I’m often asked the question “Is it biblical to tithe?”, and, is tithing really in the bible, Alex? Today, let me share my insights on this important topic to help you understand what the Bible really teaches about giving. Quite frankly, the Bible offers clear guidance on tithing, with Malachi 3:9-10 often cited as a key passage:

“You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”

However, while this verse is frequently used to encourage tithing, it’s crucial to understand its context before applying it to modern-day Christian giving.

Examining the context of Malachi 3:9-10

This verse is mainly for the priests, not everyone. Author Jeremy Myers points this out in his blog. Malachi often speaks to priests and Levites. This passage condemns corrupt priests. Moreso, the verse highlights that they were stealing the tithes. It doesn’t condemn the Israelites for not giving.

The e-book “Wrestling with the Tithe,” published by GenerousChurch, supports this interpretation:

“Consider the rest of the book of Malachi. Up to this point in the book, God has been using the prophet Malachi to chastise the priests of Israel. Doesn’t it make sense that He is doing the same here? When Malachi refers to the ‘storehouse,’ he is speaking of the storage room at the temple which was used to house the tithe from the land.

While priests were serving on their rotation of ‘temple duty,’ they would eat these tithes from the storehouse. (Only 10% of the total tithe was ever brought to the storehouse. The other 90% stayed with the families of the Levites) Israelites were never commanded to bring their tithe to the storehouse. They gave their tithe to the Levites and the Levites brought 10% of the total tithe to the temple storehouse.”

These passages highlight a rebuke of the priests for mismanaging the tithes, not a condemnation of the people for not tithing.

Tithing and the Modern Christian

Malachi 3:9-10 highlights the importance of tithing in the Old Testament. However, the New Testament focuses on generous giving. It encourages Christians to give freely and cheerfully to support their church and those in need. This principle of generosity is central to the Christian faith.

Jesus Himself spoke about giving in Luke 6:38: “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.”

The Apostle Paul also emphasized the importance of giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And 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.”

So, give with a joyful and generous heart! These verses remind us that God blesses those who give freely.

Tithing as a Starting Point for Generosity

Is tithing biblical? Yes, it is. However, tithing isn’t a strict requirement for Christians today. It can be a good starting point for developing generosity. By giving regularly, we create a habit of giving. This allows us to experience the joy of supporting our church and those in need.

Tithing can also be a tangible way to express gratitude to God for His blessings and to acknowledge His ownership of all that we have. As we give back to God, we demonstrate our trust in Him and our willingness to partner with Him in His work of transforming the world.

Beyond Tithing: Embracing a Lifestyle of Generosity

While tithing is a valuable practice, it’s important to remember that generosity extends beyond financial giving. We can also give of our time, talents, and resources to support those in need and advance God’s kingdom.

This might involve volunteering at a local soup kitchen, mentoring a young person, or using our skills to help a neighbor. It might mean offering a listening ear to a friend in need or extending forgiveness to someone who has wronged us.

True generosity is a lifestyle, a way of living that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. It’s about recognizing the needs of others and seeking opportunities to make a positive impact on their lives.

The Blessings of Generosity

When we embrace a lifestyle of generosity, we experience the joy of giving, the fulfillment of making a difference, and the deep satisfaction of living a life that honors God. As Proverbs 11:24-25 states: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”   

Generosity is not just about giving money; it’s about giving of ourselves—our time, our talents, our love, and our compassion. It’s about recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and using those gifts to bless others.

Conclusion

Is it biblical to tithe? Yes, it really does appear in the Old Testament. But generous giving is also key for Christians. We can tithe or give freely as we feel led. The goal is to cultivate a generous heart. This reflects God’s love and helps the world. Giving allows us to partner with God. We join His work of redemption and leave a lasting legacy.

This is a great video to watch!

In this episode, Alex Cook interviews Cameron Doolittle from Generosity Path. They discuss the joy of generosity and how it can have a powerful impact on people’s lives.