Christian Tithing

The word tithe in Hebrew literally means tenth. Tithe is defined as one tenth of one’s income. In biblical terms tithing is giving one tenth of one’s income to God. Tithing is usually practice by both Jews and the Christians. This concept can be traced back to the Old Testament; the days of Abraham. In Genesis 14:20, Abram gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek - the King of Salem and a priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18). Another instance of tithing happen in the life of Jacob. This was a pledge he made to God. He promised to give a tenth of everything he will gain if God give him success on his journey (Genesis 28:22). So even before tithing was made compulsory by the word of God, our fathers were doing it. As a result they received favor from God.

How to calculate and Pay your Tithe

Suppose ones income at the end of the month or week is 1,000. To get the tithe; first divide the income earn by 10 (1,000/10 = 100) so the tithe will be 100. Let use 2,345 applying the same principle (2345/10 = 234.50) we will get a tithe of 234.50. So to find your tithe, you have to divide your income by 10.

Forms of Tithes

There are two main kind of tithe mentioned in the bible. Often, these two forms are confused by many Christians. The two main forms are:

1. Tithe for God (Malachi 3:8-12)
2. Tithe for Family/Yourself (Deuteronomy 14:22-29)

As we explained earlier, tithing is a tenth of a person's income. God instructed Christian to setup a tenth of their income that they will give to support the Levite (the Church). The second form of tithing is for yourself and the family. In simple terms; the first ten percent of your income goes to the Church and the second ten percent of your income is for you and the family to enjoy the work of your hand. That is what you will use to entertain yourself and the family. One form is not the substitute of another. The believer must do both. Now that we have made the distinction between the two forms clear, let briefly discuss each form.

Tithe for God

People paying or giving tithe to the Lord can be trace back to the days of Cain and His brother Abel (Genesis 4). In this story we see the brothers giving part of the harvest and flock to the Lord in the form of burnt offering. Key leaders of the faith like Abraham, Jacob all give tithe to the Lord. God made tithing compulsory for the people in the laws. It was instituted by God to provide food for the Levites or the Priest of the Lord who were to serve Him in His temple.

Importance of Tithing for God

1. Shows that you are obeying the commandment of God. Not paying tithe means you are robbing God (Malachi 3:8).
2. Prevent curses (Malachi 3:9) Refusing to pay your tithe will bring curses on you.
3. Receive the blessings of God (Malachi 3:10). The bible encourage every believer to bring their tithe and offering to His house and in return He (God) will open up the floodgate of heaven and pour out so much blessings that you will not have enough room for all the blessings.

Benefit of Paying Tithe to God

The prophet Malachi in his book Malachi outlined some benefit that you will receive when you pay your tithe faithfully. Below are some of the benefits;

1. God will bless your business or the work of your hands (Malachi 3:11)
2. No evil will come your way or affect your business or work (Malachi 3:11)
3. You will be blessed in everything you do and the world will testify of it (Malachi 3:12).

Tithe for Family/Yourself

The God of Israel wants His followers to enjoy life and all that they receive from Him. In Deuteronomy 14:22-29, the God of Israel ask the people (His Children) to set aside a tenth from their harvest. The main purpose of this tithe is for entertaining yourself and the family if you have one. In this form, the person will select a relaxing place where he or she will go and enjoy the tithe. As explained earlier; this should not be confused with the first tithe for the Lord. The use of tithe in this verse only mean a tenth; so take the tenth or ten percent out of your income and enjoy with your family. Christianity is not a boring religion. God expect us to make the best out of the things He give us and to enjoy the fruit of our labor. This is the reason why God instituted self tithing. In the current world, you can have fun at the beach, use that money to travel to your dream country or destination or any other fun activity you can think of. So far as that activity is not against the word of God it is okay.

Importance of tithing for self

1. One importance of self tithing is for you to enjoy the fruit of your labour. All the work you are doing you need some time to enjoy your income.
2. Gives you time to spent with your family if you have one. The requirement is for you to select a place and relax. This will make your spouse and children happy.
3. It will help you relax or rest. After a hard work you need time to relax and restore your energy. God introduced this form of tithing to give you time to relax and reflect on your shortfalls and see how to make improvement on your work, life, family and Christian life.

When to paid Tithe

Tithing can be paid weekly or monthly depending on the nature of your business or work. So if you earn income every week then pay weekly, same applies to those who earn income monthly. In addition if your business or work is such that you get profit or income daily then pay it daily or at the end of the week when you go to Church. In recent times, Churches have different payment platforms and system that makes tithe paying simple. Contact your pastor or financial secretary to assist you with the payment systems of the Church.

Why Should I pay Tithe

The simple answer is it is a commandment from God. God instructed his followers to pay tithe. They are required to practice both forms of tithing that is tithing for God and tithing for self.

Conclusion

In the article we have learnt about tithing. We explained that tithing is simply a tenth of a person’s income. In the bible, God instituted two main forms of tithing – these are tithing for God and Self. We agreed that both forms of tithing must be practiced by the believer. We pay tithe to God to support the work and ministry of God and we pay tithe to ourselves to relax and enjoy the fruit of our labor.
God bless you for making it part of your life to support the work of God. SHALOM

James Otoo

There is more blessings in giving than receiving

Date: 2024-05-04 01:33:31