Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha
Tithing is the
principle of divine portion that requires a child of God and nations in
covenant relationship with God to give a certain percentage of their income to
God for the work of the kingdom particularly the upkeep of the servants of God
as well as the preaching of the gospel. Tithes
are meant for the well being of the Levites, their upkeep and for doing the
work of the Lord. Please see Nehemiah Chapter 13 verses 9 to 13, Leviticus
Chapter 27 verses 30 to 34 and Numbers Chapter 18 verses 21 to 32. Jesus is the foundation of tithing. Please see
Hebrews Chapter 7 verses 1 to 10, Genesis Chapter 13 verses 18 to 20. It is a commandment from God for a Church to
take tithes from members. Abraham tithed to Melchisedec King of Salem in
Genesis Chapter 13 verses 18 to 20 and in Genesis Chapter 28 verse 22, Jacob
promised to tithe to God.
The tithe is ten percent and nothing less. Do not
ever underpay and pay promptly. Be humble and tell yourself the truth when
tithing. While tithes are a fixed ten percent of
your income, offerings are dependent on the generosity of the giver. In point
of fact, the Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver. There is no point
being generous if your heart is not cheerful and willing. Such offerings like
poor monetary investments do not produce high yields. Offerings should be given
willingly for them to be acceptable to God. Please see Exodus Chapter 25 verse
1. God instructed Moses to receive offerings that were given willingly. In
addition, the Apostle Paul instructed New Testament believers to give willingly
and not by compulsion (2nd Corinthians Chapters 8 verses 1 to 3, 12;
9 verses 2, 5). Significantly, every
time people give willingly to God and for the work of the kingdom of God, they
are blessed beyond measure by God. Please see 2nd Chronicles Chapter
35 verses 7 to 8. King Josiah of Judah and the leadership of Judah gave
willingly for the Passover. The Israelites willingly brought offerings for the
building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus Chapters 35 verses 5, 21
to 29; 36 verses 4 to 7).
In Malachi Chapter 3 verses 8 to 12, believers are instructed to pay the tithe and give generous offerings where God wants
you to give them and not necessarily where you want to give them (Jeremiah
Chapter 4 verse 3). Where God wants you to tithe and give generous offerings is
the Bible believing Church where the Holy Spirit is accorded respect and given
freedom to operate fully; so that He guides, teaches and directs the people of
God to profit (Isaiah Chapter 48 verse 17) where the truth of God is upheld and
reigns above the doctrines and philosophies of men, where the Lordship of Jesus
is celebrated and God is the head of the Church and everyone submits to God.
It is also the place where every member of the
Church counts – no one is favored above the other and everyone is treated with
respect and honor, no partiality in judgment, service, etc. that Church is also
where you worship and serve God in truth and in spirit.
