As Christians, we often hear about tithing and making offerings. But do we really get the deep biblical meaning? This article will look at 12 important scriptures about tithes and offerings. We’ll dive into the biblical teachings on giving and the spiritual significance of financial stewardship.
Get ready to be challenged and inspired. We’ll explore how biblical teachings on giving can change us.
Why Are Tithes and Offerings Important?
As Christians, we know that giving is an important part of our faith. We hear about tithes and offerings at church, but what do they really mean? Tithes are when we give a part of our money, usually 10%, back to God as a way of showing thankfulness. Offerings are gifts we give out of love for God and others. Both tithes and offerings are acts of worship that help us grow in our faith and help others in need.
God has given us everything we have, and when we give, it shows our trust in Him. It’s a way to say, “God, I know You are taking care of me, and I want to help others too.” The Bible talks a lot about tithes and offerings, and today, we will explore 12 scriptures that explain what they are and why they are so important for every Christian to know.
12 Scripture About Tithes and Offerings
The Bible teaches us about tithing and giving. It shows us how important it is to support God’s work. Let’s look at 12 key scriptures about tithing, giving to the church, and honoring God with our money.
1. Malachi 3:10 – Bring the Whole Tithe Into the Storehouse
“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.”
Malachi 3:10 is one of the most famous verses about tithing. Here, God invites us to test Him by bringing our tithes (10% of our income) to His house, which is the church. When we give, He promises to bless us in ways we can’t even imagine. This verse shows us that God is faithful and that giving opens the door for His blessings in our lives.
2. Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the Lord With Your Wealth
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
In this verse, we are told to honor God with our wealth. “First fruits” means the first and best of what we have. When we give God the best of what we have, He promises to fill our barns and make sure we have more than enough. This scripture reminds us that God should come first in everything, even in our finances.
3. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – God Loves a Cheerful Giver
“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.”
God doesn’t want us to give just because we feel like we have to. He wants us to give because we want to. 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches us that giving should come from our hearts, and when we give cheerfully, God is pleased. It’s not about the amount we give but the attitude we have when we give.
4. Luke 6:38 – Give, and It Will Be Given to You
“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.”
In Luke 6:38, Jesus tells us that when we give, God will give back to us in abundance. This verse shows that generosity leads to blessings. When we are open-handed and willing to share what we have, God gives back to us in even greater ways. It’s like planting seeds: the more we plant, the bigger the harvest!
5. Leviticus 27:30 – A Tenth Belongs to the Lord
“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.”
The word “tithe” means “a tenth,” and Leviticus 27:30 explains that this tenth of what we earn belongs to God. It’s holy and set apart for Him. Giving a tenth of our income is a way to acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that we are giving back a small portion to show our gratitude.
6. Matthew 6:21 – Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse from Matthew reminds us that the things we value the most show where our hearts are. If we value God and His work, we will want to give generously to support His mission. Giving our tithes and offerings is one way to keep our hearts focused on God and not on material things.
7. 1 Chronicles 29:14 – Everything Comes From You
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
King David spoke these words when the people of Israel gave generously for the building of God’s temple. David recognized that everything they were able to give was a gift from God in the first place. This verse teaches us that when we give, we are only giving back what God has already given to us. It reminds us to be humble and thankful for all we have.
8. Deuteronomy 15:10 – Give Freely and Not With a Grudging Heart
“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”
Deuteronomy 15:10 encourages us to give generously and not to be upset about it. When we give with an open and willing heart, God promises to bless us in everything we do. It shows us that a generous spirit is important to God and brings blessings into our lives.
9. Acts 20:35 – It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
In Acts 20:35, we are reminded of Jesus’ words that it is better to give than to receive. Helping others, especially those in need, brings more joy and blessing than just keeping everything for ourselves. Giving helps us to reflect God’s love to the world.
10. Matthew 23:23 – Don’t Neglect 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.”
Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees, who were very careful about tithing even the smallest things but were not showing love and kindness to others. Jesus is teaching us that while tithing is important, we should not forget about being kind, just, and faithful. Both are important in God’s eyes.
11. 2 Corinthians 9:6 – Whoever Sows Generously Will Reap Generously
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Paul reminds us in this verse that our giving is like planting seeds. If we plant just a few seeds, we will only get a small harvest. But if we plant a lot of seeds, we will get a big harvest. The more we give, the more we will be blessed. This verse encourages us to give generously, trusting that God will provide for us in return.
12. Hebrews 13:16 – Don’t Forget to Do Good and Share With Others
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that God is pleased when we do good and share with others. Giving is not just about money; it’s about being generous in all areas of our lives, including our time and talents. When we live generously, we are showing the love of Christ to the world around us.
The Principle of Firstfruits and Tithing
The idea of firstfruits is key in the Old Testament. It means giving the first and best of what we have to God. Tithing, or giving 10% of what we earn, shows gratitude for God’s provision. It teaches us to honor God as the source of our wealth.
The Blessings of Generous Offerings
The Bible also talks about giving generously. In the New Testament, we learn about the spiritual benefits of giving. As we understand God’s heart for giving, we find joy and freedom in following His financial wisdom.
Why We Give: The Heart Behind Tithes and Offerings
The Bible makes it clear that tithes and offerings are important to God, but it’s not just about the money. God cares about our hearts. When we give, we show our trust in God’s provision and our love for others. It’s a way to partner with God in His work on earth. Whether it’s supporting our local church, helping the poor, or spreading the Gospel, our giving makes a difference.
Giving also helps us grow spiritually. It teaches us to put God first, to trust Him with our finances, and to be generous like He is. God doesn’t need our money, but He wants our hearts. And when we give with joy and thankfulness, we are blessed in return.
We are called to honor God with our wealth. These 12 scriptures help us understand God’s view on giving. They give us a strong foundation for our faith.
Old Testament Teachings on Tithing
Tithing, as a practice, has deep roots in the Old Testament. The word “tithe” literally means a tenth, and it refers to giving one-tenth of what you earn or produce back to God. This wasn’t just a random act of generosity; it was a command given to the people of Israel as a way to honor God and recognize His provision in their lives. The act of tithing was about acknowledging that everything they had was ultimately from God. This principle is still relevant for Christians today, as it provides a guide on how to give back to God from the blessings we receive.
The Law of Moses and the Tithe
In the Law of Moses, the Israelites were commanded to tithe as part of their covenant with God. Leviticus 27:30 instructs the people to give a tenth of the produce of their land, whether grain or fruit, as it belongs to the Lord and is considered holy. This wasn’t just about giving leftovers; they were to give the best of what they had. The tithe was to support the Levites, who served in the temple, and to ensure that there was provision for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners living among them. This practice shows the importance of giving back to God in a structured and meaningful way, emphasizing that all we have comes from Him.
By giving the first and best portion to God, the Israelites demonstrated their trust that God would continue to provide for their needs. This is a lesson that resonates even today, reminding us that when we give to God, we are expressing our trust in His ability to care for us.
Wisdom from the Prophets on Giving
The prophets of the Old Testament also spoke about tithing and giving, often reminding the people of God’s blessings and calling them to be faithful in their giving. In Malachi 3:10, God issues a powerful challenge to His people: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” He says, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough to store it.”
This is one of the few times in the Bible where God invites His people to test Him. It shows that God not only cares about our obedience in giving but also wants to bless us for it. When we give faithfully, God promises to provide abundantly in return. The prophets repeatedly called the people back to faithfulness in their giving, showing that God’s blessings often followed acts of generosity and trust.
New Testament Perspectives on Offerings
The New Testament expands upon the Old Testament teachings on tithing and offerings. With the coming of Jesus and the apostles, a new era of grace and freedom began, including in the area of giving. The New Testament doesn’t focus as much on the law of tithing but emphasizes the heart behind the act of giving. Offerings in the New Testament are often given freely, out of love and gratitude, rather than as an obligation.
In the Gospels, Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing but criticizes the Pharisees for focusing only on the rules while neglecting more important matters of justice, mercy, and faith. In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus praises the poor widow who gave two small coins, which was all she had, in contrast to the rich people who gave out of their abundance. Jesus shows that what matters most is not the amount we give but the spirit in which we give. This example encourages Christians to give sacrificially and from the heart, trusting that God values our offerings, no matter how small.
The apostle Paul also offers valuable teachings on giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, he writes, “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.” Paul stresses that giving should come from a place of joy, not out of a sense of obligation or pressure. It is about contributing willingly to the work of God and helping those in need.
Warning Against the Prosperity Gospel
In the New Testament, there is also a clear warning against the dangers of giving with the wrong motives. Some teachings today, often referred to as the “prosperity gospel,” suggest that giving will automatically lead to financial wealth and success. However, the New Testament makes it clear that our giving should not be motivated by a desire to get rich but should come from a heart that wants to honor God and help others.
In fact, Jesus often spoke about the dangers of focusing too much on wealth. In Matthew 6:19-21, He says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Giving is meant to be a way of worshiping God and expressing gratitude for His grace in our lives, not a tool for personal gain.
Practical Wisdom for Financial Stewardship
The Bible teaches us not only about giving but also about how to manage our finances wisely. Stewardship, the careful and responsible management of the resources God has given us, is a key biblical principle. Financial stewardship means that we are responsible for using our money in a way that honors God, supports our families, and helps others.
Tithing and giving are part of this responsibility, but so is saving, avoiding debt, and using our money in ways that reflect God’s values. Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” This verse teaches us the importance of planning and saving, so we are prepared for the future and able to give generously when opportunities arise.
Balancing Generosity and Responsibility
The Bible presents a balanced view of money. It encourages us to be generous, but also to be responsible. We are called to give freely, yet at the same time, we must manage our finances wisely. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul advises the wealthy to be generous but also to be humble, reminding them that their hope should be in God, not in their riches. He encourages them to do good and be rich in good deeds, showing that the true value of wealth lies in how it is used to bless others.
This balance between generosity and financial responsibility is important. Christians are called to give sacrificially, but we must also take care of our families and plan for the future. This teaches us that we can honor God with our giving while also managing our resources in a way that reflects good stewardship.
The Spiritual Significance of Giving
Giving is more than just a financial transaction; it has deep spiritual significance for Christians. When we give, we are participating in God’s work in the world, whether it’s supporting the church, helping the poor, or spreading the Gospel. Giving is an act of worship that shows our trust in God and our love for others.
In Matthew 6:3-4, Jesus teaches that our giving should be done in secret, without seeking recognition. This reflects the heart of true generosity—giving not to be seen by others, but to please God. When we give in this way, we grow spiritually, becoming more like Christ, who gave everything for us.
Cultivating a Heart of Generosity
True generosity is not about how much we give, but about the spirit in which we give. The Bible calls us to cultivate a heart of generosity, one that reflects God’s own heart. God is the ultimate example of generosity. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” God’s gift of His Son is the greatest example of sacrificial giving, and we are called to follow His example by giving to others.
When we give from the heart, we experience joy and freedom. Generosity changes us, making us more compassionate, more aware of the needs of others, and more connected to God’s work in the world.
Overcoming Obstacles to Tithing and Giving
Many Christians face challenges when it comes to tithing and giving. For some, the teachings of the prosperity gospel have created confusion, leading them to believe that giving should result in material wealth. For others, financial difficulties make it hard to give. Still, others may see tithing as just another rule to follow, rather than an act of worship.
To overcome these challenges, it’s important to remember the biblical teachings on giving. Tithing and offerings are not meant to be burdens but blessings. They teach us to trust God with our finances and to give from a place of faith and love. Money worries can tempt us to hold on tightly to our resources, but the Bible encourages us to trust God and find a balance that allows us to give generously while managing our finances responsibly.
Inspiring Stories of Faithful Givers
Throughout the Bible and church history, we see examples of people who gave generously and trusted God to provide. King David gave generously for the building of the temple, acknowledging that everything he had was from God. The prophet Malachi speaks of the Israelites continuing to tithe, even when times were hard, trusting that God would provide for them.
Perhaps the most famous example is the widow in Mark 12:41-44, who gave two small coins—everything she had. Jesus praised her, not for the amount she gave, but for her willingness to give out of her poverty. This story shows us that God values the heart behind our giving, not the size of the gift.
Church history is also full of inspiring examples of generosity. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, gave away most of his income to help the poor. He believed that Christians should live simply so they could give more to those in need. His example continues to inspire believers today to live generously and give joyfully.
Conclusion: Let’s Give With a Cheerful Heart
Tithes and offerings are a way for us to show our love for God and others. The 12 scriptures we’ve looked at today remind us that giving is a blessing, not a burden. God promises to take care of us when we trust Him with our finances. He doesn’t want us to give out of guilt or fear, but with a cheerful heart.
So, as you consider your tithes and offerings, remember these promises from God. He sees your generosity, and He will bless you for it. Let’s give joyfully, knowing that our giving is making a difference in the world and in our own lives.
FAQs
What does tithe mean in the Bible?
A tithe means giving 10% of your income to God. It’s a way of showing thankfulness and trust in God’s provision.
What’s the difference between tithes and offerings?
Tithes are a set percentage (usually 10%) of your income, while offerings are any gifts you give beyond that, out of love and generosity.
Why should Christians give tithes and offerings?
Christians give because it shows trust in God, helps support the church and those in need, and brings spiritual blessings.
Is tithing still required in the New Testament?
While the New Testament doesn’t command tithing, it encourages generous giving. Tithing is a good guideline for giving, but the heart behind it matters most.
What happens when you don’t tithe?
Not tithing doesn’t mean you’re cursed, but giving generously allows you to experience God’s blessings in new ways.
How can I give if I don’t have much money?
God doesn’t expect us to give more than we can. Give what you can, and remember, God values your heart more than the amount you give.
