The Truth about Tithe
It's more simple than you think.
Greetings Prosperous Soul,
Every so often, I meet with clients who are really struggling. Their finances are in shambles and they see no way out.
As Christians, they feel guilty about not being able to tithe. “I really want to give,” they say, “but I don’t want to go more into debt.”
I usually respond by commending their bravery and telling them that their feelings are completely rational.
I then encourage them to give what they can, even if it’s just a few dollars, and spend the rest of their income stabilizing their family.
But what about God’s supernatural provision?
I’ve heard it preached that you can’t out-give God. The unspoken rule here is that if you give radically, the Lord will replenish your wealth. The scripture that’s usually referenced is Malachi 3:10:
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
The problem with this verse is that it deals specifically with the Old Testament tithe. We live under the New Covenant, where generosity and free will offerings take the forefront.
Plus, the tithe in Malachi was made up of animals and crops. Since Levites couldn’t own large swaths of land, the Israelites provided food so that the temple workers were cared for.
In our modern life, we don’t bring livestock and crops to our pastors. We bring cash.
Tithe is an Old Testament idea
One issue with the you-can’t-out-give-God message is that it gives people free rein to make terrible decisions with their money. Even when struggling to pay bills, people feel forced to give.
I’ve literally had couples in my office weeping because they couldn’t afford rent, but they felt like they had to give, otherwise God would judge them.
But here’s the truth: you can’t buy your way into the Lord’s pleasure. If you give five or ten percent or twenty, God still loves you the same.
Your family is more important
Tithing is fine, but we need to realize that the concept is an Old Testament idea that the modern church has brought into today. I can see why.
Paying for lights and administrative costs requires money. And it’s reasonable to ask your congregation for support, especially when churches do so much good work.
But there is a manipulative angle that can creep into some churches. If you ever hear your pastor say, “God won’t love you unless you tithe,” or “Give your way into provision,” you need to find a new spiritual home.
Conclusion
If you have to choose between supporting your family or going into debt to give, the answer is simple. Paul writes:
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
— 1 Timothy 5:8 ESV
The New Testament is all about being generous, and we should carry that into today. But we should never give to a person, nonprofit, or ministry at the expense of our own stability.
My recommendation is to ask God what He wants you to give, then match that with your savings. Personally, Dawna and I give ten percent, save ten, then live on the remaining eighty percent. It keeps us in a place of generosity and growth.
God bless your Prosperous Soul,
Stephen K. De Silva
About: Stephen K. De Silva is an author, speaker, and financial mentor. From 1995 to 2017, he served as the CFO of Bethel Church, and a member of the senior leadership team. Stephen’s blend of experience, training, and anointing make him a pioneer in the subject of money. You can reach Stephen at hello@prosperoussoul.com