Tithing is a sometimes controversial subject. Some support it wholeheartedly while others say it is merely an Old Testament practice we don't need to follow. Here, I would like to discuss it and how it should be applied today.

Basically, tithing is giving ten percent of the money you earn to God, usually by donating it to the church offering. This practice is not seen anywhere in the New Testament church, but is seen frequently in the Old Testament and is mentioned at least once Hebrews. Therefore, it is commonly practiced today to keep churches running and to pay pastors.

Some people say that tithing is exclusively a part of the law of Israel. That is not entirely true though, as like circumcision, it was mentioned before the law was brought down to us.

Genesis 14:20 - And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

These tithes were given to Melchizedek, the priest king of Salem. Many people believe He was Jesus, but that is another topic entirely. What we do know though, is that tithing was a practice that existed before the law. It was a way of showing thankfulness to God and showing that people had faith in His providence.

Jacob also promised to tithe if God protected him.

Genesis 28:20-22 -

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

While tithing is now exclusively done with money, it was once done with literal physical fruits and vegetables. In some places on earth that are more rural, churches still practice that. It was a very serious thing to not pay tithes to God. God said that this was basically equal to literally robbing Him.

Malachi 3:8-10 - Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Should a Christian tithe today? Even though it is not explicitly commanded, I would strongly recommend it. I will say I have witnessed even in my own family God provide for people's needs when they are faithful tithers. It helps the work of the ministry and teaches us to think of others. It also helps our faith grow. Admittedly, a person could say tithing is not necessary since the more ceremonial things in the Bible have been done away with, but if a person does not tithe, they do need to give to the Lord in other ways. The Bible still talks quite a bit about the rich Christians helping others in the forms of alms and offerings. I would like to discuss that in another chapter though.

Ultimately, I think it is wisest to tithe. God does provide if you do so. It was done before the law even existed, so there is evidence that it is not merely just for the Jews. All in all, you get back, if not financially, spiritually and mentally what you put into it. Overall, it is better to tithe and not have to, then to not tithe and supposed to be doing so.

Next time, let us look at offerings and how the New Testament shows how we should give money to both the church and others.