Why Do We Give Tithes and Offerings? (2024)

Giving in the form of tithes and offerings is an important part of Christianity. Tithing is frequently mentioned in the Bible, like when Moses said, “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze.” (Exodus 35:5)

What is the importance of tithing and offering, and why do we frequently make these kinds of donations? Read on to learn the truth about tithes and offerings!

Importance of Giving Tithes and Offerings

Before we go further into the topic, we must examine why we tithe. Here are three reasons why tithing is important:

God Commands Us to Do So

Tithing is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Scripture tells us, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22)

God commands us to set aside one-tenth of what we produce for the church. In modern society, your “produce” can be anything from your salary to your business profits.

Tithing Shows Your Love for God

The tithe is the Lord’s way of asking us to show our love. Giving God a percentage of our earnings shows that we put our love for Him before our need for money.

Tithing Grows Trust in God

By sacrificing 10% of your income, we learn to rely on God. While 10% might be a sizable part of some people’s earnings, giving tithes means you trust that God will still provide you with enough food and wealth to live.

Difference Between Tithes and Offerings

Tithes and offerings are closely related because they both involve giving. However, there are two key differences between tithes and offerings:

Amount

Tithes literally mean “one-tenth”, so it has a set amount of 10% of your income, as defined by Scripture: “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30)

Meanwhile, offerings have no set amount. Everyone can decide how much to give with each offering, as mentioned in the Bible, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that He has given you.” (Deuteronomy 16:17)

Priority

Whenever you make money, you’re called on to give tithes first. This means tithing is the first priority when giving. Meanwhile, offerings are generally optional and come after the tithe.

Purpose of Tithes in the Bible

The main purpose of tithes and offerings in the Bible is to teach us to put God first. As said in the Bible, “Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.” (Deuteronomy 14:23)

Why Do We Pay Tithes in Church

Tithing is a source of income for your church. Like any other institution, the church needs that money to pay upkeep costs and stay in operation.

Here are some examples of what the church may use your tithes for:

Paying pastors, ministers, and other church staff members
Funding outreach programs like soup kitchens and donations for the needy
Maintaining the church building and equipment
Supporting the Sunday school and other church programs
Donating to local charities
Raising funds for church youth groups

Connecting to God Through Giving

If you love money, you can’t love God and vice versa. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

We don’t truly own our wealth – we’re stewards entrusted with money and riches by God. As stewards, God trusts us to use this money for His glory. The truth of God’s tithes and offerings is that we bring ourselves closer to Him when we give.

Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Giving tithes and offerings puts our love for God before our worldly wealth and shows that our heart is always with Him.

Types of Tithes and Offerings

You have many ways to give in service to God. Here are four of the most common types of tithes and offerings for Christians:

Tithes

Tithes are offerings to your local church worth 10% of your income. You might tithe to church immediately after you get paid.

Offerings

Offerings are given after tithes and on certain holy days of the year. However, you can also make offerings throughout the year whenever you want.

First Fruits

First fruits are typically offerings given annually at “harvest time.” If you’re not a farmer, “harvest time” can mean anything from work bonuses to tax refunds. Whatever your harvest may be, giving first fruits is a way to show your gratitude to God for His blessings.

Alms

Alms are a type of giving where you give directly to other people and not through the church. Some examples of alms-giving include:

Donating money to soup kitchens
Giving cash to the needy
Donating clothes and food to charitable organizations

Encouragement for Giving Tithes and Offerings

Do you need more reasons to give tithes and offerings? Here are some of our favorite Bible verses about giving:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

Conclusion

Tithes and offerings are an important part of Christianity because, by giving, we put our love for God before our love for money. Giving also supports the church to spread the Gospel and teach the Bible to members.

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AUTHOR

Tithely

Importance of Giving Tithes and Offerings

Before we go further into the topic, we must examine why we tithe. Here are three reasons why tithing is important:

God Commands Us to Do So

Tithing is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Scripture tells us, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22)

God commands us to set aside one-tenth of what we produce for the church. In modern society, your “produce” can be anything from your salary to your business profits.

Tithing Shows Your Love for God

The tithe is the Lord’s way of asking us to show our love. Giving God a percentage of our earnings shows that we put our love for Him before our need for money.

Tithing Grows Trust in God

Difference Between Tithes and Offerings

Tithes and offerings are closely related because they both involve giving. However, there are two key differences between tithes and offerings:

Amount

Priority

Whenever you make money, you’re called on to give tithes first. This means tithing is the first priority when giving. Meanwhile, offerings are generally optional and come after the tithe.

Purpose of Tithes in the Bible

Why Do We Pay Tithes in Church

Tithing is a source of income for your church. Like any other institution, the church needs that money to pay upkeep costs and stay in operation.

Here are some examples of what the church may use your tithes for:

Paying pastors, ministers, and other church staff members
Funding outreach programs like soup kitchens and donations for the needy
Maintaining the church building and equipment
Supporting the Sunday school and other church programs
Donating to local charities
Raising funds for church youth groups

Connecting to God Through Giving

Types of Tithes and Offerings

You have many ways to give in service to God. Here are four of the most common types of tithes and offerings for Christians:

Tithes

Tithes are offerings to your local church worth 10% of your income. You might tithe to church immediately after you get paid.

Offerings

Offerings are given after tithes and on certain holy days of the year. However, you can also make offerings throughout the year whenever you want.

First Fruits

Alms

Alms are a type of giving where you give directly to other people and not through the church. Some examples of alms-giving include:

Donating money to soup kitchens
Giving cash to the needy
Donating clothes and food to charitable organizations

Encouragement for Giving Tithes and Offerings

Do you need more reasons to give tithes and offerings? Here are some of our favorite Bible verses about giving:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

Conclusion

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)

AUTHOR

Importance of Giving Tithes and Offerings

Before we go further into the topic, we must examine why we tithe. Here are three reasons why tithing is important:

God Commands Us to Do So

Tithing is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Scripture tells us, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22)

God commands us to set aside one-tenth of what we produce for the church. In modern society, your “produce” can be anything from your salary to your business profits.

Tithing Shows Your Love for God

The tithe is the Lord’s way of asking us to show our love. Giving God a percentage of our earnings shows that we put our love for Him before our need for money.

Tithing Grows Trust in God

Difference Between Tithes and Offerings

Tithes and offerings are closely related because they both involve giving. However, there are two key differences between tithes and offerings:

Amount

Priority

Whenever you make money, you’re called on to give tithes first. This means tithing is the first priority when giving. Meanwhile, offerings are generally optional and come after the tithe.

Purpose of Tithes in the Bible

Why Do We Pay Tithes in Church

Tithing is a source of income for your church. Like any other institution, the church needs that money to pay upkeep costs and stay in operation.

Here are some examples of what the church may use your tithes for:

Paying pastors, ministers, and other church staff members
Funding outreach programs like soup kitchens and donations for the needy
Maintaining the church building and equipment
Supporting the Sunday school and other church programs
Donating to local charities
Raising funds for church youth groups

Connecting to God Through Giving

Types of Tithes and Offerings

You have many ways to give in service to God. Here are four of the most common types of tithes and offerings for Christians:

Tithes

Tithes are offerings to your local church worth 10% of your income. You might tithe to church immediately after you get paid.

Offerings

Offerings are given after tithes and on certain holy days of the year. However, you can also make offerings throughout the year whenever you want.

First Fruits

Alms

Alms are a type of giving where you give directly to other people and not through the church. Some examples of alms-giving include:

Donating money to soup kitchens
Giving cash to the needy
Donating clothes and food to charitable organizations

Encouragement for Giving Tithes and Offerings

Do you need more reasons to give tithes and offerings? Here are some of our favorite Bible verses about giving:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

Conclusion

VIDEO transcript

(Scroll for more)

What is the importance of tithing and offering, and why do we frequently make these kinds of donations? Read on to learn the truth about tithes and offerings!

Importance of Giving Tithes and Offerings

Before we go further into the topic, we must examine why we tithe. Here are three reasons why tithing is important:

God Commands Us to Do So

Tithing is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Scripture tells us, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22)

God commands us to set aside one-tenth of what we produce for the church. In modern society, your “produce” can be anything from your salary to your business profits.

Tithing Shows Your Love for God

The tithe is the Lord’s way of asking us to show our love. Giving God a percentage of our earnings shows that we put our love for Him before our need for money.

Tithing Grows Trust in God

Difference Between Tithes and Offerings

Tithes and offerings are closely related because they both involve giving. However, there are two key differences between tithes and offerings:

Amount

Priority

Whenever you make money, you’re called on to give tithes first. This means tithing is the first priority when giving. Meanwhile, offerings are generally optional and come after the tithe.

Purpose of Tithes in the Bible

Why Do We Pay Tithes in Church

Tithing is a source of income for your church. Like any other institution, the church needs that money to pay upkeep costs and stay in operation.

Here are some examples of what the church may use your tithes for:

Paying pastors, ministers, and other church staff members
Funding outreach programs like soup kitchens and donations for the needy
Maintaining the church building and equipment
Supporting the Sunday school and other church programs
Donating to local charities
Raising funds for church youth groups

Connecting to God Through Giving

Types of Tithes and Offerings

You have many ways to give in service to God. Here are four of the most common types of tithes and offerings for Christians:

Tithes

Tithes are offerings to your local church worth 10% of your income. You might tithe to church immediately after you get paid.

Offerings

Offerings are given after tithes and on certain holy days of the year. However, you can also make offerings throughout the year whenever you want.

First Fruits

Alms

Alms are a type of giving where you give directly to other people and not through the church. Some examples of alms-giving include:

Donating money to soup kitchens
Giving cash to the needy
Donating clothes and food to charitable organizations

Encouragement for Giving Tithes and Offerings

Do you need more reasons to give tithes and offerings? Here are some of our favorite Bible verses about giving:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

Conclusion

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Get weekly updates on church tech, happenings at Tithe.ly, free resources for your church and more.Delivered every Thursday.

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AUTHOR

Tithely

https://tithely.com

Tithely provides the tools you need to engage with your church online, stay connected, increase generosity, and simplify the lives of your staff.

FAQs

Why Do We Give Tithes and Offerings? ›

The Bible tells us that tithing is a way to show that we trust God with our lives and our finances. Because here's the deal: Tithing isn't for God's benefit. He doesn't need our money. Instead, tithing is meant for our benefit, because sacrificing a portion of our income reminds us to rely on God to meet our needs.

Read On ›

Why do we give our tithes and offerings? ›

The Bible says The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives (Deuteronomy 14:23 TLB). Tithing is a reminder that God is the supplier of everything we have. It is also God's personal invitation to an outpouring of his blessing in your life.

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What is the powerful message about tithes and offerings? ›

We tithe to show how awesome our God is. Lord, your God, owns all—everything on Earth and beyond is holy to Him. When we tithe, we offer up to Him what is His, and show that we recognize this ownership as a constant blessing upon us all. After all, God loves a cheerful giver.

What does Jesus say about tithes and offerings? ›

After Jesus saved humanity from eternal death, He introduced a new perspective on tithing and offerings (John 3:16). Jesus endorses tithing – but expects His followers to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees whom He encouraged to continue tithing (Matthew 23:23).

See Details ›

What is the purpose of tithing is to put God first? ›

Deuteronomy 14:23 says, “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” God doesn't need your money, but he wants what it represents — your heart. He wants you to trust him.

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What is the truth about tithes and offering? ›

The key distinction is that tithing is a required amount you should give, while an offering amount is completely up to you. This giving is an opportunity for you to express your generosity, faith and gratitude regarding all that God has given you.

Tell Me More ›

What is the secret power of tithing? ›

Why are tithes and offerings so important to God? God wants to bless His people as He promised to Abraham. As we give tithes, offerings, and alms, we open up the channel for God our Father to bless and increase us. (Malachi 3:7-8, Luke 6:38).

Show Me More ›

What is the deeper meaning of tithing? ›

Tithing Grows Trust in God

By sacrificing 10% of your income, we learn to rely on God. While 10% might be a sizable part of some people's earnings, giving tithes means you trust that God will still provide you with enough food and wealth to live.

Explore More ›

Can I give my tithe to the poor instead of church? ›

If we're going by the definition here, giving 10% of your income to anything other than the local church isn't technically a tithe—it's just a nice gift. But I'd encourage anyone to live generously. And there are plenty of ministries and organizations that are doing great work and could benefit from your gifts.

What is God's purpose for giving? ›

God's motivation for giving was love; he gave himself in the person of Jesus; and God gave in response to our need. As we use this example for the basis of our giving, we realize that the only giving God recognizes is giving wrapped in love.

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What happens when you don't tithe? ›

As a result, you can never be under a curse, you can never rob God because there is no longer a requirement or a necessity to pay a tithe. God cannot accept the payment of tithes because of what Jesus has done. But God will accept you GIVING A TITHE. He will not punish you if you do not give a tithe.

Read The Full Story ›

Should you tithe if you are in debt? ›

If you have unsecured debt, then you need to focus on paying that off instead of focusing on tithing or giving. Part of paying that off is making sure you behave with your spending in general. If debt is costing you less than your investments are paying, then it makes sense to make sure you are giving before investing.

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What is the powerful message about tithing? ›

Generosity brings blessing

Tithing brings Luke 6:38 to life–Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

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What does God promise when you tithe? ›

Paying tithing brings great blessings, especially in helping us better recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives. The Lord has commanded us to pay tithing. In return, He promises to “open … the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).

Did Jesus command us to pay tithe? ›

No truth is more apparent in Scripture than this. God delights in giving so accordingly, we as believers being conformed to the image of Christ should equally delight in giving as He does. While tithing an exact amount of one's income may not be commanded in the New Testament, giving is.

What is the spiritual importance of tithing? ›

In understanding the biblical and historical significance of tithing, we also comprehend its modern-day implications. Tithing instills discipline, expresses faith, fosters communal unity, enables ministry work, and invokes God's blessings.

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What is tithe supposed to be used for? ›

Some of these uses are: Building and maintaining temples, chapels, and other Church buildings. Supporting the activities and operations of local Church congregations. Supporting the programs of the Church, including education and family history research.

What does the Bible say about bring your tithes and offering? ›

Malachi 3:10 King James Version (KJV)

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

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