When the topic of tithes and offerings comes up, people often cringe or close their ears. In a world where fakes and scammers are in every single place, including in churches and ministries, it is simple to change into cynical. Add to that the actual issue of “church hurt” and it becomes a really sore subject for some individuals who have felt betrayed or harmed by the church and Christians.
I actually have seen what can occur when people abuse their power in a church or ministry, but I’ve also seen what can occur when a church works together to make an impact of their community. Before we dig into whether or not tithes and offerings should go to the church, let’s discover what we mean by tithes and offerings.
Can Tithes Be Given to Other Christian Organizations?
Giving to the church doesn’t exclude Christians from supporting other ministries and charities, but there needs to be a balance. Christians are called to a community of worship, an area church, which requires funds to operate and fulfill its mission. However, there are other ministries and charities which can be worthy of support as well.
The scriptures give examples of giving support to other churches and desires in other cities:
- Acts 11:27-30 – “And in today prophets got here from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one in all them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a fantastic famine throughout all of the world, which also happened in the times of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each in accordance with his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This additionally they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 – “Moreover, brethren, we divulge to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a fantastic trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded within the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that in accordance with their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we’d receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”
There is an infinite list of opportunities to provide and serve in ministries that reach internationally to assist in places affected by disease, famine, and war. The phrase “charity starts at home” isn’t completely flawed. First, we maintain our family, then our local church, after which stretch out into the community and across the globe.
What Are Tithes and Offerings According to the Bible?
Let’s now take a step back and explore what tithes and offerings are. The first mention of giving to God is in Genesis when Cain and Abel gave offerings to God (Genesis 4:1-16). Later in Genesis 14:20, Abraham gives a voluntary tithe to Melchizedek who was a priest and king. The command for tithes and offerings wasn’t given until Leviticus 27:30: “And all of the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus details the differing types of tithes and offerings as specified by the Mosaic Law.
Within these details, three fundamental words are used for giving, in accordance with Merriam-Webster:
- A tithe is “a tenth a part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax, especially for the support of a spiritual establishment.”
- An offering is “something offered especially a sacrifice ceremonially offered as an element of worship.”
- A sacrifice is “an act of offering to a deity something precious especially : the killing of a victim on an altar or destruction or give up of something for the sake of something else.”
Each gift had a distinct purpose, but for our purposes, a tithe was given to support the temple and the Levites who worked there, offerings got as an element of worship, and the sacrifice was made as a remittance for sin. If you would like to know more, Offerings and Sacrifices is an article that offers a more detailed discussion of the differing types.
These are examples from the Old Testament, but what does the New Testament must say on the topic?
In the New Testament, Jesus made a latest covenant through his death on the cross, which was the last blood sacrifice. However, Jesus said “Do not think that I got here to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I didn’t come to destroy but to satisfy” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus spoke about giving throughout his ministry:
Giving didn’t end with the Old Testament, even though it could have modified its format.
Why Does the Bible Emphasize Giving to the Local Church?
The New Testament calls for people to assemble in worship, and to be a beacon of hope in a dark world. The church was given the Great Commission to enter the world and share the Gospel, baptize, and teach people the Gospel and ways of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). This requires money and resources in addition to people, so while tithes and offerings may not follow the rigid Mosaic Law of the Old Testament, it has not been eliminated either.
The modern church has the identical calling and desires that the Levites within the temple had within the Old Testament. The church constructing must be maintained and the utilities kept running. It also has employees who have to earn a living, akin to the pastor and other leaders. Jesus told his disciples, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those that preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14), just because the needs of the Levites were covered by tithes and offerings.
Beyond the running of the constructing and paying wages, the church also has a calling to serve the lost world, especially the local people. God didn’t call the federal government to maintain the poor, widowed, and orphaned. He called the church. When individual churches step out into their communities to assist, they’re fulfilling God’s command and making an impact for the Gospel on individuals who may never have darkened a church door.
When church members don’t give tithes and offerings, the community suffers in addition to the church. In his letters to the churches, Paul emphasized the necessity for giving and for helping each other in order that the body of Christ is strengthened.
The scriptures also tell us that with the command to bring tithes into the church, there may be also a blessing to be received:
Bring all of the tithes into the storehouse, that there could also be food in my house, and take a look at me now on this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I is not going to open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there is not going to be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
When the church takes up its responsibilities to the community and the members give tithes and offerings to support it, then God will bless their endeavors.
How Can Christians Decide Where to Give Tithes and Offerings?
There isn’t any denying that there may be a whole lot of fraud and scams being perpetrated in every single place, sometimes even contained in the church, so we should be sensible with our giving. Wisdom comes from God above, and the Holy Spirit works inside us to guide us, so listed here are just a few steps to work through before you sign the check:
- Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in how much to provide and where to provide it.
- Be Aware – Take an lively role in your church by attending business meetings in order that you already know how money is being spent.
- Investigate – Research ministries and charities to see how funds are used and refer to people involved or who’ve given to them.
- Get Involved – Don’t just give money; give your time by volunteering for the charities to see them at work.
What Does a Cheerful Giver Look Like?
The bottom line just isn’t about who we give money to and even how much we give. It is about our attitude. God doesn’t want us to provide out of obligation; He wants us to provide out of joy:
“So let each give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
God has given us every part that we’ve got, including His Only Son. Giving tithes and offerings is the least we are able to do in return. If you ask, God will show you the best way to give and where. When you give it willingly, He will bless the giver and the gift in ways we are able to’t even begin to assume.
Further Reading
What is the Difference between Tithes and Offerings?
What Should Christians Know about Offerings and Tithes?
What is Tithing and Do I Have to Do It?
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/ADragan
Linda Lyle is a author, teacher, knitter, and unintentional collector of cats. She has written articles for the Alabama Baptist, Open Windows, Refresh, in addition to multiple novels and novellas. Her newest book, 5-Minute Prayer Plan for When Life Is Overwhelming, is about to release in October. She spins yarns on her blog The End of My Yarn at lindalyle.com.
