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Tithes and Offerings: Giving God's Way

Money can be a sensitive topic, but God has a lot to say about it in the Bible—not because He needs your money, but because how you handle money reveals the condition of your heart. When you understand biblical giving—both tithes and offerings—you'll discover that it's not about rules or obligation, but about worship, trust, and partnership with God. This guide will help you understand what the Bible teaches about giving, the difference between tithes and offerings, and how to give in a way that honors God and blesses you.

The Heart of Giving

"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

Quick Navigation

The Difference What Is a Tithe? Tithe in the Bible Should Christians Tithe? What Are Offerings? How to Give Blessings of Giving Common Questions

Understanding the Difference: Tithes vs. Offerings

Two distinct types of giving

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect	TITHE	OFFERING
Meaning	Literally means "tenth" or 10%	A gift given beyond the tithe
Amount	10% of your income	Whatever you decide to give
Nature	First 10% belongs to God	Voluntary gift from your heart
Frequency	Regular (usually with each paycheck)	As God leads you
Purpose	Support the local church and ministry	Special needs, missions, projects, ministry
Old Testament	Required by the Law	Voluntary and freewill
New Testament	Principle continued (debated)	Emphasized and encouraged

Simple Illustration

Think of it this way:

The Tithe

Like paying rent on a house. The first 10% of your income belongs to God—you're just returning what's already His. It's recognizing that everything you have comes from Him.

"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it." (Psalm 24:1)

The Offering

Like giving birthday gifts to someone you love. It's above and beyond the tithe— extra gifts given out of gratitude, love, and generosity as God prompts your heart.

"Give, and it will be given to you." (Luke 6:38)

What Is a Tithe?

Understanding the tenth

The Meaning of "Tithe"

The word "tithe" comes from an Old English word meaning "tenth." In Hebrew, it's ma'aser, which also means "a tenth part." So a tithe is simply 10% of your income.

Key Principle: The tithe isn't just any 10%—it's the first 10%. You give God the first and best, not the leftovers.

"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."

— Proverbs 3:9

10%

of your gross or net income (discussed below)

First

Not after paying all your bills

Regular

With each paycheck or income received

Why 10%?

God didn't need to pick 10%—He could have asked for any amount. But 10% is:

Meaningful but manageable – Requires faith but doesn't crush you financially
Equal in sacrifice – Whether you make $100 or $10,000, it's 10%
Easy to calculate – You always know what to give
A test of trust – Will you trust God with your finances?

Where Does the Tithe Go?

In the Old Testament, the tithe went to support the Levites (priests) who served in the temple and had no other source of income. Today, the tithe typically goes to your local church to:

• Support pastoral staff and ministry workers
• Maintain the church building and facilities
• Fund children's, youth, and adult ministries
• Provide resources for worship and teaching

• Support missions and outreach programs
• Help those in need within the congregation
• Fund discipleship and training programs
• Cover utilities, insurance, and operations

"The worker deserves his wages... In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."

— 1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9:14

The Tithe Throughout the Bible

From Genesis to the New Testament

Tithing Before the Law

Interestingly, tithing existed before the Law of Moses. This shows it's not just an Old Testament rule—it's a principle God established from the beginning.

1 Abraham's Tithe (circa 2000 BC)

After winning a battle, Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. This happened about 400 years before the Law was given!

"Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything."

— Genesis 14:20

2 Jacob's Vow (circa 1900 BC)

Jacob vowed to give God a tenth of everything he received. This was voluntary, not commanded yet.

"And of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."

— Genesis 28:22

Tithing Under the Law

When God gave the Law to Moses, tithing became a command for the nation of Israel.

"'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.'"

— Leviticus 27:30

"Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year... so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always."

— Deuteronomy 14:22-23

Purpose: The tithe supported the Levites (who had no land inheritance) and provided for the temple worship and ceremonies.

God's Strong Words About Not Tithing

"Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

— Malachi 3:8-10

This is one of the strongest passages in the Bible about money. God calls not tithing "robbing God." But notice—He also promises incredible blessings to those who faithfully tithe!

Jesus and the Tithe

Jesus mentioned tithing, but not in the way you might expect.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

— Matthew 23:23 (emphasis added)

Jesus affirmed tithing ("without neglecting the former") but emphasized that it must come with the right heart. Tithing doesn't make you righteous—but righteousness should include faithful tithing.

Giving in the New Testament

The New Testament doesn't command tithing explicitly, but it raises the bar on generosity:

Give Cheerfully

"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)

Give Proportionally

"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income." (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Give Generously

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Should Christians Tithe Today?

An honest look at the debate

The Debate Explained

Christians have different views on whether tithing is still required today. Here are the main perspectives:

"Yes, Christians Should Tithe"

This view says:

✓ Tithing existed before the Law (Abraham, Jacob)
✓ Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 23:23)
✓ It's the starting point for giving
✓ It teaches discipline and faith
✓ The principle carries into the New Testament
✓ If we're not "under law" to tithe, we should give even more generously!

"Christians Aren't Required to Tithe"

This view says:

• Tithing was part of the Old Covenant Law
• We're under grace, not law (Romans 6:14)
• The New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful giving without a percentage
• God wants the heart, not a formula
• Grace giving may exceed 10%
• We should give as we're led by the Spirit

A Balanced Perspective

Here's a practical way to think about it:

The tithe is a helpful starting point, not the ceiling of generosity. While you may not be "required" to tithe in the same way Old Testament Israelites were, 10% is an excellent biblical benchmark for regular, proportional giving.

Think of it this way: If people under the Law gave 10%, shouldn't we who have received so much more grace through Jesus want to give at least as much—if not more?

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Does God deserve my first and best?
• Am I trusting God with my finances?
• Am I supporting God's work and my church?
• Am I being obedient and faithful?
• Is my heart generous or stingy?

The Key Principles:

• Give regularly and systematically
• Give proportionally to your income
• Give from the heart, not obligation
• Give generously and cheerfully
• Give first, not from leftovers

Practical Recommendation

For new believers: Start with the tithe (10%) as your baseline for giving. As you grow in faith and see God's faithfulness, let the Holy Spirit lead you to give even more through offerings.

Whether you see the 10% as a "requirement" or a "starting point," the goal is the same: to give generously, regularly, and cheerfully to support God's work and demonstrate your trust in Him as your provider.

What Are Offerings?

Giving above and beyond

Understanding Offerings

While the tithe is a set percentage, offerings are voluntary gifts given above and beyond the tithe. They're driven by love, gratitude, and the Holy Spirit's prompting.

Key Principle: Offerings are where your generosity really shines. Anyone can give a tithe (a set amount), but offerings show the overflow of a grateful heart.

"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."

— 2 Corinthians 9:11

Types of Offerings

1. Freewill Offerings

Voluntary gifts given out of love and gratitude, not obligation. You give because you want to bless God's work.

"Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering." (Exodus 35:5)

2. Special Offerings

Gifts for specific purposes: building fund, mission trips, disaster relief, special projects, etc.

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

3. Thanksgiving Offerings

Gifts given in response to God's blessings—a way to say "thank you" for answered prayers, provision, healing, or other blessings.

"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High." (Psalm 50:14)

4. Alms/Charity

Gifts directly to the poor and needy, not through the church. Jesus strongly encouraged helping those in need.

"Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:42)

5. Faith Promise Offerings

You commit to give a specific amount over time (often for missions), trusting God to provide what you've promised.

"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." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Examples of Offerings in the Bible

The Widow's Two Coins – She gave everything she had, not just a percentage.

"They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." (Mark 12:44)

The Tabernacle Offering – People gave so much they had to be told to stop!

"The people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough." (Exodus 36:6-7)

The Macedonian Churches – Even in poverty, they gave generously beyond their ability.

"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." (2 Corinthians 8:2)

How to Give: Practical Guidelines

Biblical principles for giving

Seven Principles of Biblical Giving

1 Give Regularly

Make giving a consistent habit, not a random occurrence. Give with every paycheck or income received.

"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income." (1 Corinthians 16:2)

2 Give First (Firstfruits)

Don't pay all your bills and give God what's left. Give to God first, then budget the rest.

"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing." (Proverbs 3:9-10)

3 Give Proportionally

Give based on what you earn. The more God blesses you, the more you should give.

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

4 Give Cheerfully

Your attitude matters more than the amount. Give with joy, not resentment or obligation.

"God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

5 Give Generously

Don't be stingy. Stretch your faith and give liberally.

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25)

6 Give Secretly (Don't Boast)

Don't give to be seen or praised by others. Your giving is between you and God.

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:3-4)

7 Give Sacrificially (Stretch Your Faith)

True giving costs you something. It requires faith and trust in God.

"Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything." (Mark 12:43-44)

Practical Questions Answered

Gross or Net Income?

The Bible doesn't specify. Many give on gross (before taxes) because it's the total God blessed them with. Others give on net (after taxes) because that's what they actually receive. Ask: "Do I want to give God the first or the leftovers?" Let your conscience and the Holy Spirit guide you.

Can I Split My Tithe Between Church and Other Ministries?

Traditionally, the tithe goes to your local church (the "storehouse" in Malachi 3:10), and offerings go to other ministries. Your church depends on tithes for regular operations. Consider giving your tithe to your church and supporting other ministries through offerings.

What If I Can't Afford to Tithe?

The truth is, you can't afford not to tithe. Tithing is an act of faith and obedience that invites God's blessing. Start where you are—even if it's 5% or 3%—and work your way up to 10% as you trust God more. You'll be amazed at how God provides when you put Him first.

"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

What About Debt?

Pay off high-interest debt wisely, but don't stop tithing completely. Continue giving even while getting out of debt—it keeps God first and invites His help in your finances. Many who tithe while in debt find God provides unexpected ways to pay it down faster.

The Blessings of Giving

You cannot out-give God

God's Promises to Givers

When you give faithfully and generously, God promises specific blessings:

1. Financial Provision

God promises to meet your needs and even give you more than enough.

"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."

— 2 Corinthians 9:8

2. Overflowing Blessings

God says to test Him in tithing—He'll pour out more than you can handle!

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

— Malachi 3:10

3. Protection from the Devourer

God promises to protect your finances from unexpected disasters and problems.

"I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe."

— Malachi 3:11

4. Reaping What You Sow

The principle of sowing and reaping applies to money. Give generously, and you'll receive generously.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."

— 2 Corinthians 9:6

5. Good Measure, Pressed Down

Jesus promises that the measure you use in giving will be used in giving back to you—multiplied!

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

— Luke 6:38

6. Treasure in Heaven

Your giving stores up eternal rewards that will last forever.

"Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

— Matthew 6:20

Non-Financial Blessings

God's blessings aren't just financial. Faithful givers often experience:

Joy and contentment – You're free from money's grip
Spiritual growth – Your faith in God deepens
Freedom from greed – Money doesn't control you
Partnership with God – You're part of His work

Peace of mind – Trusting God eliminates worry
Eternal rewards – Treasures in heaven
Changed lives – Your giving impacts eternity
God's pleasure – You honor and worship Him

A Word of Caution

Don't give to "get rich." The "prosperity gospel" that promises wealth if you give is a distortion of Scripture. God does bless givers, but His blessings may not always be financial, and the goal of giving isn't to get more for yourself.

Give because you love God, want to support His work, and trust Him to take care of you. The blessings will follow—maybe financial, maybe spiritual, maybe eternal—but always according to His perfect plan.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

Common Questions About Giving

Honest answers to real questions

❓ "What if my spouse isn't a Christian and doesn't want me to tithe?"

This is difficult. You want to honor both God and your spouse. Pray about it, discuss it lovingly, and perhaps start with a smaller percentage your spouse agrees to. Show your spouse through your life that trusting God with finances brings blessing. God honors your obedience in a tough situation.

❓ "Should I tithe if I don't agree with how my church uses the money?"

If you have concerns, talk to your pastor or church leadership. Churches should be transparent about finances. However, you're not responsible for how the money is used—you're responsible for giving faithfully. If you genuinely believe your church is misusing funds in an unbiblical way, it might be time to find a different church.

"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)

❓ "I'm a student with no income. Should I still tithe?"

If you have any income (part-time job, gifts, allowance), you can tithe on it—even if it's small. This builds the habit of putting God first. If you truly have zero income, focus on giving your time and talents to serve in ministry. Generosity isn't just about money!

❓ "Do I tithe on gifts (birthday money, inheritance, etc.)?"

This is between you and God. Some people tithe on all income, including gifts, because they see it as God's provision. Others don't. Ask yourself: "Do I want to honor God with all my increase?" Let your conscience and the Holy Spirit guide you.

❓ "Should I tithe if I'm receiving government assistance?"

Yes, if you're able. Whether your income comes from work, assistance, disability, or retirement, it's still income God has provided. Tithing isn't based on the source of income, but on the fact that God is your provider. Even a small tithe honors God and demonstrates faith.

❓ "What if I've never tithed? How do I start?"

Start now! Don't worry about "catching up" on past years. Calculate 10% of your next paycheck and give it to your church. Set up automatic giving if possible so it becomes a habit. As you experience God's faithfulness, your faith will grow.

"No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)

❓ "Can I count volunteer time as my tithe?"

No. While volunteering is valuable and necessary, the tithe specifically refers to money (10% of income). You can't substitute time for the tithe. However, giving your time in addition to tithing is wonderful! Both financial giving and service are important.

Step Out in Faith

Tithing and giving offerings is one of the most practical ways to demonstrate your trust in God as your provider. It's not about rules or religion—it's about worship, obedience, and partnership with God in His work. When you give faithfully, you're saying, "God, You are more important than my money. I trust You to take care of me."

If you've never tithed before, start today. Calculate 10% of your income and give it to your local church. Then watch what God does. You may be amazed at how He provides, blesses, and grows your faith. Remember: you cannot out-give God.

"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."

— Proverbs 11:24-25

Take the step of faith. Honor God with your tithes and offerings. Trust His promises. And watch Him work in your finances and your faith!

Continue Your Journey

Key Passages on Giving

• Malachi 3:8-12 (Robbing God; testing Him)
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (Cheerful giver)
• Luke 6:38 (Give, and it will be given)
• Proverbs 3:9-10 (Honor the Lord with firstfruits)
• Matthew 6:19-24 (Treasures in heaven)
• Acts 20:35 (More blessed to give)

Tithes and Offerings