The Purpose of Tithes

Our youth group has been doing a series on generosity for the past several weeks. Last week, I explored some historical perspectives on tithing and the relationship between taxes and tithing. Today, I’d like to explore the purpose of tithes, and how that applies today.

This is the second part of that series. My goal is not to persuade with these articles. Instead, I hope that you will consider the various aspects of the issue. And, I hope that your beliefs will be clarified and strengthened.

What is the Purpose of Tithes

In the Old Testament, the law commanded the Israelites to bring 10% of their harvests to the Lord. But, what is the purpose of these tithes? The answer is in Numbers 18.

“For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the Lord, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.” Numbers 18:24

When the Israelites conquered the promised land, God divided it among the twelve tribes. But, the Levites did not receive any territory to call their own. Instead, they were housed in the area set aside for the temple, to perform their priestly duties.

“And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 31:4

The tithe was a way to acknowledge God as the source of all blessings and provision. The tithe supported the priests and the temple. Likewise, the money we bring today, whether tithes or offerings, supports the staff and ministries of our church.

Difference Between Tithes and Offerings

There was little difference between the tithes and most of the offerings under the Old Testament law. The Lord required ten percent of the harvest. Additionally, Leviticus details many circumstances in which offerings were required.

So, for the Jews of antiquity, tithes and most offerings constituted obedience to God. Only some of the offerings detailed in the law were given as a freewill gesture of worship.

Christians generally consider the purpose of their tithes as meeting the same obligation levied upon Israel. Offerings, on the other hand, are voluntary, given above and beyond the tithe. Offerings express gratitude to God and share blessings with others.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us to be generous. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Charles Spurgeon said, “Give as you love, and measure your love by your gift.”

What Happens When You Don’t Tithe

A lot of preachers would probably take a harder stance than me when answering the question of what happens when you don’t tithe. But, I don’t see negative consequences in the New Testament for not tithing. There is no curse for Christians.

What I do see is a consistent, direct relationship between giving and blessing. Jesus’s remarks on giving are quoted by Matthew and Luke in the sermon on the mount.

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.“ Matthew 6:3-4

“give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

I don’t see God pouring out wrath and judgement on those who fail to give, whether it be tithe or offering. Instead, I see us missing out on the blessings which come through giving.

I need to clarify one thing, though. Christians should not expect to be blessed because we give. The act of giving is itself a blessing. There should be no further expectation levied upon God to return blessings, especially specific ones.

The Purpose of My Tithes

If you asked me before writing these articles whether I believed Christians should tithe, my answer would have been an unequivocal “Yes!” But, in considering the purpose and practice of my tithes, in light of what scripture teaches, I find myself disagreeing.

The Bible does not teach Christians to tithe. There is no requirement. Instead, we are taught to give generously. There is a story in Acts 5 about a husband and wife who were killed by God for withholding money, but for the sake of this discussion, it contains an especially relevant portion.

Peter asked the husband, “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?” There was no portion of the possession or profit which Peter considered obligated to the church.

My personal practice since returning to the faith in 2019 has been to give ten percent of my gross income to my home church each month. I consider myself free to donate beyond that amount elsewhere.

That line item will remain in my budget. I am happy to bring my offering. Not having to flinch over finances reminds me how blessed I am. If anything, the realization that tithing isn’t required leaves me feeling like I could (or maybe should) be giving more.

I hope that you will join me in prayerfully considering your financial giving. No matter the choice or amount, I pray that you will find joy in bringing gifts to God in worshipful obedience. And, I pray that you will be richly blessed in the process.