Do you have to give the church 10%?

Do You Have to Give the Church 10%?

The practice of tithing has been a cornerstone of faith for many centuries. Giving 10% of one’s income to the church is seen as a mark of faith and obedience. But do you have to give the church 10%? In this article, we will explore the scriptures, history, and church teachings to answer this question.

Do You Really Have to Give 10%?

The first thing to understand is that the concept of tithing originated in the Old Testament. Leviticus 27:30 says, "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." This 10% was seen as a way for the Jewish people to demonstrate their dedication to God and to give back to the community. However, with the death and resurrection of Jesus, the old covenant was changed, and new principles replaced the old. Mark 12:17, "Hear what the Spirit says to you," shows that Jesus changed the focus of giving. Instead of giving a fixed percentage like 10%, we should give from the overflow of our blessings (Malachi 3:10).

Don’t Make Tithing a Requirement

In conclusion, the requirement to pay 10% of everything you make to the church is an old covenant promise that no longer applies under the new covenant. Give from the overflow of your blessings, not from obedience to a set percentage, and make sure you consider the teachings of Jesus for guidance.