This topic obviously generates quite a bit of discussion among believers. Some insist that every Christian is obligated to give ten percent of their income to the local church. Others reject the practice as an Old Testament command that no longer applies under the New Covenant.
Rather than allowing tradition, personal preference, or church culture to answer the question, why don’t we just ask a more simplistic question- What do the Scriptures actually teach?
To the best of my study, when we examine the New Testament honestly and completely, there is not a single passage in the New Testament that commands believers under the New Covenant to give a fixed ten percent of their income or to direct it specifically to the church.
Let's get into it.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is not a single command requiring believers to tithe ten percent of their income.
That statement surprises many Christians because we've heard the language of "bringing the tithe" our entire lives. Yet the command to tithe belonged to Israel under the Mosaic Covenant. It supported the Levites, funded the temple ministry, sustained Israel's national worship, and provided for the poor. In fact, Israel's giving amounted to considerably more than a simple ten percent once all the required tithes and offerings were considered.
Jesus affirmed tithing while speaking to the Pharisees, but He did so before the Cross, while the Old Covenant was still in effect. His audience remained under the Law of Moses. After His resurrection, however, something remarkable happens: the apostles never command the church to tithe.
Instead, they repeatedly call believers to something greater. They call us to generous, joyful, sacrificial, Spirit-led stewardship.
Paul writes, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Notice the language... there is no prescribed percentage. There is no legal obligation. There is no command to give exactly ten percent. Instead, there is freedom guided by a transformed heart. But that freedom should never be mistaken for permission to become selfish.
The New Testament actually raises the standard.
Under the Law, the question was, "How much must I give?" Under grace, the question becomes, "Since everything I possess belongs to Christ, how should I steward it for His glory?" Under the new covenant, EVERYTHING belongs to Him... your home, your vehicle, your money, your time, your relationships... everything.
The New Testament also broadens where our generosity is directed.
Certainly, believers should help support those who faithfully preach and teach the gospel. Paul teaches that those who proclaim the gospel have the right to earn their living from it. Elders who labor in preaching and teaching are worthy of honor and financial support. Those who receive spiritual instruction should share material blessings with those who instruct them.
Supporting faithful ministry is biblical. Yet that is only part of the picture.
The New Testament places extraordinary emphasis on caring for the poor, widows, orphans, strangers, and fellow believers in need. James calls this "pure and undefiled religion." John asks how the love of God can remain in someone who has the means to help a brother in need but refuses. Jesus Himself identifies caring for the hungry, thirsty, sick, and imprisoned as ministry done unto Him.
When Paul organized large financial collections among the Gentile churches, the money was not primarily intended for buildings or institutional expansion. It was gathered to relieve suffering believers facing famine in Jerusalem. The church gave generously to support gospel workers, relieve suffering. And to advance the mission of Christ.
Nowhere does the New Testament command believers that every dollar of their giving must flow through the local church. That instruction simply does not exist.
Instead, we are called to be faithful stewards who prayerfully direct God's resources wherever they will most effectively accomplish God's purposes.
That includes supporting your local church.
That includes helping missionaries.
That includes caring for widows and orphans.
That includes feeding the hungry.
That includes assisting believers in crisis.
The issue is not where the money goes. The issue is whether our hearts have truly been surrendered to Christ.
The greatest danger is not giving less than ten percent: The greatest danger is believing that giving exactly ten percent somehow fulfills our obligation while ignoring the needs God places before us.
A believer could faithfully write a check every week and still neglect mercy, compassion, generosity, and the advancement of the gospel. Jesus warned the Pharisees about exactly that.
As followers of Christ, we should never ask, "What is the minimum God requires?" Instead, we should ask, "Lord, everything I have already belongs to You. Where would You have me invest it today?"
That is the heart of New Testament giving. It is not motivated by law. It is not measured merely by percentages. It is directed by love. It is empowered by grace. And it exists all for the glory of God.
~Devin
Devin Osborne
The Early Church
Appendix:
Giving Is to Be Willing and Cheerful
2 Corinthians 8-9: The most comprehensive New Testament teaching on Christian generosity. Paul emphasizes willingness, sacrifice, equality, cheerful giving, and meeting the needs of others. He never commands a fixed percentage or mentions a required tithe.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8: God loves a cheerful giver. Giving is to be generous and voluntary, "not reluctantly or under compulsion."
Support Those Who Teach and Preach
1 Corinthians 9:1-14: Those who devote themselves to proclaiming the gospel have the right to receive financial support from the gospel.
Galatians 6:6: Those who receive instruction should share material blessings with those who teach them.
1 Timothy 5:17-18: Elders who labor in preaching and teaching are worthy of honor and financial support.
Care for the Poor and Those in Need
James 1:27: Pure religion includes caring for orphans and widows in their distress.
1 John 3:16-18: Genuine love is demonstrated by meeting the needs of fellow believers.
Matthew 25:31-46: Jesus identifies serving the hungry, thirsty, stranger, sick, and imprisoned as serving Him.
Galatians 6:10: Do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.
Romans 12:13: Share with the Lord's people who are in need and practice hospitality.
The Early Church's Example
Acts 2:44-45: Believers voluntarily shared possessions so that needs were met.
Acts 4:32-35: There was not a needy person among them because believers gave freely as needs arose.
Acts 11:27-30: The disciples took up a relief offering for believers suffering from famine.
Giving for Mission and Kingdom Work
Philippians 4:10-20: The Philippians financially supported Paul's missionary work. Paul describes their gift as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."
Romans 15:25-27: Gentile churches contributed to meet the needs of the poor saints in Jerusalem.
3 John 5-8: Believers are encouraged to support those who travel for the sake of the Name.
Regular and Intentional Giving
1 Corinthians 16:1-4: Believers are encouraged to set aside money regularly in proportion to how God has prospered them. Again, no percentage is specified.
