When we think about tithing and giving, it’s easy to view it as simply a financial transaction or an obligation. But what if tithing is actually more like physical therapy for our spiritual lives? Physical therapy isn’t fun—it’s difficult, sometimes painful, and requires discipline. Yet ultimately, it brings healing and strength.
In the same way, tithing might feel difficult or uncomfortable, but it’s a practice that God uses not just to build His kingdom, but to build us up as well. Our giving shapes us, forms us, and blesses our faith and trust in God.
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What Is Tithing and Where Did It Come From?
The word “tithe” literally means “tenth.” We first see tithing in Genesis 14 when Abraham gives a tenth of everything he had received to Melchizedek, a priest of God. Later, Jacob promises to give God a tenth of all his possessions.
As the nation of Israel was established, tithing became incorporated into their religious practices. The Israelites gave to the priestly tribe (the Levites) as a way of supporting those whose job was to seek God and be the spiritual leaders of the people.
But tithing wasn’t just done because it was required. In Deuteronomy 14:22-23, we see that tithing was also done out of reverence: “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year…so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”
Why Do Christians Still Tithe Today?
You might wonder, “That was the Old Testament. We’re a New Testament church now. Why do we still practice tithing?” There are several important reasons:
1. It’s still a practice we see in the New Testament
While the New Testament doesn’t give us the absolute regulation of 10%, it still encourages wisdom and generosity as we give. Jesus talked about giving, and so did the apostles, including Paul.
2. The need hasn’t changed
Churches, missionaries, and ministries still need financial provision to serve effectively. Just as the Levites couldn’t perform their services without support, today’s ministries can’t serve as effectively without financial provision.
3. It moves our dependence from ourselves to God
Though generations come and go, our human struggles remain the same. We still struggle with putting our hope in material things over eternal things. Tithing gives us a spiritual gut check and reminds us that God is faithful and that He is the one who provides.
What Does the Bible Say About How We Should Give?
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Paul writes to the church in Corinth about giving. He’s asking them for a gift to help poor Christians in Jerusalem, and he shares several principles about giving:
God allows us to reap what we sow
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (v.6). This isn’t manipulation—it’s a truth that God sees and responds to our giving. He blesses us as we bless others.
The heart of giving matters
“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” (v.7). God is so invested in what we give that He receives how we give just as much as the gift itself.
As you give, God will take care of you
“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (v.8). We naturally want to be in control, but God wants to be our provider. In our giving, we’re reminded that He is God—not our 401(k) or Christmas bonus.
God provides what we need and more
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (v.10). God is involved in the details of our daily living, and He promises to provide for us as we give.
How Does Our Giving Impact Others?
“Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (v.11). When we give generously, our generosity becomes an answer to someone else’s prayers. People who are praying for God’s provision see their prayers answered through our giving, and they praise God because of it.
Giving isn’t just a transaction—it’s personal. God cares about the heart with which we give, and our generosity allows others to praise God for His provision through us.
Life Application
Tithing and giving aren’t things we do just because we have to or because we have extra money to spare. We give because it’s too good not to do. We give because there’s a need. We give because God calls us to. We give because it allows us to take a step of faith and deepen our relationship with God.
This week, I challenge you to:
- Examine your heart toward giving. Are you giving reluctantly, or cheerfully? Ask God to help you develop a generous heart.
- Consider your current giving practices. Are you tithing regularly? If not, what’s holding you back? Is it fear, doubt, or something else?
- Take a step of faith. If you’ve never tithed before, start somewhere—even if it’s not the full 10%. Trust that God will provide for your needs as you give.
- Remember that your giving is making a difference. Someone is praying for the very thing your generosity provides.
Ask yourself: Do I truly believe that God is my provider, or am I putting my trust in my own resources? Am I allowing my giving to shape my faith and dependence on God? How might my generosity be an answer to someone else’s prayers?
God promises to meet us in our need when we step out in faith through giving. Let’s take Him at His word and allow Him to make good on His promise.