What is Tithing?

Tithing is the biblical practice of giving one-tenth (10%) of your increase back to God as an act of worship, gratitude, and support for the work of His kingdom. It acknowledges God as the source of all blessings and demonstrates trust in His provision. Both the Old and New Testaments affirm tithing as an expression of faith, stewardship, and obedience.

Was Tithing Only in the Law?

Tithing actually predates the Law of Moses.

Abraham's Tithe (Genesis 14:18-20): Abraham gave a tenth of everything he had to Melchizedek, showing that tithing existed before the law.
Jacob's Vow (Genesis 28:20-22): Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, also vowed to give a tenth of his increase to God, illustrating that tithing was a form of worship before Israel was established.

During the times of Old Testament Law, tithing was mostly based on agricultural produce, as society relied on food, livestock, and crops. However, the heart of tithing was giving a portion of one's increase to honor God. Today, we earn money as income, and the same principle applies—worshiping God with a portion of our increase.

The Heart of Tithing

At its core, tithing is about generosity, worship, and supporting God’s kingdom, whether expressed through crops, livestock, or money.

In the New Testament, Jesus did not abolish tithing. He endorsed it, while emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23:23, He said, “These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone,” showing that tithing remains valid, but the heart behind it is what truly matters.

Jesus’ words, originally spoken to Jewish leaders, are now used to instruct the church. When Christians read the Gospels, they are called to follow the principles Jesus taught, including His support of tithing.

Why I Tithe (by Pastor Russell Johnson)

It provides for God’s house.
It tells God I trust Him.
It creates space for God to work in my life.
It reminds me that God is my source.
It connects my money to Kingdom purposes.
It gives eternal significance to my work.
It transforms my money into a seed.
It breaks greed and self-reliance.
It declares that God is first in my life.

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." – 2 Corinthians 9:7

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." – Matthew 6:21 (KJV)

Tithing is not just an Old Testament obligation; it’s an act of worship that shows trust in God as our provider and allows us to support His work in the church.