Why Give?

Tithes and Offerings

So what's the deal with “tithing”? The word tithe simply means 1/10th part. Under the Law of Moses in the Old Testament, the Israelites were required to give three different tithes totaling a little over 23% of their income. The first tithe was ten percent of all of their possessions (Lev. 27:30-33, Num. 18:20-21) which was given to the Levites for Temple Ministry. A second tithe was taken from whatever produce was left after the first tithe was given. Jewish interpreters consider this to be a second tithe for feasts and sacrifices (Deut. 12:17-18, Lev. 27:30, Num 18:21) and Thirdly a tithe was given to support the poor once every three years (Deut. 14:28-29) On top of these tithes were the voluntary freewill offerings given out of their own will above their tithes. (Ex. 35:29, Lev. 22:23, Ezra 3:5).

New Testament Giving

When it comes to the New Testament teaching on giving, we discover that the Mosaic Law no longer binds us. This leads us to the question, “Should we still give according to the Old Testament system, or are we able to give less or even more?”

Concerning this, Paul wrote, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor 9:6-8).

As Christians who are no longer under the Law, we give because of the grace that God has given us. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul commends the believers in Macedonia for what is often referred to as “grace giving.” Paul describes the qualities of this benevolence as being generous (2 Cor 8:2), willful (2 Cor 8:3), directed by God (2 Cor 8:5), shared (2 Cor 8:6), active (2 Cor 8:7) and motivated by love (2 Cor 8:8). This kind of giving should not be done out of a “legalistic” mentality, but as the Lord leads you to give (2 Cor 8:8).

Therefore, we conclude that the Old Testament tithing system set a standard for giving, and that while we are no longer required under the Law to give, we are under grace - and our charity should reflect this fact. We are not under compulsion to give; rather, we should give cheerfully and prayerfully consider what God has placed on our hearts. We consider it an aspect of worship to the Lord, which is why we receive these tithes and offerings as a part of our corporate worship gatherings on Sundays, but also make the option available to give privately (including via online debit cards, as that is now how many people handle their “crops”).