doors for our pastor partners to share stories of faith, shine light in the darkness, and make disciples of Christ.
If you are interested in supporting Set Free, explore our website to learn more about our mission! We ask that you learn about and pray for the work that the Lord is doing through this ministry, and if you feel led, you can contribute to the work of our ministry partners contribute to the work of our ministry partners around the world!
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