Do Christians Need to Tithe?
Why Giving Is an Important Part of Faith
Churches often encourage their church members to tithe, or in other words, to contribute a portion of their income to help support the church. But why tithe? The answer is a long-standing tradition and is actually supported in the Bible.
The Beginnings of Tithing
The Bible often talks about giving to the Lord and how God will bless those who tithe (Malachi 3:10). Many people tithe to their church because they feel it is their given duty by the Bible to do so. Christians often feel that when they tithe they will be rewarded by God, spiritually or otherwise. In short, many people feel that they are commanded to tithe and do so accordingly. The important thing to remember is that giving should be done cheerfully and with a willing heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Tithing Helps the Church to Grow
Tithing also helps to support the church and the clergy employed by the church. You will find many churches do budget tithing into their finances and depend on the church body to give regularly. For those who are very active in the church, tithing becomes a way of life.
You will find that tithing and giving money to the church for certain reasons (such as building an addition to the church) are often two different things. Many churches will "pass the plate" every Sunday for tithing, but when the need arises to collect money for another reason, the parishioners know this. Separate envelopes are given and this money is kept separate from the money collected in tithing.
Controversy about Tithing
Tithing, however, is often a controversial subject. Many churches encourage the tradition while others do not. Some people feel so strongly about tithing that they actually feel that someone who does not tithe will not find his way to heaven. Others do not feel so strongly about the subject and feel that church member should want to give when they are financially able to do so.
The key to tithing is to keep it confidential. Only you and God should know when and how much you give. There may be one or two individuals in your church who know your contributions in order to keep church records, but these are generally elders of the church.
In short, tithing is an old tradition dating back centuries. It was an ancient ritual that dates all the way back to the Israelite history. Tithing to a church should benefit the church in times of need, such as paying electricity bills and church mailings to the congregation. The giver of the tithe should feel that they are giving from their heart. Tithing is a very important aspect of many Christian lives. Many people give faithfully every Sunday to help the church.
Do Christians Need to Tithe?
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