What Are Tithes And Offerings

Just what are Tithes and Offerings, especially with regards to God? Good question. Below is the short answer. The long version is between God and you.

Just to give you a heads up. If you are seeking to support this site, take a look at the last few paragraphs at the bottom of the page. The rest of this page simply discusses why you should not give to this site.

Biblical Based Tithing

The Bible’s Old Testament contains extensive rules around the giving of tithes. The Israelites were to return ten percent of their income back to God [Deuteronomy 14:22-23]. I use the term “back” since everything comes from God in the first place. In the past, the main sources of income were grain, olive oil, or animal stock. I live in a similar situation out west, but without the olive trees. In addition to the tithe, there were other taxes and fees, but that is another discussion.

Neither Jesus nor His apostles in the New Testament offer a strict tithing policy. Remember that during the time of Jesus living in Judiah, they were still operating under the Old Testament law. Most pastors would argue that the ten percent temple tithe still applies to the modern-day church. That too is another discussion.

The modern sense of a tithe is to give a portion of your income to your place of worship. What that percentage is, is between God and you. Only between God and you. It can begin with as little as 3-5 percent. However, keep in mind that the word tithe means a tenth part of something. Once you set the percentage, consider it etched in stone. While the amount given may change based on your income each month. the percentage of the total should not. Never forget that the point of the tithe is to honor God for all that He has blessed you with.

After Tithes, Next Comes Offerings

Next comes offerings. Although it may seem like it, tithes and offerings are not the same thing, nor are they interchangeable. The tithe takes precedence. Your place of worship receives the tithe payment. Offerings are a portion of your income you give once the tithe is complete. They are not based on a percentage of your income, they are simply what your heart tells you to give. With your offerings, you are simply blessing others as you are able.

The amount and where you give is up to you. It may still be given to your church, perhaps for the building fund or some other need. Perhaps an organization like the Red Cross or Samaritan’s Purse. It could even be someone whom you meet on the street that is homeless.

Then There Are Blessings

Several years ago, I was listening to a teaching from Andrew Wommack. He was discussing the importance of giving back and supporting organizations outside of your place of worship. The message really struck home. You should bless those who bless you. My wife and I have always tried to give to various organizations as our finances allow. We now apply that principle when selecting those places. Pastor Wommack’s ministry of course has been one of them.

With all of this in mind, I am offering you a way to bless me if I’ve blessed you. Let me be clear, I am not asking for money. God, and God alone, is sufficient for all my needs. But I also know He uses people like you and me to bless others. All I ask is that you consider those around you in need first. I am not a non-profit organization; you do not get a tax deduction for your donation. For that matter, this is also a not for-profit, I just hope to break even.

If after all this you still want to donate to help offset any site costs, click the button below. You will be redirected to PayPal to place the donation.

Finally, I am simply blessed that you share in my journey and that you keep me in your prayers.