As we continue our ‘Tithing on Trial’ series, we will evaluate the most common tithing arguments used to defend its practice. So let’s evaluate another argument used to promote tithing. This argument comes directly from a well-known author on finances from Crown Financial Ministries – Larry Burkett. He has now passed, but we are going to evaluate his argument below taken from his book, “Giving & Tithing.”
While reading through the book, “TIthing & Giving” by Larry Burkett I came across a section that asked, “Is Tithing Legalism”? In the beginning, Larry states, “Although the tithe is mentioned in the law, no punishment was indicated for not tithing. There is a consequence (the loss of blessings), but there is no punishment from God for not tithing.”
What happened when Israel didn’t tithe?
I am not sure where Larry Burkett is getting his information about tithing in the bible, but you have to know that there certainly was a curse on Israel for not tithing. Malachi 3:9 states, “You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed me.”
Malachi 3:11 goes on, “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,“
I don’t think there is any question about the curse for Israel not tithing. We can find further proof in the book of Deuteronomy when God is laying out the laws for Israel. In chapter 26 he outlines the rules for tithing and by chapter 28 beginning in verse 15, God outlines in the next 50 verses the curses and punishments that would come upon them for not obeying his commands that were just laid out.
What Happens When Your Don’t Tithe?
As counterintuitive as it may sound, when we don’t tithe the opposite of what happened to Israel happens to us as Christians. The answer is that when we don’t tithe, we are blessed. Here are five reasons we are blessed for not tithing.
- You are under grace (Romans 6:14)
- God said He would supply all our needs without mentioning the tithe (Philippians 4:19)
- Our gifts are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18)
- God Loves a Cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- The Spirit gives life (Romans 8:5-10)
As Christians, we should have confidence in these new promises under grace and the blessings that come with them. There is a caveat that I want to mention. Even though there are no consequences of not paying tithes, and we receive some inherent benefits and blessings, our greatest blessing comes when we give freely without obligation instead of giving a tithe.
This is not an excuse to give nothing. We should be willing to give from the love of our hearts. God has given us so much that it should compel our hearts to give back as he sacrificially gave to us. This is not an external force compelling us to give. This is an internal force that aligns with our heart’s attitude.
Are We Cursed When We Don’t Tithe?
Even though we receive a blessing for not tithing, some may still be wondering about the curse for not tithing and did it go away. The answer is no, God does not curse us if we don’t tithe. We are no longer under the curse of the law. We are under grace. You are cursed if you do tithe and blessed if you don’t.
If you don’t practice tithing, you are free from the curse, free from the law, and free from tithing. So many feel led to give to someone outside their church but are terrified to do so because of the fear of the curse. It’s not that they don’t like their church or disagree, but in their heart, they have the desire to fill a more urgent need. When people pass up the opportunity to give from their hearts, they invite doubt or even guilt in their hearts, which robs them of their blessing.
The problem with Larry Burkett and others with the same mentality towards tithing are that they know that tithing looks out of place when we attempt to fit it into a Church that is not supposed to be governed by the law. So they modify its appearance a little bit and make tithing more user-friendly than what it was in the Old Testament. The deception is that if we can mix in a little grace by disassociating it from the curse, then the tithe will appear as if it fits right in there with the other principles we practice today. This reformulation of the tithe is nothing but the law dressed up in grace’s clothing.
THE LAW + GRACE + LENIENCY = THE LAW
You Be the Judge
Now that the evidence has been given in this court of law, it is your turn to decide. You be the judge.
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Is it safe to say that Jesus tithed before death being a Jew. Did he remain a Jew after resurrection?
If the gentile never observed tithing before how is they are expected to do it now or be cursed if they don’t. But with the Sabbath which is a part of Ten Commandments there is no seeming consequence for not observing it.
“Save my marriage” I believe in giving freely not under threat of curse. My wife does not agree.
Under the OT Law not everyone tithed contrary to what most tithe preachers tell their congregations. Not even all Jews tithed. Jesus, likely being a carpenter, but possibly simply being a general laborer, was not among those who were required to pay tithes. Only certain vocations were required to tithe under the Law. So did Jesus tithe? I don’t think so. He did however likely give to the other offerings that they were able to give to. He also likely gave for the sacrifices. Tithing though…I don’t think so.
Tithing is one of the biggest scams in the world today! But then again, church administration have to get their money somewhere to pay for their 6 million dollar building and a payroll. What better way than to promise blessings for tithing, and terror for not tithing?
It’s sad that such a subject can even shake a marriage, the Bible is clear, but bad or selfish interpretations from our pastors have taken the stage of reason. And unfortunately women are the best at following this “MEN OF GOD”, without question.
Not necessarily so because as a “woman” I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t need my money. I do realize tho that in order to keep the church doors open, bills paid, assisting the needy it’s going to take the congregation to make this happen. I give from my heart cheerfully because God first gave to me and not because of what the Man of God says or any guilt trip. If I were to quantify my giving it’s more than the 10% spoken of!!
So, where are you getting your information regarding certain people are not under the law of tithe? If you say something please include the Scriptures to back it up. Thanks
It is good to tithe is a part of worship God and obeying his command.
If your marriage is hanging by a thread all because of the tithe, there may be deeper issues. Give only with your heart, as you feel led, by the Spirit in love. Give to your marriage, as you feel led, by the Spirit in love. Love is the greatest thing. Christ is pure Love. God’s blessings to you and your family. You are free in Christ! Jesus paid our tithe in full. Give in love.
Just give God what’s his and be blessed. Anyone who truly look at his life blessings and cursees are clearly seen
Thank you Julius! No more to say. ?
In Genesis 14:18-20 Abram gave tithes of all the goods to Melchizedek the priest of God Most High. This was before the Law was ever established.
So Abram tithing was before the law and Melchizedek blessed Him!
Hebrews 7:8 points out that Jesus is our High Priest who recieves our tithe today. Verse 7:24 says that Jesus continues forever as an unchangeable priesthood.
If we are blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus; should we not at least honor him with our tithe?
So tithing is not just a legal thing, but it is a thing of honor that flows from the heart!
Jesus as our High Priest lives forever according to Heberews 7:8! Should we stop honoring our High Priest today because we are under grace?
I don’t tithie all the time
Is that a sin
Hi Ricke
Hope this message finds you having a good day in Christ. Tithe and offering was never an easy thing for me. I remember when years ago i was struggling to pay my rent and I had tithes and offerings in my hand and sitting in church i was in tears because of rent and tithes and offerings. As the offering plate came around the more tears came out. Finally I said in my heart alright Lord I am going to give it not sure if I was going to face eviction or not. God worked a miracle for me that whole week changed my attitude about it. I still struggled but through that the Lord started speaking to me and blessing me as well. He did not make me a millionaire because that’s not what it’s about its about an obedience and a giving heart as well don’t give up keep trying.
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Your act to give, was one that took faith.
God loves faith, that’s what made Abraham attractive to God. Not the money (Abraham the father of faith)
Faith made the little old lady attractive to Jesus, not the sacrifice of the two pence.
Newsflash
the two coins were worth about 1/2 cent and would not have bought much, she knew that.
She did an act of faith with love and hope towards God.
The tithing Law keepers lacked that.
Faith was relevant, she knew and sensed that in her heart, What has Jesus said about the heart, out of it flow all the issues of life..
So by faith she was sowing hope seed. By conviction the 100%, all she had, as opposed to a 10%, the compulsion, the requirement of the Law.
Please understand giving is not a money thing.
That half cent wouldn’t have changed Gods bottom line, or the ability to fund the work!
Just one tenth of the 1/2 cent she had would have been enough to satisfy Malachi’s test to make her financial woes a thing of the past.
Again I speculate that she knew Malachi etc etc “test me etc” so how did she get to this poor state anyway?
If I may creatively speculate; she tithed above and beyond in her life, when she could. Many poor are generous. If not money then in whatever they have and in their kindnesses.
Anyway, I suspect on this day of her financial hardship, she was looking for her Jesus, not so much to winning financial stewardship correctness points with God!
So the law was not what she instinctively appealed to, but to a God of Grace, though she was under the Law.
Her spirit told her that, Deep cries to deep!
She was not alone, for if there weren’t others like her Jesus would have gone home, as the Law was doing the job. But that’s not the case. Its Grace, Grace, Grace, and when we get that, and value it truly, and rely on it, we will bear fruit bountifully.
When you don’t have much and empty your pocket to someone on the street, thinking God will provide for me also, that can only be faith practiced;
– as you are reciting the provisions of God in your head the promises and verses from the Word that sets free , eg the flowers in the field, the sparrows etc,
Jesus emphasized these and then sent his Disciples out without food and money/raiment (natural provision) .
They came back thrilled that even demons obeyed them. So money was not needed for the work that Jesus was focused on even during the OT …….funny that!
When the early church sold everything and distributed to their own who were in need, why didn’t the advocates of the 10% is Gods, and 90% is yours, stand up and stop this “unwise practice” from happening.
And why didn’t God say, that’s all wrong I cant bless this because after all I know they are going to be scattered, persecuted, and will need money to continue on especially to travel to foreign countries to take the Gospel to the nations! .This will leave them vulnerable and easy prey to the moneylenders. Hope they have well paying jobs, but they will be leaving all that behind, hope they have lots of faith !!!! This might not end so well, I am sure they will suffer! Oh well
Look at some of the current churches, they don’t lack money, but they lack genuine undeniable Holy Spirit power and honesty!
So what happened under this well meaning but wrong practice in the early church? the church explodes, signs and wonders, and outsiders were afraid to join them. And God added to their number daily those that would be saved.
Meanwhile, we dribble on about these money issues, and what we aren’t asking ourselves is why aren’t we effective like for instance, Stephen and Philip ,(read early Acts)
Stephen sees the Heavenly host (Jesus said some of you here will not experience death till you see Heaven,… box ticked for Stephen) Happy days!
Philip plants the Ethiopian church (still around and big today) through a God arranged meeting with the Eunich, and does so many, many miracles , even Simon the magician believed, a lot of Samaria and the around about villages also believed.
These men were full of the Holy spirit, completely convinced fully empowered since the day of Pentecost and got on with it. They were ready to die for their Lord! At the end of their lives many were martyred.
The Holy Spirit found their hearts attractive, He was in them and was able to do the supernatural.
Now that’s how I want to go out!!!
Back to the early days, to get the job done why weren’t sound financial practices taught with the same vigor and wisdom as today.
But the early church worked in Power. We do not, in fact we are faking it all to often!
But Grace, God isn’t as harsh with us as he could be.
We fluff around avoiding the real issue. What is the cost in serving Jesus? Everything! Your life!!!!
Will you suffer ? absolutely, do we by nature avoid pain, absolutely.
So we make our wisdom clauses to get out of service that brings rejection.
If you are living as we should, (righteously), you will be seeking the Comforter, His ways, His outcome, His presence, justice will become an issue, as injustices against you will increase (persecution).
We will speak out against injustice, for the sake of others, support the weak and poor. No law against that!
Do these things in humility submitted to Him and YOU WILL NEED GOD soon enough! There is no other way, and you cant fake it!
“And all these things will be added onto you!”
If your spirit is not led by The Holy Spirit, you will go on fighting battles you aren’t meant to.
If we submit to Him and to each other in the knowledge of God and the fear of the Lord, we will begin to see real Christianity work in our lives, and begin to believe and pray to God for more, through the whole array of life journeys, and we will bear fruit.
If we live so, (with a soft heart,) how will we not be genuinely moved to act for our bothers and sister in need. And give! under the better way , the New Testament
Hopefully we will begin to be, at least, as the early church was. This I say with expectation that we also expect to go beyond that! The latter Glory will be greater than the former , as Jesus is ever increasingly glorified by the Father and by our actions.
Now without Grace you will never live down a failing to tithe. So is it Law or Grace.
How does the Law redeem you in this case? It cant but makes the Grace meant for us more obviously, the only solution.
Does God offer us a Law based curse or a Grace based way for those in Christ?
If you want evidence, try living the Law way! You didnt give the tithe (and offering)….curse!
You will come running back to a God of Grace for redemption.
BTW how do you think Abraham uttered the notion or even thought to bless God with a tenth of spoils of war provided he won, seeing God already owed it. Hi God, here is the 10 cents I owe you, its my gift to you, hope you like it!
Can we get a grip on this?
I read a bit of Abrahams life in Genesis, He was quite virtuous and would not have made that mistake.
I need to check, so should you, but i think Abraham gave as a gift of thanks conditional on the victory. Not returning of amount owed.
How is the cheerful giver of the NT cheerful when he returns what is Gods, I would have thought that under the treat of curse he dodged he would be overwhelmed with relief.
So is he cheering because he dodged the Bullitt?
Its getting a bit weird.
OK maybe he is cheerful of the extra giving he is able to do above the tithes and offerings, and good on him! That is a real cheerful giver!
I haven’t found anything about a form of tithing practiced by Abram , who knows, but he was a virtuous giver.
If you were obeying a Law principle, you wouldn’t need faith for that.
Neither did the Nazis when they coldheartedly obeyed evil laws. They didn’t know it, they were blinded. We’ll i doubt they did not know it, but a evil spirit deceived them.
Personally I have met many Christians who tithe, but are a barricaded door when it comes to the NT examples of caring and taking care of the needy of the same congregation near them.
They are convinced they have done their bit by tithing (and usually offering big prayers), but don’t rise to the standard of the early church.
Furthermore they claim to tithe so to ensure God (their genie) will bless, quoting Malachi, ie to secure financial freedom, yet I see their business practices lacking in the spirit of giving. Often their work is Not as unto the Lord by any standards. But they do make money! So they are convinced of Malachi. Unfortunately they continue on this way as they are convinced now.
Not picking, grace to them, but this is against the essence of Christian living, and true giving.
If you want to tithe , go for it, but include the offering to annul the curse in Malachi, “in tithes and offerings you have robbed God” if that’s what you believe and keep the rest of the law also.
Think this through , just for fun.
Malachi was written 500 years BC.
Jews who rejected Christ must not add or subtract from the OT stated just a few verses later in Malachi, the last book of the OT.
They must continue on in the law including the tithes and offerings.
Now, this statement by Malachi does not allow the NT to be written, ie adding or subtracting from the OT (written for the Jews). Sure lots of Orthodox Jews will agree!
BTW I think Jesus’s preaching factored this in, ie if they didn’t get it ( ie what He was bringing) then they have to go on in OT Law and comply with the Law. There is no option!
And that’s all the Law! as Paul clarifies.
So for the NT to exist , it does so in an place that is above the OT with its tithes sacrifices, etc, ie the whole Jewish lifestyle.
Flesh verses Spirit.
I think , check it out, but under the OT every so many years property had to return to its original owner, there is a complex financial system in the OT that is ignored. We had a pastor yrs ago, who taught a bit on that. No-one else has ever gone there.
Conveniently, only the tithe is pushed.
The NT, being a better covenant , more aligned with the heart of God, its all giving with gladness, and generosity, (example: hospitality!)
You don’t get to keep the 90% per say. But you do get the privilege to walk by faith and know HIM personally! his wonderous mercy and grace,…and power.
So is the NT give all to have all? ……………..that’s a lot of giving there! Looks that way a bit
And for Christians who wish to tithe, they must do so with faith because it is impossible to please God otherwise as it is SIN!
What is not of faith is sin! and Faith/Grace is not overruled by Law! So how do laws fit?
My take is this;
Christianity has cost me more than 10% of a wage, it has cost me my life since 5 years old, and then after being renewed at the age of 20 ish, another 40+ years of paying dearly for living an outspoken (with grace I hope) Christian life, for being a witness, standing against improprieties (dishonest scale) and injustices etc etc. I have seen the Power of God work, confirming His Word in my life (I am not boasting, that would be foolish) and have suffered and endured my fair share and expect to do so till the end.
My treasure is not measurable by the standards of this world. If I look for validation by men I become disillusioned. I don’t belong here! We are ambassadors of a different Kingdom.
It starts with me, and I need Grace! So I am gracious so to receive grace, that alone is enough to keep me upward looking, and Truth seeking,both His and in myself.
Check yourselves to see that you are in the faith.
When I fail to give! i have no backup but Grace.
I give anything I can! Its the living sacrifice we are meant to be.
….. and yet I fail all to often, even daily …..but God’s Grace
(Oh wretched man that I am….. the Apostle Paul)
But I have a great hope, a hope and destiny greater than I can imagine, and a God guaranteed Grace to do all he purposed for me, and its all paid for !!!!!!!
I could go on.
I don’t intend to be unduly unkind to those who think differently.
That’s fine, God’s hands are not tied by our mistakes. He works daily with them achieving all for our good.
It seems the Corinthians failed to be as generous as the Macedonians. Investigate Paul’s language when talking about it and make up your mind, so that you have conviction on where you stand.
Give cheerfully and save to have something to give when need in the church arises. If you want to give 10% willingly for your churches admin (Paul didn’t take any dracmas in Corinth), hope its accounted for properly.
Dont ignore the weightier matters. We can all afford to lift our game, run with faith! you will be giving!
May Gods Grace abound to us all
Niko Cars again,
just one more comment;
Finished sending the last message last night and shortly after went to bed, reached over to the bedside cabinet and got my Bible, and opened it up at a random place.
I happened to fall in Matthew 19,16 the story of the rich young man.
Please read it, it confirms my reply above.
Note the obvious pattern, sell all you have and give to the poor which is what the early church did
.
Also note Jesus says this take God not mens ability when questioned by the astonished disciples
“who then can be saved”
So giving takes faith, big giving maybe big faith, but then the little old lady with the two mites had big faith.
This is the NT blueprint for giving, given by Jesus himself and proven in the early church.
I am now convicted in the heart to get it into my spirit.
It feels like a lonely place out here , anyone care to join?
Looks like its costs your all!
And thank God for that, we get to build our life with purpose of eternal worth.
Best currency I can find!
Tithing does bring blessings; also it says in Malachi to not rob God of tithes or offerings. So I always tithe and I give offerings and my life is better for it.
your reasonable sacrifice is to offer your body not one tithing stuff that God delights in
Abram gave a tenth of the spoils of war, not his personal belongings.
There are many laws that we can’t keep, some are because times has changed. Further it was only men that was to tithe not women. Hebrew: 8:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.heavens;
Hebrew 8:
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. Plus Paul said to the Corinthians in : New King James Version 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [ a]necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest,(He was not in the Leviticus tribe, but from the tribe of Judah) seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law. I have not found were Yahusha (Jesus) tithe or order his disciples.
They, the church is suppose to help the widows and orphans, but instead they tell them to tithe off the little money they get from social benefits.
I agree. When we look at NT scriptures, disobedience still brings consequences. In the OT we do to be, but in NT, we do because we are! Grace didn’t change God’s requirement to live holy, He just made us holy so that we don’t have to do to be holy, we do because we are holy!
Ricky,
It is absolutely not a sin and do not fall into a religious trap. Nowhere in scripture is a Christian, under the New Covenant, operating as a Priest under Yeshua, in the order of Melchizedek, EVER instructed to give any church 10% of their income each time they are paid. Abraham blessed Melchizedek, King of Righteousness, King of Peace, with a 10% portion of his spoils of war in return for the blessing given by Melchizedek. This was voluntary, from his heart and was never meant to become a mindless religious tradition. Pray, seek the face of Yahweh and give generously as He prompts you to give. read Acts Chapter 2:41-47. If they were instructed to tithe, they would no have given all.
Thank you for helping me to understand this better because I was beating myself up for not giving to the church.but I tithie in so many ways by giving to those indeed that’s how I give and I truly believe that god will bless me every time that I give from my heart
When you find a church that you really connect with, where you can minister to the Father, you will be compelled by The Spirit to give to God through that ministry. Don’t worry about percentages. Give cheerfully and in love. The amount will be the amount. God is watching hearts not dollars.
what if your church teaches tithing and your wife works their my wife doesn’t believe in tithing just giving .The pastor is big on tithing we are in debt big time
You are so right . When you give cause you feel to from the heart ! God loves a cheerful giver and you will be bless . But when some churches tell you you have to give a tithe or else it become a law ! And we are under grace ! You give cause you want too !!! Not cause you have too ?
I agree for Yahusha never at least I have not found it asked or ordered His disciple to pay tithe, but they did pay taxes, when he told them where to find the money in the fish mouth.
NKJV-Matthew 17:24-27
What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a [c]piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
I gave to the church but it was to upkeep the church have i sinned and fallen from grace?
no. Grace means you can now do the will of God. Tithing is supporting God’s work and is God’s will. Giving beyond a tithe ( a tithe is 10% of the gross income) and giving beyond this tithe is the offering. Give that too. Your life will be blessed because of it.
By this same logic, are we cursed if we honor our father and mother, which is the law?
Tithing and giving offerings is God’s will and God’s Holy Spirit will lead you to do this. It will bring blessings into your life.
Yeshua took care of the curse of sin, all of it. Jesus still loves you when you dishonor your father or mother and He made a way for you to make it right. If you are In Him and He is in you, you will have a desire to honor your parents and give extravagantly. percentages will mean nothing with a heavenly perspective
I know that He loves me. However, there is a spiritual impact on my soul when I violate God’s law, no? I mean we can sin after being saved. Sin brings a curse still and we are delivered from that curse when we repent and ask for His cleansing. What I’m saying is that if I don’t tithe, I should make it right by tithing yes? In the same way I make it right if I get angry or lust or some other sin.
In Judaism and under the Levitical Law, everything is paid with a “Minimum Balance” process. They never get to the principal and must pay over and over again, never paying off the balance, only the interest. This is atonement and it does not work in Christianity. Romans 10:4. In the order of Yeshua, The Melchizadek Order, your priesthood, it has all been paid in full, past, present and future sin. You are no longer clean, unclean, clean, unclean. You now live in a continuous state of repentance and have no desire for sinful things and if you do sin, you repent and move on. You were forgiven by the Lamb who was slain before the foundations of the earth. Percentages mean nothing in this priesthood. This is why no Apostle ever taught it to Christians. Paul asked us to hear from The Holy Spirit regarding our finances and give a proportion. If you are Jewish, continue tithing. If you are a follower of Yeshua, you are no longer of that priesthood. John 17: Jesus is actually in you. The Holy Spirit is actually in you. They are not concerned with 10%. They just want personal intimacy and they will tell you exactly what to give and who to give it to. You are perfect in God’s eyes because, as you stated, you know He loves you. This is not a license to be sinful. It is an opportunity to be extravagant.
If tithing were still in force today, God would want ten per cent of your vegetable garden, not the lettuce in your wallet (Lev.27:30-34). If you were a cattleman, he would want ten per cent of your newborn calves, not your cash. Tithing was the social welfare system of the OT to make sure no poor person went hungry. Today, the govt. is taking care of the poor because the church is too busy taking care of rich preachers.
Plain truth. The poor, vulnerable remains naked, hungry, in lack, vulnerable in church. Jesus says l came for the sick but now we are more concerned and taught to be very much concerned about those who are well. May our hearts be transformed.
how can one balance the scriptures if I do not tithe I am cursed but if I do and my family goes hungry and I am as an infidel to God because I have not taken care of my family. I am not righteous for the righteous are not forsaken nor do they beg for bread.
I love to give my wife loves to tithe and in our hard times she blames this on not tithing.
I sponsored two families who were in need and this was the only time we prospered. After joining a church and tithing as well as giving into our pastors and the other church projects for a building etc. we fell on bad times and have not recovered. I chose to feed my family but since which my wife has taken over the finances and we have struggled ever since. I have had to get odd jobs to feed our family and help pay bills. The church offered to lend us money however I could not see how I would pay this back so I refused. My wife believes this is all because of not tithing. I however do not believe in the tithing and it is not the church but Lord through me that we have not died of starvation. I am troubled in my heart and my soul is damaged towards the church. I want to give up yet still I press on, I have for the sake of my family submitted to tithing and things have gotten much worse we now have to move homes and are barely staying out of the debt collection agencies this tithing thing feels like a curse to me.
Where is the love?
Take a sabbatical from all of it. Take 90 days away from the church system and everything it is connected to. Get in a place of personal devotion with Jesus. Let Him speak to your heart about all of it. Take a devotional vacation to a place of rest in Him. You can hear from God as well as the most highly trained pastor in the earth. He puts as much light in you as He puts in a church leader. Leave everything for 90 days, spend Time with family, get in devotion, and watch what He does.
I would like to ask, if you don’t tithe will your income be sufficient to pay billsome and settle other needs in your family. If yes I will advice that you take care of your home first. But if not then tithing may not be your problem.
I will suggest you re-evaluate your mode of income or shed away unnecessary expenses.
I don’t believe in the curse or blessing that comes through tithing but I trust in the God that supplies my need according to his riches in glory.
There is no amount of human effort of tithing that can authomatically withdraw God’s blessing in this dispensation of Holy spirit if we don’t trust and believe in Jesus totally we are aiming at loss
If we tithe because we fear curse of poverty then we are not fit for the kingdom of God. For Jesus also was poor and not because He didn’t pay tithe. 2 Tim. 1:7
I just to share that, there is God’s love for Israel even in the old testament. When it came the times for Israel to leave Egypt, God gave them abundantly. He wanted their trust and obedience through the desert. He took care of them by given them food like mana, quail, and water. He won their battles. He gave them the 10 commandments. Out of their hearts, the Israelites gave contributions to build a tenth of meeting where Moses used to speak with God.
It’s sad when God’s love is not much talk and taught in churches. The tithe was a tax strictly used to keep everyone out of poverty in the presence of God. Starting from the givers family, to the priest, to those most in need. In it’s essence is good. Rarely was used to build a temple. It all began when Israel ask for King, which the Lord told to Samuel what the King will do with the tithes because they rejected the Lord.
The only reason I don’t believe that you are cursed is because 400 years before the law was given Abraham tithed. I believe that there is a worship tithe and a law tithe. I do believe that people are turning back to the law being legalistic in the areas of giving. True tithing should be in response to his love.
true tithing should not be based on percentage , giving cheerfully should be from the heart and not with a specific amount so one can give more or less and not be compelled to give a particular amount.
We are on disability and just get barely $1000 a month. Tithing is always on the agenda at church. We stopped tithing because we got behind on bills. Our faith is strong but we have more out than coming in because of appliances breaking and vehicles needing new tires and one thing or another. Our bills are always paid on time. No one completely understands that with pain and can’t work no more money comes into the house but thinks tithing is still a covenant so you are robbing God. We have a mortgage no rent. I have to keep it paid or get behind and loose it. When a person thinks they can’t afford to pay tithes because there is no more coming in to afford the rest of the bills what does God think? We pray about this but no answer yet. We are faithful and giving all the time just not in tithing. Any advice
Maybe it has to do with faith and not with the fact that you have tithe and you think that nothing is happening and everything is going wrong. Maybe God is testing your faith to see if you’re going to trust him enough to take care of you if you obey his word. People are so hung up on the fact that they’re giving money to a church when the whole principle is where does your heart lie? Do you love money more than God? Are you concerned about if you going to have enough money to pay your bills if you give a tithe? God is looking at your heart and at your faith if you don’t believe that he is going to provide for you and that you will have money to pay for your bills even if you give a tithe, then you will struggle because of lack of faith. The Bible clearly says it is impossible to please him without faith. God does not move on unbelief.
What an IDIOT. Are you a jew that raises animals or crops? They were the only ones required to tithe you Biblically ignorant person.
How big God’s love is! I was having just terrible terrible day where I can’t help myself from hating myself so much. I was raised in very conservative Korean church where if you don’t make an offering, then you ARE indees stealing from God and He will smack you for it.
But for years, I just couldn’t give much too church and felt so ashamed and hateful of myself for loving money over God and fearful that God’s curse was holding my whole family from financial well being.
Recently, we got some Covid grant from the city and I kept thinking God is testing me to see if I have enough faith to make a tithes. But I kept postponing since it jusr felt like such a huge money. It felt like this is the pivotal moment, a final accumulation of all of my inferiority and never-strong-enough faith. And I absolutely loathed myself for trying to find an excuse for not giving to the Lord.
And I ended up here.
Well, tithing wasn’t the only thing that was killing me today but this one article showed me how much He loves me. That my stupid and lazy, weak self is covered with whitest and purist love and nothing else really matters. I don’t know, how to explain how much love and acceptance I’m feeling right now. How he accepts me for who I am, that it is ok to be me. I’m just crying my hearts out.
I looked so put together and fun, easy going with lots of love. Bur inside was all mess. I felt like noone loved me. My actions were always based on fear that I don’t deserve any love and that I have to constantly prove to be worthy of anyone’s affection. But God takes care of me for no reason other than He loves me.
Thank you for your website. I even found God on thoses replies. You are truly God sent. *Big hug* it’s good to be loved.
Tithing was to support the Leviticus Priest, since there ministry was to the things of Yahuah and the temple only. He told the other ten tribes you have to give a tenth of all you product to the priestly tribe, for they will only serve me and the things pertaining to the temple (Praise, Worship, Temple sacrifice of various offering, Take care to the temple, clean, etc.
Deuteronomy 18
1“The priests, the Levi—all the tribe of Levi—shall have [a] no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and His portion. 2 Therefore they shall have no inheritance among their brethren; the Lord is their inheritance, as He said to them.
3“ And this shall be the priest’s due[b] from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it is bull or sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach.
4 The first fruits of your grain and your new wine and your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him.
5F or the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever. https://www.biblehub.com/nkjv/deuteronomy/18.htm
Abraham tithed before the law was instituted.
For my understanding yeah we are cursed if we really on the law pleas read the whole text carefully to understand what it really means don judge by what you read on this as the verses are not even written here completely. It’s citted
Sorta concerned that this is even an issue in the new covanent of Christ. To go out into the world and preach the gospel and teaching and baptizing them. It’s about the heart. You support your local church so tools can be provided to support ministry, evangelism and missions. So if you don’t support your local church, you need to let God show you why you don’t think you need to support the local church.
God has offered the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, is it true that he did away with the Ten Commandments? Is it true that Christians should no longer be concerned with these precepts and principles?
Matthew 5:17 is the scripture that is most quoted in order to show that Jesus did away with the Law. However, Jesus himself said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt.5:17 NIV).
Some theologians and professing Christian leaders say that, in fulfilling the Law, Jesus did away with it. However, does this make any sense? How could Jesus not destroy the Law and still destroy it? In order to prove that this scripture does not say that the law has been done away with, it is important to research the original language of the text. The English word destroy in verse 17, is translated from the Greek word kataluoo, which means tear down, demolish, do away with, abolish, annul, make invalid. Jesus said that we were not even to think that he would destroy or abolish the law! Yet, how many millions of professing Christians not only think he did, but actually believe it?
Jesus continues to explain the laws and commandments of God:
“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least [Greek: ‘less than nothing’] in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt.5:19 NIV).
Please take note of this:Matthew 5:17 (“Do not think that I have come to abolish Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”).