Is Tithing Relevant?

We have all heard about tithing before, and while some of us might be ardent tithers, others might not practice it. I have heard various reasons from people claiming that tithing is no longer relevant today. One person argued that since we don’t have animals anymore, only money, tithing doesn’t apply. Another claimed it’s an Old Testament practice, and the excuses just carry on.

However, in Malachi 3:10, God clearly states, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Yes, Malachi is Old Testament, but if the argument is that tithing is no longer relevant because it’s from the Old Testament, then by that logic, nothing in the Old Testament would be relevant. Does that mean none of the books are applicable? Or are we selectively picking and choosing which rules and laws to follow? I hate to break it to you, but if that is your view – that you can choose which rules to follow – you are playing a dangerous game.

Secondly, although it might not be directly stated, tithing is indeed mentioned in the New Testament. Most of us are used to tithing being interchangeably called “giving” or “sowing.” We give our tithe offering to the church, we sow into the church. If you use these ideas and principles interchangeably, then you should have a look at 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

"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."

- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

We see different forms of giving mentioned in Scripture: tithing, which is the 10% of your income; the Alms offering, which is an offering for the poor, the sick, the widows, and the children; and the first fruit offering, which is the first of the harvest.

Hebrews 13:16 reinforces this: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus Himself mentions tithing, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” A tenth is referring to a tithe (10%) – note that He says, “without neglecting the former.” This passage in itself holds immense value.

Tithing is obeying God’s commandments, and just like everything in life, you have free will to choose whether you want to follow the commandments or not. However, we must understand that disobeying God’s commands comes with consequences, just as obeying them comes with blessings.

If you do not have a tithe to give, meaning 10% of nothing is nothing, the Lord promises that He will give you a seed to plant, as stated in 2 Corinthians 9:10: “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

The biggest realization we must come to is that all we have in this world is from God. He has given us everything we possess. We will not take any of these earthly things with us one day. Giving a tithe is our way of giving back to God what He has given us. It is showing Him honor and demonstrating our faith that He will fulfill His promises to us. God also promises that if you bring your tithe to Him, He will rebuke the devourer. Everywhere else, we must rebuke the devil or resist the devil – it is up to us. Here, God promises that He will do it for us; He will ensure that our tithe cannot be stolen from us.

Luke 6:38 reinforces this principle: “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.”

Tithing is not just a commandment; it is a demonstration of our trust in God’s provision and a recognition that everything we have belongs to Him. When we give cheerfully and obediently, we open the door for God’s blessings to flow abundantly into our lives. Let us not neglect this important practice, for it is a vital part of our walk with God and a means of honoring Him with the resources He has entrusted to us.