Tithing Questions and Answers
By Edwene Gaines
1. What is a tithe?
The word tithe means a tenth. To tithe is to return 10 percent of all we receive to the person, place or institution where we have received spiritual food.
2. What is the purpose of the tithe?
The purpose of the tithe is to acknowledge that God is the source of our good. The purpose of the tithe is not to build churches or to pay ministers’ salaries although tithes do help to do these and other good things.
3. Why 10 percent?
The first recorded tithe in the Bible discussed in Genesis 14 when Abraham took his tithe to his spiritual teacher, Melchisedek. We are not told why 10 percent; only that it is 10 percent.
4. What is “spiritual food”?
Spiritual food is that which inspires us, teaches us, reminds us of the Truth, causes us to remember who we are.
5. What if those I tithe to don’t need it or don’t use it the way I want them to?
Our tithes must go to those who have fed us spiritual food. We must not earmark it, suggest how it is to be used and most certainly not consider whether they are rich or poor. That is not our concern. Our concern is to acknowledge God as our source by giving 10 percent to those who feed us spiritual food.
6. Do we tithe gross or net?
The answer is found in the question, “Do you want to prosper a little or a lot?” Emerson says that we cannot out give God. Tithe on gross.
7. What if my partner (spouse/family) doesn’t believe in tithing?
We are responsible for obeying spiritual laws as we understand them. It is appropriate for you to share with your partner your commitment to tithe and ask your partner what portion of the income is yours to tithe on.
8. When do I tithe?
The sooner we tithe on income received, the sooner we receive more. You may choose to write your tithe checks and send them out immediately after receiving income. If you have a regular place of worship, you may take your tithe to the ministry for class or worship service.
9. What do I tithe on?
Everything you receive. Salary, bonuses, interest, monetary gifts, borrowed money, sale of house, money found, inheritance — everything!
10. How do I tithe on gifts (not money)?
Hold in mind that there is no such thing as personal property. Gifts then are yours to use and enjoy and pass on when you are through with them. You are the temporary steward of property. Enjoy and share.
11. God doesn’t need my money. Why should I tithe?
Of course, God doesn’t need your money. You need to give! Tithing is a beginning discipline in giving and receiving. Before we’re through, we will enjoy giving much more than 10 percent.
12. What is the promise? Malachi 3:10
If we tithe, we prove God in our lives and the windows of heaven open for us.
13. What about people who tithe and don’t prosper?
The windows of heaven open for us in the ways that we are willing to have them open. We must ask for what we desire and expect to receive.
14. Did Jesus teach tithing?
Jesus did not need to teach tithing because it was so much a part of his religious heritage that it was taken for granted.
15. How do I overcome my fear of tithing?
By Tithing
16. What about people who don’t tithe and prosper any way?
Prosperity includes perfect health, satisfying relationships, right joyous work and financial abundance. While there are those who may have mastered money (in childhood or, possibly, previous lifetimes). Money alone is not true prosperity.
17. Is it OK to tithe 1 percent or 5 percent? Do I have to tithe 10 percent?
The word tithe means “tenth.” Anything less than 10 percent is not a tithe and does not fulfill the law. All giving is good, however, and opens the way for greater receiving. Many find it difficult to allow themselves to have it all because, not tithing, they feel out of integrity with spiritual law.
18. What if I can’t pay my bills now? How can I tithe?
Unless you tithe, you probably will never be able to pay your bills. Tithe first and trust God to assist you in paying the bills. Be responsible about money and refuse to create debts that you feel guilty about. Ask for wisdom.
19. Can I be excused from tithing?
I’m retired (on welfare, not working, etc.) and I’m on a fixed income, it is because you “fixed” it. No one is excused from obeying spiritual law. Lack of faith will cause you to justify not tithing, but that thinking will keep you from your unlimited good.
20. Are gifts to charity considered tithes?
No. A tithe goes where you are fed spiritually.
21. Do churches tithe?
Successful ones do.
Tithing is a spiritual principle: one tithes to connect with one’s Higher Self, to be in that constant flow of unlimited abundance, the abundance of love, peace, joy and prosperity. Every penny, which comes into one’s life, is a result of God’s presence, a reminder that we live in God’s grace. So, we give ten per cent of all that we receive, to connect and to stay in His grace.
When you tithe it is done according to your faith. One of my favorite verses is Heb: 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and it is the evidence of things not seen.”
Isn’t that beautiful? Faith expands when you give. The more you give, the more faith you’re going to have. You’re going to find out that Emerson spoke true when he said, “You can’t out give God.” There is a law of compensation. The more you give, the more you receive. God will provide it.
Prosperity Promises
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (III John 2)
…no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6)
The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. (Psalm 115:14)
And thou shalt rejoice in very good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house (Deuteronomy 26:11)
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)
But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (I Corinthians 2:9)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. – (Isaiah 41:10)
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure shaken down and running over they will pour into your robe. For with the measure that you measure, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)