Hello Friends,
I have a question that's been on my mind and been brought up in conversation a lot lately. Where does it say in the Bible to tithe 10%? Where did this come from?
What are your thoughts on tithing? Should money go directly to whatever church you are attending? or Can the money be designated by God to go to some other cause, charity, etc.?
I'm very interested on people's thoughts on this one and if anyone can answer my previous questions.
<3 Anna
Ps. Don't know how accurate this is, but just found this on Wikipedia (I know not the most reliable source)
"A tithe (pronounced /ˈtaɪð/; from Old English teogoþa "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a (usually) voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, usually to support a religious organization. Today, tithes (or tithing) are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required to be paid in kind, such as agricultural products (that grown of the land, or fruit of the tree). Several European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system allowing some churches to assess tithes."
here's a site...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-Christian.html
and Bible verses (not in context) that specifically mention tithing...
(page 1)
http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=tithe&version1=49&searchtype=all&limit=none&wholewordsonly=no
(page 2)
http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/index.php?search=tithe&version1=49&searchtype=all&limit=none&wholewordsonly=no&startnumber=26
I personally believe that tithing is a Biblical concept that requires all believes to give 10% of their increase (their new money) to the church that you attend. If you don't attend a church, maybe consider giving your 10% to a Christian organization that you support or using that 10% to personally help someone in need. The whole point of the tithe was to ensure that the Levitical priests would have money to provide food and other needs that they had since their only work was in the temple. I think that that principle is still in effect today since the income of many pastors and churches is tithe and offering driven.
I have also been taught that tithes are required by God and that offerings are gifts "above and beyond" the requirement. Since God has blessed us, we should bless others.
Anyway, that's my thoughts on the matter. :)
I don't wish to debate, but rather to share another belief.
ReplyDeleteI view tithing as a Biblical thing, but cannot point to any particular Scripture reference stating a set amount. The way I see it, all that I own/consume is God's. He just allows me to have it...like a gift.
I do not attend church for various reasons, however, I do believe that I tithe. I'm not the sort to give to a charity or anything of that nature. However, I tithe my time. I give my time to friends who need to talk. I give my time in that I spend certain portions of my week focusing on God and the things of Him. I tithe my efforts toward making this a lovely home for Drew to return to. I tithe my talents in using them for God's glory.
Is this making sense?
I don't believe it always has to be money. I do believe that you receive what you've given. I tithed $5 I really needed once on a dare from a pastor. Later that week, I needed gas, but didn't have anymore money, and Daddy wasn't home to give me any. I prayed and prayed and prayed as I searched the entire house for a $5 bill. I then decided that I was just going to go and if I got stranded, oh well. I got out to the car, and there in the very seats I had searched 15 minutes prior lay a crisp, brand-new, looked ironed, $5 bill.
I want to thank you both for taking the time to read this and sharing your thoughts:)
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