The Joyful Heart of Giving

Understanding Tithes and Offerings

Giving is a central theme in the Christian life, and the concepts of tithing and donating (often referred to as offerings) to the church are important parts of that practice. They're not just financial transactions; they're acts of worship, faith, and obedience that reflect the generosity of our God.

What is Tithing?

The word "tithe" literally means a tenth. Biblically, it refers to giving the first tenth (10\%) of our income back to the Lord through the local church.

Rooted in Scripture

• Old Testament Origin: Tithing predates the Mosaic Law. In Genesis 14:20, Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of battle to Melchizedek, priest of God Most High, as an act of gratitude and recognition of God's provision.

• Malachi's Challenge: Perhaps the most well-known passage on tithing is Malachi 3:10: "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.'" This passage frames tithing as an opportunity to "test" God's faithfulness and links it to the sustaining of the ministry (the "storehouse").

  
  

The Principle of the "First Fruits"

Tithing is an act of acknowledging that everything we have ultimately comes from God. By giving the first tenth, we are proclaiming that God is our priority and our ultimate source before we spend money on anything else.

Understanding Offerings (Donations)

While the tithe is the specific 10\%, offerings or donations are any gifts we give in addition to the tithe.

An Act of Freewill Generosity

These gifts are not under a fixed percentage but are given as a response to God’s Spirit and our own generosity. Think of the building funds, mission trips, or specific needs the church presents.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 is a key New Testament principle for giving, which applies beautifully to offerings: "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."

• The emphasis is on the heart. Giving should be intentional, joyful, and free—not forced or done out of guilt.

  
  

Tithing and Giving in the New Covenant

While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, the principles behind tithing and offerings are reaffirmed in the New Testament:

1. Support Ministry: Jesus affirmed the importance of caring for the temple and the ministers of the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14 states, "In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." Our giving supports the pastors, staff, and essential ministries of the church.

2. Sacrifice and Love: The ultimate example of giving is Jesus Christ himself, who gave his life for us. Our financial giving, whether it’s the tithe or an offering, should be a sacrificial response to the incredible love and grace we’ve received.

3. Storing Up Treasures in Heaven: Jesus encourages us to invest in eternal things. In Matthew 6:20-21, he says, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." When we give to the church, we are investing in God's kingdom work, which has eternal value.

   
   

A Matter of the Heart

Ultimately, biblical giving isn't about meeting a budget; it's about spiritual growth and trust. When we consistently honor God with our finances, it teaches us to depend on him more than on our material wealth. It is a powerful way to put our faith into action.

Do you view your giving as a mandatory transaction, or as a joyful opportunity to participate in God's amazing work?