Tithing—Do Christians Have To?

Tithing—Do Christians Have To?

Money always tests the heart. For centuries, many churches have taught that Christians are required to tithe—give ten percent of their income—as a binding law. But what does the New Testament actually teach? Scripture shows that while generosity is central to Christian discipleship, the Mosaic tithe is not imposed on believers in Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Old Covenant Tithe

Under the Mosaic covenant, Israel was commanded to give a tenth to support the Levites and temple service (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:21). There were also festival tithes and provisions for the poor, so Israel’s total giving often exceeded ten percent. These laws were tied to the land, the priesthood, and the temple.

We Are Not Under the Law

Paul is explicit: “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14, NASB)The tithe belonged to that old covenant economy. With Christ’s sacrifice, believers are freed from ceremonial requirements and invited into Spirit-led generosity.

The Misuse of Malachi 3:10

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” (Malachi 3:10, NASB)

This verse is often preached as a Christian mandate. But Malachi addressed Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness at the temple. Applying it as a universal tax on the church overlooks the cross, where Jesus fulfilled the Law and its curses.

“But the Tithe Was Before the Law”

Some argue that tithing is binding on Christians because Abraham and Jacob tithed before Moses. It is true that:

“And he gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis 14:20, NASB) – Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek.

“Of all that You give me I will assuredly give a tenth to You.” (Genesis 28:22, NASB) – Jacob vowed a tenth to God.

But these were voluntary acts of worship, not ongoing commands.

Scripture nowhere presents them as a universal law for God’s people.

Even if tithing existed before the Mosaic covenant, that does not create a New Testament requirement. Other ancient practices—like polygamy—also predate the Law, yet the church rightly rejects them as norms for Christian life. Pre-Law occurrence does not equal a New Covenant command.

The New Testament standard is Spirit-led generosity, not a fixed percentage:

“Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NASB)

This means Abraham’s and Jacob’s examples can inspire generosity but cannot be used to impose a legal tithe on the church.

Generosity in the Early Church

If the tithe is not commanded, what replaces it? The book of Acts gives the answer:

“And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.” (Acts 2:44–45, NASB)

“For there was not a needy person among them, because all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:34–35, NASB)

The early church’s giving was not a legal minimum but radical generosity, powered by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus and the Heart of Giving

Jesus never commands a tithe for His followers. Instead, He praises sacrificial giving from the heart:

“And He looked up and saw the wealthy putting their gifts into the treasury. But He saw a poor widow putting in two lepta coins. And He said, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all contributed to the offering from their surplus; but she, from her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.’ ” (Luke 21:1–4, NASB)

In another key text, He warns: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24, NASB). True worship is measured by surrender, not percentages.

The Power of the Holy Spirit and Generosity

The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23, NASB). Generosity flows naturally from this fruit. Paul captures the new-covenant principle:

“Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NASB)

Practical Giving to Strengthen Your Church

Grace does not mean passivity. If we gladly support the things we want to thrive—whether favorite causes, sports teams, or local businesses—how much more should we invest in the Body of Christ, the very family that feeds us spiritually.

“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” (Galatians 6:6, NASB)

“The Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14, NASB)

Practical ways to live this out:

• Regular, Intentional Giving: Decide a consistent amount or percentage as a spiritual discipline of generosity, not as a tax.

• Support Beyond Money: Volunteer time, share professional skills, and pray for your church’s mission.

• Fund Gospel Work, Not Just Buildings: Direct giving to ministries that preach Christ, serve the poor, and disciple new believers.

Healthy churches become strong sending centers when their members give faithfully. Your generosity ensures that the Word, worship, and witness of Jesus flourish in your community and beyond.

Theological Reflection

Christian giving is a grace, not a tax. The old tithe pointed forward to the greater reality: hearts transformed by the gospel. Far from lowering the bar, grace raises it—calling believers to joyful, Spirit-driven generosity that often goes well beyond ten percent.

Connection to Christ – The Generous Savior

Jesus Himself is the ultimate Giver:

• “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NASB)

• He gave not a portion but His very life. Our giving mirrors His self-emptying love.

Christ-Centered Conclusion

Christians are not under the Old Testament tithe. But filled with the Holy Spirit and inspired by the self-giving Savior, we are called to something greater: sacrificial, cheerful generosity that meets needs, funds mission, and glorifies God.

All Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.