Tithing is one of the most frequently discussed and often misunderstood topics in the Christian life. For centuries, believers have debated whether tithing is a commandment that must be obeyed as a legal obligation or whether it is a moral and spiritual duty that flows from a heart of love for God. In our time, where grace is emphasized over law, the question arises once more: Is tithing still required of believers today? And if so, in what sense—legal or moral?
Understanding the Origin of Tithing
The concept of tithing originates from the Old Testament. The word "tithe" simply means "tenth." Long before the Law of Moses was given, Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:20). Jacob also vowed to give a tenth of all he received back to God (Genesis 28:22). These instances show that tithing predated the Mosaic Law and was seen as a voluntary act of worship and gratitude.
Later, under the Law given to Israel, tithing became a legal obligation. God commanded the Israelites to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levites, who had no land inheritance and served in the tabernacle (Numbers 18:21). Additionally, tithes were collected to support festivals and to provide for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). It was not merely a recommendation—it was a law, and failure to obey was considered robbing God (Malachi 3:8-10).
The New Testament Shift: From Law to Grace
When Jesus came, He fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). With His death and resurrection, believers entered into a new covenant—a covenant not based on the letter of the law, but on grace (Romans 6:14). The New Testament does not command believers to tithe in the same legalistic sense as under the Mosaic Law. Instead, it speaks repeatedly about giving, and the emphasis is on the heart and attitude of the giver.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes:
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Here, Paul makes it clear that giving is to be voluntary, cheerful, and purposeful—not out of compulsion or guilt. That doesn't mean Christians shouldn't give, but rather that the motive matters as much as the amount.
Jesus and the Tithe
Some point to Matthew 23:23 where Jesus says:
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
At first glance, this may seem like Jesus affirms tithing. But it's important to understand that He was speaking to Jews still under the Mosaic Law, and He was rebuking them for legalism. They were meticulous about tithing herbs but ignored justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus pointed out that their priorities were out of order—not that tithing should be the central focus of righteousness.
So, Is Tithing a Legal Obligation Today?
For the born-again believer in Christ, the answer is no—tithing is not a legal obligation. We are no longer under the Old Covenant law (Galatians 3:24-25). Christ fulfilled the law on our behalf, and we now live under grace.
To teach tithing as a strict requirement—like paying a religious tax—undermines the freedom we have in Christ. It can even distort the gospel by making giving feel transactional, as though we are buying blessings or avoiding curses by giving a fixed percentage.
Is Tithing a Moral Obligation?
While it is no longer a legal command, many believers would argue that tithing is still a moral obligation, or better yet, a spiritual principle. It’s not about following a law, but about expressing devotion, trust, and obedience to God.
Tithing—or regular, proportional giving—is a tangible way to put God first in our finances. It disciplines the heart against greed, nurtures generosity, and supports the work of the local church and missions. Even if the tenth is not mandated, it remains a useful and biblical guideline for generosity.
In Luke 6:38, Jesus said:
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over..."
Notice the emphasis is not on the percentage, but on the principle of generous giving and the blessing that follows. The New Testament ideal isn't about calculating the minimum to give but rather embracing the joy of sacrificial and cheerful giving.
A Heart Check: Why Do You Give?
Ultimately, whether or not someone chooses to tithe in the strict sense, every believer is called to be a giver. The real question is not “Do I have to tithe?” but “Why do I give?” If giving is done out of fear, guilt, or mere tradition, it misses the mark. But if giving is done out of love for God, faith in His provision, and a desire to advance His kingdom, it becomes a beautiful act of worship.
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). Our giving reveals our priorities. If Christ is truly Lord of our lives, He should also be Lord of our finances.
Practical Encouragement for Today
Here are a few principles to guide giving in the New Testament context:
- Give purposefully – Plan your giving, don’t let it be random (1 Corinthians 16:2).
- Give proportionally – Give according to how God has blessed you (2 Corinthians 8:12).
- Give cheerfully – God delights in a joyful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Give sacrificially – Sometimes God calls us to give beyond our comfort zone (Mark 12:41-44).
- Give consistently – Faithful, regular giving supports the ongoing work of the church.
Conclusion
Tithing is not a legal obligation for New Testament believers, but it remains a powerful moral and spiritual principle. It’s not about checking a box, but about cultivating a generous heart that honors God. Whether you choose to tithe a strict ten percent or give more or less, what matters most is that your giving flows from a sincere heart of worship and trust.
The grace of God doesn't lower the standard of giving—it raises it. Under grace, we are not only freed from the law, but empowered to give even more abundantly, joyfully, and sacrificially. As we grow in faith, let our giving reflect the generous heart of our Savior, who gave His all for us.
0 Comments