Over the years, we have received many questions on what it means to tithe and how to tithe, as well as many questions about the practical applications for tithing. Below are some questions and answers to help give you a better understanding of the biblical foundations of this principle, and how you can apply this in your own life!
WHAT IS A TITHE?
The word tithe means “tenth part”. In the Bible, God instructs all believers to bring a minimum of one-tenth of our income back to Him. Anything above and beyond 10 percent is considered an offering. Proverbs 3:9 tells us, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase.”
Tithing is an act of obedience that testifies to God’s ownership over your income and finances—that He is first in your life and that you trust Him as the provider of your finances. And when we honor God by giving Him our tithes, He blesses and protects us.
Tithing is an act of obedience that testifies to God’s ownership over your income and finances—that He is first in your life and that you trust Him as the provider of your finances. And when we honor God by giving Him our tithes, He blesses and protects us.
WHAT IS THE TITHE USED FOR?
The main principle behind tithing is to put God first in our lives and return the first portion to Him. We don’t personally direct what the church does with the tithe; we submit it to the Lord to honor Him.
In the Old Testament, the tithe was mainly used to take care of the Levites (the nation’s spiritual leaders) and their families because they did not receive an inheritance in Canaan as the other tribes did. In turn, the Levites took care of the tabernacle (where God met with His people), ministered to the people, and tended to those in need.
In the New Testament and now in modern-day, the tithe is stewarded by the local church to do the same—take care of the church and those who minister to God’s people.
In the Old Testament, the tithe was mainly used to take care of the Levites (the nation’s spiritual leaders) and their families because they did not receive an inheritance in Canaan as the other tribes did. In turn, the Levites took care of the tabernacle (where God met with His people), ministered to the people, and tended to those in need.
In the New Testament and now in modern-day, the tithe is stewarded by the local church to do the same—take care of the church and those who minister to God’s people.
WHEN SHOULD I TITHE?
The tithe should be the first ten percent taken from your income. In the United States, taxes, medical insurance, and other types of expenses come out automatically before we get our paychecks. You cannot control taxes coming off your paycheck first, but you can control what you do with the income once it’s in your possession.
God is not legalistic or difficult to please. He is full of grace and knows the condition of your heart. Therefore, tithing on your gross income (your total compensation before taxes and insurance) even after government expenses have been taken out is still tithing if it is the first portion you set aside.
For example, you have $10 in 10 one-dollar bills. The tithe on that amount is equal to $1. Which one of the ten one-dollar bills is the tithe? The first one is spent or given. Therefore, if the first check you write is for the tithe, you are tithing the first portion you’ve been given.
God is not legalistic or difficult to please. He is full of grace and knows the condition of your heart. Therefore, tithing on your gross income (your total compensation before taxes and insurance) even after government expenses have been taken out is still tithing if it is the first portion you set aside.
For example, you have $10 in 10 one-dollar bills. The tithe on that amount is equal to $1. Which one of the ten one-dollar bills is the tithe? The first one is spent or given. Therefore, if the first check you write is for the tithe, you are tithing the first portion you’ve been given.
SHOULD I TITHE OFF MY NET OR GROSS INCOME?
Essentially, when we receive income, we pay for medical insurance, retirement savings, and taxes, and what’s left is our net income. We benefit from all of our income (gross income), but we primarily only see the net income because we purchase or save for some things with pre-tax dollars.
In the Old Testament, when the Israelites were given God’s commandments and laws, they were told to return the firstborn of every animal and the first fruits of every harvest. They were instructed to tithe from all of their harvest—their gross—to the house of God. Following that biblical charge, our tithe should also be from the full portion of our income, representing God’s whole provision for us.
In the Old Testament, when the Israelites were given God’s commandments and laws, they were told to return the firstborn of every animal and the first fruits of every harvest. They were instructed to tithe from all of their harvest—their gross—to the house of God. Following that biblical charge, our tithe should also be from the full portion of our income, representing God’s whole provision for us.
IS TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?
Tithing is a biblical principle throughout the entire Word of God—before the law, during the law, and after the law. The story of Cain and Able was a representation of the tithe over 2,000 years before the law. Abraham tithed 500 years before the law. Jacob (Israel) tithed 400 years before the law. God instructed Moses to make tithing a legal requirement under the Israelite laws. Jesus was actually a form of the tithe and is often referred to in the Old and New Testament as the Firstfruits, because God gave His firstborn Son for us in faith that we would accept Him. Then in the New Testament, Jesus said we ought to tithe in Matthew 23:23 and in Luke 11:42.
Grace changed the way we give our tithes but not the act of giving them. In the New Testament, it says that not only does God want you to tithe the first 10 percent of your gross income, but that He wants you to return it with a pure heart. Not grudgingly or out of necessity (2 Corinthians 9:7) but instead simply because He loves you and you love Him and want to put Him first in your life.
Grace changed the way we give our tithes but not the act of giving them. In the New Testament, it says that not only does God want you to tithe the first 10 percent of your gross income, but that He wants you to return it with a pure heart. Not grudgingly or out of necessity (2 Corinthians 9:7) but instead simply because He loves you and you love Him and want to put Him first in your life.
WHERE DO I GIVE MY TITHE IF I CAN'T GO TO CHURCH?
The biblical model set for us is to return the tithe to “the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide” according to Deuteronomy 12:11 and several other scriptures. In the Old Testament, it was the Tabernacle; today it is the local church. The physical building of the church is still important because through it we are able to fulfill God’s call to reach the lost and take care of the family of God.
Biblically speaking, your tithe should go to a local church where you and your family belong. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a local church that fits you and your family, but the benefit of belonging to a local church where you and your family can grow and mature is worth the effort of finding one. If you are physically unable to attend a local church, we recommend trying to find the best church with similar beliefs near you that you can begin tithing to.
Giving to other ministries, including TV ministries, for the purpose of spreading the gospel is still good, and you can absolutely do that with offerings over and above of your tithe. But the tithe is reserved for the local church where you belong and are being spiritually fed.
Biblically speaking, your tithe should go to a local church where you and your family belong. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a local church that fits you and your family, but the benefit of belonging to a local church where you and your family can grow and mature is worth the effort of finding one. If you are physically unable to attend a local church, we recommend trying to find the best church with similar beliefs near you that you can begin tithing to.
Giving to other ministries, including TV ministries, for the purpose of spreading the gospel is still good, and you can absolutely do that with offerings over and above of your tithe. But the tithe is reserved for the local church where you belong and are being spiritually fed.
SHOULD I TITHE WHEN MY SPOUSE DOESN'T AGREE WITH IT?
We believe it is very important to tithe. However, as a godly wife, it is also important that you submit and honor your husband. And as a husband and the spiritual authority of the house, it’s important for you to honor him regarding financial decisions.
Our tithe is the one thing that God says we can test Him on (Malachi 3:8–12). Our suggestion would be to encourage your spouse to test the principle of tithing. Then, in a humble and non-threatening way, challenge your spouse to tithe for a time (one year would be best). Let them know that if your family is not better off by the end of the year, that you will not put any more pressure on them to tithe. However, if you are better off then, you would like to keep honoring God as a couple through your tithes. We would then challenge you to keep a very close eye on your finances so that you will have evidence to stand on at the end of the year.
Our tithe is the one thing that God says we can test Him on (Malachi 3:8–12). Our suggestion would be to encourage your spouse to test the principle of tithing. Then, in a humble and non-threatening way, challenge your spouse to tithe for a time (one year would be best). Let them know that if your family is not better off by the end of the year, that you will not put any more pressure on them to tithe. However, if you are better off then, you would like to keep honoring God as a couple through your tithes. We would then challenge you to keep a very close eye on your finances so that you will have evidence to stand on at the end of the year.
SHOULD I TITHE OFF OF MY TAX RETURN OR CLAIM TITHES ON MY TAXES?
We believe that tithing is first and that it should be from your gross income (what you earn before taxes), not your net income (your take-home pay after taxes).
During tax season each year, you prepare financial statements and reports for the previous year. The government then takes those reports and determines if you overpaid or underpaid on your taxes throughout the previous year. If you are underpaid, you receive a check for that sum from the government as a tax return.
Because we tithe first and off our gross income before taxes, then we have already tithed off of any money we get back in our tax return. You can think of a tax return as if you overpaid for a bill and they sent you back that money. So, there shouldn’t necessarily be a reason to tithe off of your tax returns.
With regard to claiming tithes, the government allows us to deduct our tithes during tax season. Fundamentally, there is nothing unethical or wrong in doing this. Not accepting tax benefits from tithing would be similar to not accepting the tax benefits you receive for having children. If you have children and you mark that you don’t on your tax return, then you would overpay. If you have kids and mark correctly that you do, then it is simply being honest and correct. That being said, we believe that by writing off the money that we have given through tithes and offerings on our taxes, we are being better stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.
We suggest you deduct your tithes and offerings out of your taxes and then use your tax return as God directs you. Many people in our church community actually give their tax return away, others save it, and others spend it. Seek God into how He would want you to use that money.
During tax season each year, you prepare financial statements and reports for the previous year. The government then takes those reports and determines if you overpaid or underpaid on your taxes throughout the previous year. If you are underpaid, you receive a check for that sum from the government as a tax return.
Because we tithe first and off our gross income before taxes, then we have already tithed off of any money we get back in our tax return. You can think of a tax return as if you overpaid for a bill and they sent you back that money. So, there shouldn’t necessarily be a reason to tithe off of your tax returns.
With regard to claiming tithes, the government allows us to deduct our tithes during tax season. Fundamentally, there is nothing unethical or wrong in doing this. Not accepting tax benefits from tithing would be similar to not accepting the tax benefits you receive for having children. If you have children and you mark that you don’t on your tax return, then you would overpay. If you have kids and mark correctly that you do, then it is simply being honest and correct. That being said, we believe that by writing off the money that we have given through tithes and offerings on our taxes, we are being better stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.
We suggest you deduct your tithes and offerings out of your taxes and then use your tax return as God directs you. Many people in our church community actually give their tax return away, others save it, and others spend it. Seek God into how He would want you to use that money.
SHOULD I TITHE OFF CHILD SUPPORT?
God requires that we put Him first in every area of our lives. As we put Him first, He makes the promise, “so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9–10).
When you receive child support, it is a financial increase to your home. It helps pay for the everyday expenses of running your home and providing for your family. According to God’s Word, you should tithe from the full increase God has provided—including child support.
When you receive child support, it is a financial increase to your home. It helps pay for the everyday expenses of running your home and providing for your family. According to God’s Word, you should tithe from the full increase God has provided—including child support.
SHOULD I TITHE IF I HAVE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS?
The great thing about our God is that He gives us wisdom in every situation. Through His Holy Spirit, He can guide you to the best solution for each situation you face. We believe the Lord wants to partner with us, guide us, and instruct us on how to proceed—especially in dry financial seasons.
Facing a season of financial difficulty is about remembering that God is your provider, and your job is simply to be a good steward of what He gives you, even if it’s just a little. God’s ability to meet our needs goes beyond what we can even begin to imagine; however, He cannot bless a bad steward. In the process of this season, you may need to learn more about what it means to be a good steward.
Our advice is to put the best plan in place that you can take care of this situation. First, put together a budget (a financial plan) that clearly identifies all your current and future personal needs. Once you have a budget, the next step is to pray and ask God to do the impossible, supernatural provision part. Your part is to be faithful and manage what He has given you well. Trust Him to open doors for you, create opportunities that didn’t exist before, and give you the wisdom you’ll need to manage it all.
Also, remember that your tithe is based on your income. If you’re between jobs and have no income, your tithe is zero.
Facing a season of financial difficulty is about remembering that God is your provider, and your job is simply to be a good steward of what He gives you, even if it’s just a little. God’s ability to meet our needs goes beyond what we can even begin to imagine; however, He cannot bless a bad steward. In the process of this season, you may need to learn more about what it means to be a good steward.
Our advice is to put the best plan in place that you can take care of this situation. First, put together a budget (a financial plan) that clearly identifies all your current and future personal needs. Once you have a budget, the next step is to pray and ask God to do the impossible, supernatural provision part. Your part is to be faithful and manage what He has given you well. Trust Him to open doors for you, create opportunities that didn’t exist before, and give you the wisdom you’ll need to manage it all.
Also, remember that your tithe is based on your income. If you’re between jobs and have no income, your tithe is zero.