How much do you pay in tithe?

Question

We are new to the entire church concept, and aren't sure what is appropriate for tithe. 10% was suggested, but that will not fit into our budget. So what do you pay really? Please tell me percentages, not amounts.

How much do YOU pay in tithe? This is not a general question, it is specific to each answerer. Thank you.

Answer 1

There is no way my family could afford 10% with raising our family on a single income. We pay what we can when we can. I feel we are doing the Lord's work by raising our family and taking care of them, particularly since we adopted two boys. I don't feel it is our duty or anything else to pay out 10%. I realize some feel that is expected but I think it is unreasonable for some families. If you can, great. If you can't, no. If you can give more than that, wonderful.

Our church did a lot of remodeling, too, and bought Bose speakers, a cross from Italy and very high ceilings in a northern state with very cold weather. Now they are crying over the huge mortgage and want each family to donate an extra $500. Excuse me but stupid and wasteful decisions are not my fault and I won't short my family over that.

We will give what we can but I make up for what we can't afford to give by donating my time where and when I can, too. Since it can be hard to get people to do that, I feel it is a very important thing to do, too. I help with our biggest fundraiser each year which helps a huge amount.

Do what you can and give what you can afford.

Answer 2

Tithing does mean 10%. However, read your bible carefully. ALL tithing was strictly for the farmers and herdsmen: Wine, wheat, grain (Lev. 27:30), lambs and other flocks (Lev. 27:32). Income was not tithed....so any income that Jesus the Carpenter might have earned in selling furniture (MK 6:3) or Paul the tent-maker (Acts 18:3) or any of the apostles/fishermen (MT 4:18) were NOT subject to the tithe.

Additionally, tithing was ONLY allowed in years 1, 2, 4, & 5 in a 7-year cycle: years 3 & 6 the tithe was left for the poor (Deut. 26:12) and any tithe whatsoever was strictly forbidden in the 7th year because it was always a year of sabbath for the land. So, if your pastor requires you to tithe -- or you voluntarily tithe during years, 3, 6 or 7, you are going against God's command.

Further, the tithes were to be enjoyed by the people themselves: Read Deuteronomy 14:22-25. God encourages the people to bring their tithes to Jerusalem -- or if it is too far to lug all of that stuff they were allowed to sell it and then to use the money for food, wine, any fermented drink and to make merry after they arrive in Jerusalem. Make sure, then, that your pastor actually allows you to enjoy what you bring before him.

Finally, the tithes were only for those living in the Promised Land. Those living in Babylon after the exile -- or in Rome or in Egypt were not required to tithe, of course. Can you imagine keeping all of that fruit fresh for a 90-day journey????? Would you really want to offer it to God at that point? Ewwwwwwwww!!!

Answer 3

As tithe originally meant the payment of 10% then that is the only percentage you can actually pay for it to be called a tithe.

Myself, I pay nothing as I'm an atheist

Answer 4

Your supposed to give 10% of your Net income, according to the Bible. Even if you can not afford it you are supposed to give anyway, because God will reward you in return. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually (maybe in heaven) you will see the benefits of your tithes.
The way i see it, personally, is God has given my family and I so much so in return I should give back to him. Everything I have and own has in some way come from God. It is only out of pure respect that I give back to him.
And also not to be rude, but Milana was asking a serious religious question, so if you are not sincere in your answer or if you do not even believe in God then don't answer. You have no authority on the question and if you dont go to church or read the Bible then you shouldnt even answer the question. In the end you just make yourself look ignorant.
Milana P.- just give what you can, as long as you give with an open heart. God Bless!!!

Answer 5

The church has taken the 10% figure from the Old Testament and applied it as a recommended minimum however this is what the New Testament says "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Answer 6

You should pay whatever you feel comfortable paying. 10% was the Old Testament Law, which Christians no longer really follow. You should give what you feel led to give (and remember though, that the church and pastor and family are supported by these tithes, it doesn't just magically run on it's own!)

Answer 7

The word tithe means a 10th if you do not give a tenth you are not tithing. The word says that ppl were robbing God in tithes and offerings. So in order to be in obediance you must pay tithe (10%) and offerings. It does not matter if it fits into your budget or not the tithe and offerings belong to the Lord and you are stealing from him if you do not pay them. And you will find yourself in disobediance and God can not bless disobediance.

take it from me if you are born again and you don't tithe God will not let you keep it your car will break down your washing machine will break etc etc.

But if you do tithe God will bless that.

Answer 8

10% of a dollar. When I heard about the whole tithe concept, I thought my budget would be off, but no way, I trusted God and I have more than I could ever dream or imagine. What God said is true, you can never out give God.

Answer 9

The tithe is technically 10% of your income. The tithe is essentially giving back to God and if you're really serious about this, it's not an option to just not give it. When you give the tithe you're showing your trust and obedience to God. This includes trusting that He will provide for you. Please go ahead and give the 10% and when you show your trust, He will give you provision. I know it's difficult, and a lot of people would not even consider giving that much, but when you that you trust Him, you will not lack financially.

Answer 10

I've been giving about 12% of my gross for many years now - ever since I got a regular job. Many folks who are 'new to the church concept' have real challenges with giving to the church the way they would like to... don't feel bad. But, I would suggest you start thinking through how you can make progress in that area. Cut expenses, sacrifice, eat out less, etc. - if you're married, it will take some effort, but God and the church are worth it.

II Corinthians 8:7 'But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.'