Below I list the practical pros and cons of tithing vs spirit-led giving. I evaluate the punishments, rewards, effectiveness, cheerfulness and the new covenant commands for both and declare a winner.
Punishments
Tithing
Malachi 3:9
You are cursed with a curse
Spirit-led giving
Acts 5:1-10
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried [him] out, and buried [him].Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
WINNER: Spirit-Led Giving
Rewards
Tithing
Malachi 3:10
And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you [such] blessing That [there will] not [be room] enough [to receive it].
Spirit-led giving
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may have an abundance for every good work.
WINNER: TIE
Effectiveness
Tithing
Deuteronomy 14:29
And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who [are] within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
Spirit-led giving
Acts 4:34
Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
WINNER: Spirit Led Giving
Cheerfulness
Tithing
Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier [matters] of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
Spirit-Led Giving
2 Corinthians 9:7
[So let] each one [give] as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
WINNER: Spirit-Led Giving
New Covenant Commands
Tithing
There are no New Covenant Commands to tithe. Jesus did not command tithing to the Church. He was speaking to his disciples who were still under the Mosaic law – which he clearly indicated in Matthew 23.
Spirit Led Giving
Romans 12:6-8
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if prophecy, [let us] [prophesy] in proportion to our faith; or ministry, [let us use it] in [our] ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality;
WINNER: Spirit-Led Giving
If you want a biased review, please read more about why Spirit-led giving is better than tithing.