Tithing has long been a subject of debate among Christians, raising questions about whether it is only an Old Testament requirement or if it extends into the New Testament era under grace. To provide clarity, we must explore scriptural teachings and Christian theology to answer this critical question.
1. Old Testament Foundation for Tithing
The concept of tithing originates in the Old Testament. A tithe, meaning “a tenth,” was mandated by God as part of the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 27:30 (KJV), we read:
“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.”
The tithe was meant to support the Levites, who served in the temple, as they had no inheritance in the land. It also provided for the poor, widows, and orphans, demonstrating God’s concern for justice and mercy (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
The prophet Malachi, in Malachi 3:10-12 (AMPC), emphasizes the importance of bringing the full tithe into the storehouse (the temple), offering a promise of God’s blessing:
“Bring all the tithes… into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house… I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing.”
2. Tithing and the New Testament
In the New Testament, tithing is mentioned explicitly by Jesus in Matthew 23:23:
“You pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
Here, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their legalism. While they meticulously tithed even the smallest herbs, they neglected the more profound moral demands of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Importantly, Jesus does not abolish tithing but emphasizes that it should be done alongside justice and mercy. He says, “These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone,” indicating that tithing is still valid but should not overshadow greater principles.
3. Grace Giving in the New Testament
While the New Testament doesn’t emphasize tithing in the way the Old Testament does, it shifts the focus to generous and sacrificial giving, often called “grace giving.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV) teaches:
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Under grace, believers are encouraged to give as they are led by the Spirit, which could exceed the tithe. The early church, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, practiced extreme generosity, sharing all they had with one another.
4. Tithing: Law or Principle?
Some argue that tithing is part of the Old Testament Law, which believers in Christ are no longer bound to follow, since Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). However, tithing precedes the Mosaic Law, as seen in Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, a priestly king. This act of tithing by Abraham was voluntary and came from a heart of gratitude toward God.
This suggests that tithing is not just a legalistic obligation but a spiritual principle of honoring God with our substance. Proverbs 3:9 (KJV) says:
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.”
5. Tithing and the Heart
The principle of tithing should flow from a heart of devotion and love for God. Jesus highlights the importance of the heart’s condition when it comes to giving. It’s not just about the outward act of giving 10%, but about recognizing God as the source of all blessings and responding in faith and obedience.
6. Conclusion: Should Christians Tithe?
The New Testament doesn’t command Christians to tithe in a legalistic sense. Instead, it encourages believers to give generously and sacrificially. However, tithing remains a timeless principle of faith, a way to honor God with our resources, and to express gratitude for His provision.
For Christians today, the question is not simply “Should I tithe?” but rather, “How can I honor God with my finances?” If tithing is approached with the right heart, it can be a helpful discipline that aligns our resources with God’s Kingdom purposes, while recognizing that under the new covenant, believers are called to live a life of generosity beyond mere obligation.
Christians are encouraged to give as they are able, cheerfully, and in proportion to their resources, always remembering that God loves a cheerful giver. As Jesus said in Matthew 23:23, both justice and tithing are important, but neither should be done without the other.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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