The Biblical Standards of Tithe and Offerings

If you are one of those people who thinks the church always has their hand in your pocket, then you need to read this! If you feel outrage or guilt when the preacher teaches on tithing, you should to check the Bible references to see what God says.  If you are already a cheerful giver, then you may just desire to review below for the reasons why you give to the church.  So why doe churches take up tithe and offering?   First, we will look at what the difference is in tithes and offerings and what each is used for.

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, 

and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete 

withal it shall be measured to you again." - Luke 6:38 (KJV)

Tithes are a percentage of your income that you God requires you to give to support the church or temple.  This is a mere 10% (although the word tithe means tenth, you can choose to give a larger percent) of your earnings for which God promises to bless you for sharing.  Some may compare this to a tax, although taxes are a much higher percentage of your income (and you do not get to choose to pay less) plus you also have to pay taxes on many purchases too.  Unless you are retired or collecting other government benefits, you may not consider that you are getting any blessings from paying taxes.   However, your taxes do keep the government and all those programs running.  Just as your tithes keep the church running.  Churches typically use tithes to to pay their bills and employee salaries.

"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, 

and not according to that he hath not." - 2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV)

The church counts on your tithes in the same way you count on your paycheck.  If you are not paying tithes, you are cheating the church and disobeying God.  Although you might disobey by not pay tithes, God probably will not punish you for it.  Would you ever consider cheating the government by not paying your taxes?  If you disobey tax regulations, you know you will be punished.   Who can you count on more the government, your church, or God?  Which do you turn to first when you need help?

"Every man according as he purpose in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,

 or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." -2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

Offering on the other hand is an amount you choose to give over and above your tithes, but not instead of tithing.  Churches collect offerings to purchase items they may need outside of their regular bills and standard support efforts.  Churches also take offerings for missions and special ministries.  Without offerings, it becomes more difficult for the Church to: offer new programs, have an outreach into the community, or reach out across the nation and to other parts of the world.

You may believe that God will provide for all the above even if you do not share your money (and/or skills and/or talents).  Perhaps, but how will you feel knowing that you are letting Him down?