Which would you pay first, your tithe or your rent?

Question

My Husband tithes first, which is something that infuriates me. God loves a cheerful giver, and I wonder how on earth can he be cheerful giving upwards of 300.00 a month knowing his wife is worried about bills esp the rent being paid and the kids being fed. We have five kids and twins on the way. Oh and please, I know all about faith, it's wonderful, but God wants us to be wise. It's foolish to think that "well, I have enough faith that if I quit my job today, God will still make sure that my rent in this extravagant apartment witll still get paid", that is just plain foolish to me. I had to cover the rent this month because tithing came first. What is going to happen when I stop working? Please, someone, anyone, give me advice, preferbly biblical verses about whether you should always tithe first before paying your rent, or feeding your kids? Everything I've researched about tithing shows that it was done as a form of punishment for the Pharisees, not a commandment for Christians?

To MamaDog, My husband was kind enough to marry me even though I had Four kids from a previous marriage. That man abused me mentally and physically, and told me that know one would want me with four children....Well, he is eating his words. My husband also had a son from a previous marriage, and when we got married he asked me to give him a child, we did not expect twins my dear, but either way it's a blessing. The bible even says that having a multitude of children is a blessing.

To some of the others-Thank you for your comments, but going to the Pastor is not an option. He judges those who do not tithe. Once he announced that someone only gave 60 dollars for the entire year. He frowned his face in disgust, and ridiculed the poor individual. So, as you can see, he probaly would condemn me to hell for approaching him for help.

Answer 1

I always pay tithe first, If your husband wants to tithe first that's him. Anyway, if he's paying upwards of 300 a month that means your making upwards of 3,000 a month. Some people are lucky if they can get $30.00 a month. Count your blessings girl.

Answer 2

The primary purpose of the tithing arrangement under the Law had been to support Israel’s temple and priesthood; consequently the obligation to pay tithes would cease when that Mosaic Law covenant came to an end as fulfilled, through Christ’s death. (Eph 2:15; Col 2:13, 14) It is true that Levitical priests continued serving at the temple in Jerusalem until it was destroyed in 70 C.E., but Christians from and after 33 C.E. became part of a new spiritual priesthood that was not supported by tithes.—Ro 6:14; Heb 7:12; 1Pe 2:9.
As Christians, they were encouraged to give support to the Christian ministry both by their own ministerial activity and by material contributions. Instead of giving fixed, specified amounts to defray congregational expenses, they were to contribute “according to what a person has,” giving “as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Co 8:12; 9:7) They were encouraged to follow the principle: “Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says: ‘You must not muzzle a bull when it threshes out the grain’; also: ‘The workman is worthy of his wages.’” (1Ti 5:17, 18) However, the
apostle Paul set an example in seeking to avoid bringing an undue financial burden on the congregation.—Ac 18:3; 1Th 2:9.
So since God loves a cheerful giver and we are no longer under the Mosaic Law,give what you can,when you can and God will be pleased with that.

Answer 3

You are right, tithing might be important but I really can't believe that God would rather you and your family live on the streets and give your $$ to the church then pay your rent and be a little short on tithing. I think it's just ridiculous to even think about not paying your bills before tithing.

The whole thing about the more i give the less i will have for the things i want is crap. This is not greed this is providing for your family. You are not being greedy by wanting a home, electricty, running water, etc. Don't listen to these people.

Answer 4

Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:26 ,Deuteronomy12:17 &14:22-29, 2Chronicles31:4-7, Nehemiah 10:37-39 &13:13, Matthew23:24, Luke11-41-43

Answer 5

I work as the Secretary of my church. I have my tithe taken from my check before I receive it. My Tithe comes first. But just in case anyone thinks that is making it too easy, I also minister to a youth group, help with Vacation Bible school, decorate the altar every week and put a little something in the offering plate when I can. Time is a form of tithe. Maybe your husband feels guilty for not spending more time on the Lord's work.
In your case though, I suggest your husband reduce his tithe and purchase CONDOMS!! SEVEN KIDS (when the twins are born)!!??!! The earth can only support so much life. Leave some room for the rest of us!

Answer 6

Pay the tithe first,Christ must ALWAY'S come first.You put Him first,everything else will fall into place.It's tough,it's difficult to live BY FAITH,but that's the only way we can please God(Bible say's without faith,it is impossible to please Him).I know it sound's easy,rolling this off my lip's,but i've been unemployed for over a year,cant get any unemployment,and yet GOD PROVIDES DAILY! The money comes literally supernaturally! I havent starved yet(house is paid for,praise God!)electric bill get's paid as well as other necessities! You need to find another church,your minister is more concerned with being greedy(which is a sin)then he is caring about people's soul's.In fact in 1 or 2 Timothy,your minister is DISQUALIFIED from the ministry due to the fact that he is a lover of money more than a lover of God.Keep the faith,hang in there sister!

Answer 7

I understand what you are going through with giving tithe, But i try to give 10% each week- I know that money is needed to run the church, but God takes care of my needs first- you will received gifts earthly and spiritually- and you will know it's from Him- I'm so sorry that you have a Minister who who would openly critized someone for not giving enough who knows maybe that's all they had- I hear that personal tithing is kept track of in some churches- which I think is wrong- i'm Catholic and we don't this that way.

Answer 8

I dont have any verses for u, but i completely understand what u are saying. I feel badly that you are going thru this. I have known many ppl that have been in the very same situation with their husbands..it is a struggle but the Lord would not want your children to go hungry ornot have the things that they need, the Lord would not want you all to be homeless..Perhaps have a meeting with the Pastor or minister of your church, that will surely help you husband see your pov more clearly.
Respectfully the Lord knows of allll of the familys efforts and willingness to serve,,He is an understanding God.
Things will work out fine!
Best wishes.

Answer 9

God helps those who help themselves. Tithing is mostly accepted as giving what you can spare after you account for your own survival. After all the bills are paid and the groceries are in the pantry, then see what's left to give. Most people only give around $20 a week and churches view this as quite fair.

Maybe talk to the pastor of your husband's church and see if you can get him to help you out.

Answer 10

By tithing first you are obeying God. And by obeying him, he in turn will make sure you are blessed and your needs be met.


Some might think, “The more I give to God the less I will have for what I want.” It is a problem with greed. With certain ones that may be the case. But, with the majority of those not tithing it appears to be a matter of a lack of trust. “The more I give to God the less I will have for what I need.” I have heard people say, “I can’t afford to give the tithe to God.” My answer to them is, “You can’t afford not to give the tithe to God.”