08/28/2026
QUESTION 2: I have a genuine question about tithing, and I’m asking it because I want to understand the biblical basis not because I’m looking for a reason not to give.
I understand that Scripture contains the practice of tithing, and I understand that those tithes could involve material goods, crops, livestock, and at times money. So I don’t think it would be accurate to argue that biblical tithing had nothing to do with material provision. But here is where I struggle: Where does Scripture establish the specific doctrine that a New Testament Christian is required to give exactly 10% of their personal income to their local church?
The Old Testament tithe appears within the context of Israel’s covenant, agricultural society, Levites, temple worship, festivals, and care for the poor. It wasn’t simply presented as, “Every person who earns money must give 10% of their paycheck to their local church.” And when we get to the New Testament, I see an enormous emphasis on the heart behind giving.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give not reluctantly or under compulsion. Jesus also criticized the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 because they were meticulous about tithing even their smallest herbs while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus didn’t tell them that tithing was the only measure of their obedience. He pointed them toward the things that mattered more.
So my question becomes: Have we taken a biblical principle of giving and turned it into a mathematical requirement that Scripture never explicitly applies to New Testament believers in the way many churches do today? And if the purpose of giving is ultimately about trusting God, worshiping Him, caring for others, and surrendering what we have to Him, why is financial giving sometimes treated as the primary measurement of someone’s faithfulness?
What about the person who has very little money but gives enormous amounts of their time serving others? What about the person who spends hours praying, studying Scripture, discipling their children, serving their community, caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, or helping someone escape a difficult situation but doesn’t have 10% of their income to give? And conversely, what about someone who gives 10% financially but gives very little of themselves, their time, their compassion, or their obedience?
I’m not arguing that Christians shouldn’t give financially. I believe we absolutely should be generous. Churches need resources, ministries need funding, and people in need need tangible help. My question is whether 10% of someone’s income is actually the biblical measuring stick we’ve made it into.
Because Scripture seems far more concerned with the condition of the heart behind the gift than simply calculating the amount.
So I’d genuinely like to know: If a Christian gives generously, willingly, sacrificially, and cheerfully according to what they have but does not give exactly 10% of their income where does Scripture say that person is being disobedient to God? And if the answer is that the 10% requirement comes from applying Old Testament tithing directly to Christians today, then I’d love to understand which biblical principle tells us where that Old Testament requirement ends, where the New Testament obligation begins, and why 10% is the number we carry forward.
Because maybe the real question isn’t:
“Have you given God 10% of your money?”
Maybe it’s:
“Have you surrendered what God has given you? your money, your time, your gifts, your resources, your faith, and ultimately yourself to Him?”
From a new believer aspect these conversations of tithing especially in a church that has thousands of dollars in special lighting, sound systems etc….can be difficult to listen to.
RESPONSE :
PSA: The first question you must ask yourself as we consider our questions in the Word of God is; "Do you accept that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, inspired by God, for the good of mankind?" If your answer to this question is YES! then, read on. If your answer to this question is NO, then read on and consider the Scriptures quoted are not up for debate because the author of the one presenting guidance DOES IN FACT ACCEPT that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God.
The Biblical responses to the questions presented are solely to prompt deeper thinking and continued conversation with those sincerely seeking to walk in obedience to God.
Beloved,
Actually, the New Testament does not have a "set" amount to tithe to the Church.
Since we LIVE in the unfolding of the New Testament Church today, it is easy to understand the confusion about tithing/stewardship/giving to the Church today.
YOUR question is an excellent question! Thank you for submitting it. You have actually answered your own questions in the presentation of your question. It is evident that you take seriously your approach to God and giving.
You are correct in assessing that giving in the New Testament Church is giving what you can in material possessions, finances, stewardship and service. I find your personal research biblically sound and accurate.
The Old Testament Church was outlined in a very structured way by God for His people for our benefit and blessing. The covenant obligation as described in (Lev. 27:30-32, Numbers 18:21 and Deut. 14: 28 & 29) was to support God's Church, His servants and to provide for the poor/disabled.
Jesus addresses tithing with the Pharisees as He rebuked them for neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness with Gods possessions through the improper care for the people, temple and business of God. (Matthew 21: 12-17)
This same challenge is true for the Church today.
A very good Pastor once taught, "we as Christians support Jesus with our feet, our wallet and our schedule". This sums up the New Testament call to Christians in the manner of tithing. Where do we invest what we have to offer financially, what do we do for God and how do we invest our time?
We are to tithe with a cheerful heart, help our neighbors, engage in ministry with a Church whose mission in in alignment with the Word of God, the character of God and the Holy Spirit.
God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:7) He loves generosity over obligation. (2 Cor. 9:6 and 1 Chron. 29:14)
We are to support the needy and the Church; contributing to spreading the Word of God (with our conduct/character), assist the needy (true needy) and sustain ministry work. (Acts 20:35 and Hebrews 13:16)
As responsible Christians, we are to be in partnership with Churches and ministries that teach Truth, hold us accountable (in love), serve the widow/orphaned/homeless/hungry, and much more...
As a part of our freedom in Christ, we have the "free will" to choose where we invest ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom of God. So be purposeful in selecting a place to worship and be lifted in the knowledge of the Word of God that is in "alignment with your assignment" for the Kingdom.
In summation: The New Testament does not require we give 10% of our income. What it does teach us is that everything already belongs to God and we get to be in partnership with Him by sharing our resources. Jesus teaches us to give generously, voluntarily, and with JOY. He encourages us to give with the motivation of love, gratitude, and trust in God. Tithing of time, talents and resources reminds us of how good God is to us. This heartfelt approach to partnering with God in His work transforms giving from an act of duty to an act of worship and spiritual growth. In reading Malachi 3:6-12, we learn that to withhold our tithe in service, resources and talents is to rob God. AND, this is the ONLY place in the Word of God where we are encouraged to "test" God releasing the result of faithfulness, "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." (vs. 10)
THANK YOU sincerely for your thought-provoking questions. It is my prayer that you receive much affirmation in the fact that you are already thinking forward as you presented your question. I will be praying that you will be blessed in the alignment of yourself with a ministry you can wholeheartedly support in the "fearful and wonderful" (Psalm 139: 14) way God has uniquely created you!
