What did Jesus say About Tithing?
The question around Jesus’ view on tithes has long fascinated Christians. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus clearly states ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ From this verse, we can conclude not only that Jesus supported the idea of tithing, but also that he acknowledged that it was an obligation, not only an option.
One explanation is that Jesus saw tithing as the perfect expression of love. We are to be obedient to God’s Word and display our respect and devotion to Him through the act of tithing. Tithing is surely about more than money, it’s about loving Him with all our hearts and displaying it in our daily lives.
This is further demonstrated through Christ’s words in Luke: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” A tithe is reflecting our faithfulness to God and a sign of our obedience and financial responsibility.
The act of tithing can also be seen as a way for us to show our love and moral responsibility for those around us, i.e. to care for the poor and widow. That is, what we offer up to God can be used not only as a symbol of our love and devotion, but a platform to better the world in which we live.
Jesus himself regularly spoke of the need to serve and meet the needs of those around us. In Matthew 25:31-46, he makes a great point about how we should treat others. All of which is to say, we should give as an act of service and as a way to honor and love God.
By the same token, Jesus also spoke of how our obedience and faithfulness should be such that it overcomes our reluctance to give. That is, fear of giving in terms of money, time, effort or otherwise should not be a barrier to worship.
Moreover, Jesus recognizes that it is impossible to out-give God’s response, and so tithing should be done with great joy and genuine thanks. To this effect, He says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “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.”
The Biblical Legacy of Tithing
One of the main implications of Jesus’ view on tithing is that the practice has a very long and strong biblical legacy. As far back as the Book of Genesis, we see Abraham tithing to sources outside of himself and doing so joyfully. This is also echoed through Exodus 35:5-29 which outlines the obligation for tithes and presents them as an expression of our love and devotion.
In other words, the practice of tithing is not a modern one, nor does it exist in a vacuum. Rather, it is a fundamental part of the Bible and has been observed for thousands of years. From the writings of ancient Israelites to the New Testament, there is an abundance of evidence indicating the practice of tithing and the strong belief that it is an expression of faith and loyalty.
Moreover, from the perspective of Jesus’ teachings, we can also come to the conclusion that tithing is a way of manifesting God’s care and faithfulness to both us and each other. That is, it is an expression of our love, devotion and expense of gratitude towards God and our fellow human beings. This further underlines the importance of this practice and reinforces the point that it should be done with gratitude, joy, and effort.
Furthermore, Jesus Himself speaks in Matthew 28:20 that, “where two or three of you are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of you”. This suggests that He is constantly with us, not just in terms of tithing but in all things and all aspects of life.
In this way, Jesus is asserting that we should bring Him into our everyday lives and always remember Him in our thoughts, actions, and intentions. From this, we can conclude that tithing should be a natural part of our lives, something we do with great regularity and with genuine love and respect for God.
The Benefits of Tithing
From a practical perspective, tithing has multiple benefits that could pave the way for a more prosperous life. For example, when one gives cheerfully, there is a genuine sense of purpose and fulfilment that captures one’s heart and fills them with joy. By the same token, it is also possible to receive blessings from God in return.
Moreover, there have also been reports of lncreasing financial wealth and improved physical health as a result of tithing. God promises to take care of those who are faithful to Him (Malachi 3:10) and through tithing it is possible to experience the fullness of His blessing.
Although it is likely true that God’s blessings are not only material but also spiritual, there is a certain aspect of comfort that comes with knowing that one is doing His will. That is, if we are faithful to Him and make the effort to tithe, we can receive His blessings in return.
Not to mention, tithing is a form of service that we can give to God, and this allows us to take part in His greater plan for all of us. It is clear, then, that there are many spiritual and practical benefits to tithing, and this is something we should always remember when considering Jesus’ words about the act.
At the same time, we should also note that tithing should not become a source of pride or a method by which one distinguishes themselves from other followers. Rather, it should be viewed as a means by which we can do our part in contributing to the betterment of our lives and communities. That is, our generous offerings can be channeled by the church to do good for the world in which we live.
The Purpose of Tithing
When it comes to tithing, the overall purpose is to better ourselves and the greater world. Not only does it serve to strengthen our relationship with God, but it also provides us with a way to make a tangible contribution our communities.
By actually seeing the work of our tithes and of our donations, we can more fully understand the power of our faith and what makes Christianity so unique and powerful. In fact, many stories and accounts exist that suggest the amazing work of tithing in changing lives.
At the same time, we must also keep in mind that it is not just the act of giving which is important, but also the spirit in which it is done. From the perspective of Jesus’ words, we can conclude that tithing should be done with love and devotion. That is, we must do it with such consistency and purpose that we display our love and commitment to God and to our fellow human beings.
Therefore, when we tithe, we should be reminded of the importance of doing so with a fullness of heart. It is only through this dedication and focus that we can truly understand the power and significance of our tithes and our relationship with God.
The Impact of Tithing
Considering the impact of tithing, it is clear that it is a powerful act that can bring about profound changes. Not only is it a way to voice our faith, but it is also a way to inspire and motivate those around us. This is further echoed in Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19 where He encourages us to “lay up treasures in Heaven”.
In other words, He is asserting that our money, resources and efforts should be directed towards positive and fulfilling causes. Through our tithes, we can channel this money and resources into causes that can genuinely bring about change and benefit the greater good.
In addition to this, through tithing we can also inspire others to give. This not only serves to increase the amount of money available for charitable and positive causes, but it also serves to inspire the idea of service and dedication in others. In this way, tithing can be seen as a powerful tool for influencing change and on a communal level.
At the same time, we must also keep in mind that it is not just the act of giving, but also the attitude in which we do it that counts. Tithing should always be done with a genuine and sincere heart, with the intention of giving our all unto God and to those He places in our lives.
Conclusion
Overall, there is no denying the power of tithing. Not only is it an act of dedication and service, but it is also a way of inspiring those around us and serving the greater good. Through Jesus’ teachings, we can come to the conclusion that it should be done with great love and enthusiasm, and should never be done out of obligation or fear. We should always remember the power of our prayers, and the power of our contributions to the works of the Lord.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
