Tithing: Understanding Its Meaning, Importance, and How to Practice It

Tithing is the practice of giving 10% of your income to the church. This tradition has its roots in the Bible and is followed by many Christians as an act of faith. In Scripture, God asks His followers to offer the “first fruits” of their labor to Him. The money itself doesn’t benefit God, but by sacrificing a portion of your hard-earned income, you demonstrate trust and faith in Him while supporting the church. As the Bible says:

• “A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy” (Leviticus 27:30).
• “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops” (Proverbs 3:9).
• “‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘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’” (Malachi 3:8-10).
• Fun fact: tithe means tenth in Hebrew!

A tithe is a fixed amount, whereas an offering is an additional donation. You might be asking, “Is putting coins in the church offering plate considered tithing?” The answer is no—this is simply a donation. A tithe is a specific portion of your earnings, while anything beyond that is considered an offering, a voluntary contribution.

• Think of tithing as an investment. The Lord invites you to contribute to your spiritual future. Your payment is a selfless and required act that reflects your faith.

Pray before tithing. Seek God's wisdom and a generous spirit as you begin this new practice of showing your faith. Tithing is a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship with the Lord, so embrace the chance to grow into a more giving person. As you pray, reflect on these Bible verses:

• “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
• “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44).
• “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8).

Give with a joyful heart. Avoid giving your tithe out of obligation or with a sense of reluctance. Tithing is an act of love and faith that expresses your deep devotion to the Lord. Approach the process with an open heart, trusting that God will provide for you.

• Remember, tithing is not just a financial transaction; it’s an important spiritual practice that strengthens your bond with God.

Incorporate tithing into your budget. Try to prioritize your tithe before other financial commitments. Determine 10% of your income, subtract that from your budget, and then adjust your finances as though the remaining amount is your new income.

• Prepare by setting aside 10% from each paycheck, so the money is ready when it’s time to tithe—and you won’t even miss it!
• Discuss your tithing plans with your family or partner, ensuring that everyone is on the same page about any adjustments to the household budget.
• If you wish to take a tax deduction for your tithe, make sure your church complies with the IRS regulations for charitable deductions, and file a Schedule A with your tax return.

Consult with your church about their payment preferences. Each church may have different requirements for tithing. Some may expect payments annually, monthly, or with each paycheck. Reach out to your religious leaders to clarify what’s expected. Consider asking them questions like:

• When are tithes due?
• Should I make monthly or yearly payments?
• What payment methods are accepted? Do you take checks or online payments?
• Who should I give cash or check payments to?

Set up automated payments to ensure you don’t forget. These days, many churches offer online portals to manage tithe payments. You can create an account, link your bank details, and set it to automatically withdraw the tithe on a regular basis. This way, you’ll never forget or unintentionally spend your tithe.

• If you prefer not to automate from your main account, consider opening a separate bank account solely for tithing. This way, the money won’t be mixed with your regular spending budget.

Tithe as a way of showing gratitude and practicing selflessness. Tithing might be challenging, and that’s perfectly fine! God is using this to test your spirit and encourage you to become a more generous and kind-hearted person. Consider your tithe as a thank-you offering to God. He has blessed you in countless ways, so if you are able, why not offer Him the first fruits of your labor? And who knows? God may bless your generosity in remarkable ways.

• Think of it this way: whatever you give to God, He will return to you.

Tithing supports your church’s mission. If God doesn’t require your money, where does it go? In most churches, the funds from tithing are used to fulfill the Lord’s work. This might include funding mission trips, repairing the church building, hosting events, or purchasing new Bibles for the congregation.

• If you want to know exactly where your tithes are going, ask your pastor or priest. They’ll be able to provide you with information about your church’s financial distribution.

Know that God loves you regardless of your ability to tithe. You’re not a lesser Christian if you can’t give 10% of your income. God is compassionate and understanding, so make the decision that aligns with your current circumstances. Just because you can’t tithe now doesn’t mean you won’t be able to in the future! Keep tithing in mind as you plan for your future financial situation.

If money is tight, offer your time or skills instead. You don’t have to give financially to show your faith and serve your church! Consider volunteering your time, such as mowing the church lawn, organizing paperwork, or cleaning the bathrooms. You could also create a fundraiser, like a bake sale or car wash, to help raise funds for a mission trip or other church activities.

• Whatever you choose to do, do it with a grateful heart, ensuring it’s a genuine act of giving.

Speak with your pastor, priest, or spiritual guide. It’s completely okay if you’re unable to tithe—God understands and will not hold it against you. Reach out to one of your religious mentors to discuss your situation and concerns. They can provide guidance and offer the support you need during this time.