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“Grossly Misunderstood”
Categories: THE COLLECTION, WORSHIPAbout tithing: is it right or wrong? Gross or net? 10% or more? Clear this up; I need help. I put in my 10% or more from my check (the net amount). Am I right or wrong?Sincerely,
The Accountant
Dear The Accountant,
Tithing is an Old Testament commandment (Num 18:24), not a New Testament one. Jews tithe; christians “lay by in store as we have prospered” (1 Cor 16:1-3). God doesn’t give a specific percentage that christians should give back. We must prepare beforehand what we will give (that’s the “lay by in store” part – 1 Cor 16:2). He also commands that we be “cheerful givers” and that we give as we have “purposed in our hearts” (2 Cor 9:7). Though tithing, which means ‘one tenth’, is a good rule of thumb for giving… it isn’t a command.
Any church that tells you that you have to give 10% is warping the Scriptures to increase your contribution. Giving should be a sacrifice – but a voluntary one based off of thoughtful contemplation.