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More on Tithing - What the practice of tithing means to more Thrivent readers.
Regarding tithing, prior to setting up of the law covenant, there were two instances of tithing. The first was Abraham giving Melchizedek one tenth of the spoils of his victory over the Chedorlaomer, and the second was Jacob, who vowed to give one tenth of his substance at Bethel. These were both voluntary giving. Later God gave Israel tithing laws specifically for the use of the Levites who had no inheritance to the land. The Levites, in turn, gave one tenth of what they received to the Aaronic priesthood for their support. Under the law there was no penalty for refusing to tithe. However, at the end of the three-year tithing cycle, they were to pledge to God hat they had paid the proper tithe, and if they didn’t pay the proper tithe, it was considered stolen from God.
By the first century CE, the Pharisees and the scribes were making a big show of what they tithed. Christ criticized them for calling attention to their meticulous giving while at the same time disregarding the “weightier matters of the law.” At no time were first-century Christians commanded to pay tithes. Instead of giving fixed amounts, Christians 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.” The apostle Paul set an example in seeking to avoid bringing an undue financial burden on the congregation at 1 Thessalonians 2:9.
—Gene Somers
Presque Isle, Wisconsin
When my husband and I were first married, we decided to tithe. In less than six months, our income more than doubled! After joining a new church a couple of years ago, we continued to be faithful. We had lost nearly everything to Hurricane Katrina, but our hearts knew that it was just stuff—God was our portion and always would be. As our tithing increased, God kept the blessings pouring in. We continue to pray that God will help us become wiser stewards of all that we have. There is no amount too small in God’s eyes. Tithing is a journey of faith.
—Paige Pankow
Slidell, Louisiana
I have tithed ever since receiving my first dime for an allowance and still tithe to this day. It is such a joy to give back to God a fraction of what He’s given me, and He always opens His abundant storehouse of blessing.
—Kristine Calaway
Wheat Ridge, Colorado
I was taught to tithe my babysitting money, which I could then use to pay for Luther League retreats and eventually national youth gatherings. This habit continued into adulthood. My spouse has adopted the tithing habit now as well, and it has never proven to be a hardship for us. We are not wealthy but we are rich in blessings and generous in giving.
—Susan Redman
Appleton, Minnesota
Tithing means being obedient. My husband and I have tithed faithfully for more than 10 years. We live entirely on my husband’s income so that I can stay home with our two children. While our budget nearly squeaks it’s so tight, there has never been a time when a bill has gone unpaid or we have done without! In the midst of us honoring God by giving Him His tithe, He honors us and provides ever so faithfully.
Tithing also means faithfulness. We trust God to keep the multitude of promises He gives us in His Word when we are faithful to Him. He has never been unfaithful. It all belongs to Him!
—Heather Dempski
Little River, South Carolina
We do not tithe, but every year when we budget, we strive to increase the amount we give to our church and charities. However, I volunteer a large amount of time (up to 1,000 hours per year), which can be even more valuable. Our pastor thinks that Jesus advocates a more free and radical willingness to share all we have at His Word.
—Peter Zierz
Raleigh, North Carolina
My wife and I have used tithing as a guide to our giving all of our married life, even when we were experiencing great financial difficulties. Our tithing was never dictated by any sense of legalism, or receiving some perceived reward. Our giving has always been out of gratitude to a loving God who already gave us everything through His sacrificial death, our baptism, and the sacrament of His body and blood. We can never give what He gave.
—Al Plyler
Phoenix, Arizona
When I was in the service, I obeyed my commanding officer. Jesus is my commanding officer here on Earth, and I obey Him. I have been a tither all my life, and it has been a blessed life.
—Jerry Schoenfeldt
Glendale, Wisconsin
I have my tithe automatically deposited into a separate account each payday. I do not put the full amount into my church’s collection but allocate a portion for other causes that I feel require my support. I also try to have a balance in the account to address emergency situations when I encounter them. What a blessing to have ready funds when I see a need to be addressed!
—Cynthia Scharf
Martinsville, Vermont
Tithing has been a part of my giving for many years—I am 91 years old. I have been more aware of it lately, as our church has encouraged its members to tithe their stimulus checks. The money would be used for World Hunger, local hunger needs and the church for its ministry. I feel that with tithing comes love, joy and many other blessings.
—Margaret Carlson
Amery, Wisconsin
The environment in which we live today is starkly different than Abraham’s. With taxes, medical insurance, unexpected costs, and just making a living, we come to the crossroads of a very important question: “How does one measure a tithe today?”
We’re not tied to a tithing system today as it was known so long ago, because we came under the protection of grace the moment our Lord began to walk the face of the Earth. I think the tithe, as it was known during Abraham’s time, is a goal that those of us who expect to enter the Father’s Kingdom should earnestly strive for, because it is an act of worship.
—Erwin L. Wiest
Aberdeen, South Dakota
My husband and I have tithed our whole married life—28 years. We started off with a very small tithe. Today our tithe check is what my husband’s whole check was back when we only tithed a small amount. Tithing is a smart thing to do—it shows us that our hearts are toward the Lord.
—Mary Ann Blade
Charlotte, North Carolina
Most people think that tithing is part of the Law. It is not; Abram initiated the tithe to Melchezidek. God has said that the first tenth was His, and when we acknowledge that, He would bless us and take care of us. It has sure happened that way in my life. I wouldn’t think of not tithing. Living in God’s order of things has stabilized my finances and my relationship with God.
—Julie Gast
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
My parents taught me and my siblings to tithe. I have tried to instill this in my children. I’m 49 and my goal is: Give 90 percent and live on 10 percent.
—Rose Detwiler
Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
I have been tithing for more than 15 years because I knew it was the right thing to do. At the time I started tithing, I was an administrative assistant with the federal government, and tithing was not financially easy. Shortly after I started tithing, I was selected for a professional position—with four subsequent promotions! When I reached my maximum level eight years later, I retired and started my own business contracting back with government agencies. I tithe on the gross, plus all benefits. I just can’t out-give God!
—Pauline Drechsel
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Tithing is the greatest thing as a Christian to bring you His wisdom and more faith in Jesus. Imagine if most or all Christians tithed. In the new covenant, Jesus doesn’t want just 10 percent; He wants it all for the Kingdom.
—Tom Duvel
Waukon, Iowa
My husband and I feel strongly about tithing. In fact, it has been almost 25 years since a stewardship drive challenged us to try increasing our giving to a 10-percent tithe. It has been a spiritual blessing. Have we been blessed with riches since? No. We have had times of unemployment and times of raises. But in all of this, we both truly feel that the 10 percent of our earnings isn’t ours—it’s God’s. Has it always gone to our church? No—it has sometimes gone to mission trips and hurting friends in areas like Kenya. But with all of this, it has helped us feel even closer to our Lord and Savior as we walk together in the good times and the more struggling ones.
—Nancy Rowe
Baldwin, Wisconsin
I have been a faithful tither for 28 years now. I would never even consider doing otherwise. I have had many ups and downs in life, but every time my back was to the wall, God came through for me. For example, I had a heart attack in September 2006. While I had no idea the heart attack was coming, God did, and two weeks before my heart attack, I had a windfall of $10,000 that carried me through the recuperation time after my heart attack. I have found firsthand that God is faithful to those who tithe with a heart of love and thanksgiving. We have to choose whether to trust in riches or in the Father of all creation.
—Mark Dawson
Mason City, Iowa
Tithing is very important to me. I didn’t used to tithe. I was in debt with credit cards and spending more than I was making each year. I wasn’t on a budget. I was making more than enough money to support myself but never seemed to have enough money.
I realized I needed to change the way I spent money. I put myself on a budget and started tithing. I always planned on giving 10 percent of my income to church but didn’t always do it. I’d put my money in the offering plate on the Sundays I was at my church and remembered to bring my envelope. But sometimes I was out of town or forgot my envelope or was a little short on cash that month, and I just wouldn’t give. I knew this had to change. I knew I had to start giving my first fruits. So each time I was paid I calculated 10 percent of my net income and wrote out the check that day before paying any other bills and put the check in my envelope and set it aside until I went to church. If I forgot it one week, I’d bring it the next. That was more than 15 years ago, and now I tithe more than 10 percent of my gross pay (even though I’m making much less) and have been debt-free for more than 10 years.
I believe I am reaping the benefits of the blessings of the Lord’s promises in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
—Jill Horn
Dixon, Illinois
Tithing is as old as the Old Testament; part of the reason for it then was to support the temple congregation, and therefore, the reason for 12 men to belong to the temple. I have tithed for years and have found that when one tithes, there is always enough left for whatever one needs. If I did not tithe, I would always wonder where the money would come from. When the first tenth of income is given to God, God provides for all other needs.
I am not wealthy. My total income from all sources is about $31,000. I give $3,000 per year to the congregation where I am a member and contribute minimally to three other congregations and charities to total about $3,400. In addition to that, I am providing total housing (rent and all utilities) to my daughter who has many life problems and is not good at managing money. Am I enabling? I’m sure I am, but I will not see her and my grandson on the street. This amounts to about $9,000 per year, so I am giving away well over 30 percent of my income each year.
I live in a very comfortable house (which I own with the bank), drive a car I bought new five years ago, have a good garden and many friends. I have always lived very frugally, but still have managed to travel to Europe five times and Russia once in the last 40 years. I do not eat in expensive restaurants, but entertain often. I do not go to the theater or attend expensive concerts. My life is full and happy. I know that people who do not tithe cannot understand how it can be done. I could not live comfortably if I did not. Those who do tithe know it works, but we may not know how, except by the Grace of God. In addition, I have, since the age of 12, kept record of every cent I have spent. I sometimes wonder where the money comes from, but I know where it has gone.
—Leonard Flath
Lansingburgh, New York
Tithing means obedience and giving back a token to show the Lord I recognize what He has given me! I believe if we all tithed, we would find that the cost of living would not be so out of hand! If we obey Him, He can bless us freely.
—Janet Palm
Daytona Beach, Florida
Forty years ago a very wise fellow church member told me about tithing. We were raising four young children in the Lutheran school system. She suggested we contribute 1 percent of our gross monthly income and write that check first. Of course, it was not difficult. She then suggested we increase it to 2 percent, 3 percent, etc. She was correct—we did not miss the gift and were able to increase it accordingly.
—Barbara Doerner
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
I began tithing as a teenager. My wife, Elizabeth, and I made that commitment in our marriage. Upon accepting the call to my first pastorate in northern California, the salary in 1958 was $250 per month, so we tithed $25 per month—not much to live on per month for a family of four. But the Lord provided for all of our needs and He has continued to do so, enabling us to tithe, give to our church’s building fund and contribute to missions each month. The tithe, missions and building commitment are the first checks written each month. We budget and live on the rest. The Lord is good!
—Robert Lokkesmoe
Salinas, California
I am in my mid 70s. When I look back, I had times I really struggled, especially as a single mom with three children. Once I learned to put God first by tithing, God always took care of everything else. I now live very comfortably. Tithing is the only way to go.
—Lynn Shannon
Stevensville, Maryland
I do not believe in tithing per se. I have never tithed but annually figure out what one tenth would be and what I have already given. It’s normally more than one tenth. We must strive to avoid forcing ourselves to tithe lest we do give out of a feeling of “have to” instead of freely from the heart.
—Michael Luce
Granbury, Texas
The practice of tithing means giving to the Lord a tenth of my earnings as well as using my talents to serve God. When I first became a single parent, I had no money to tithe (so I thought). I read Larry Burkett’s book “The Financial Guide for the Single Parent” and realized I needed to tithe. I started to tithe with $5 a week, then $10 and gradually increased my giving while trusting God to provide for our needs. During this time, I received many blessings from others (some anonymously) in the form of money, food and clothing that helped meet our needs. Thank God for his provisions!
—Rhonda Mullen
Holmen, Wisconsin
My respect for tithing stems from my profession as a self-employed CPA and preparing income tax returns. In my case, I set aside a percent of my income for retirement. My giving was proportioned but not at the 10 percent level. I am mostly retired and now at the required minimum distribution age, mandated by the IRS. This also gives me an opportunity to tithe in my retirement years. If done properly, the withdrawals can be directed to the church or charity with a positive income tax treatment. A second chance.
—Gordon Henke
Leawood, Kansas
I agree 100 percent with Richard N. Ostling who writes: “I never met or heard of anybody who tithed and didn’t become prosperous. There’s a magic in it.”
—Dorothy M. Christoph
Erie, Pennsylvania
My husband and I have been married for 35 years and were blessed with four healthy children. I was a stay-at-home mom and did some babysitting for extra income. With our quarterly offering reports from church, there was always a tithe sheet, showing your annual income, your offering and what percent you were giving each week. When I used to look at that sheet I’d think, “How can we afford to give 10 percent and still make it?” I would pay the bills and then give what was left to church.
Well, how foolish I was back then! As the children grew up and started leaving home, I decided to change my budget by putting my church offering first (10 percent of our paychecks). If only I had given my 10 percent first back then, I would have seen how our Heavenly Father works miracles today! He can stretch that paycheck to help you pay your bills, and guess what? There is usually some extra! Give as the Lord has given to you. You will see miracles.
—Judy Geiger
Brillion, Wisconsin
Until 1986, I gave 10 percent of my net income to the Lord. But in 1986, the Lord seemed to say, “Who are you to argue with me? Take it from the top (gross income).” I have done that ever since. I don’t believe in the new fad of “prosperity Christianity”—that the more you give, the more the Lord will give you. But I can say I have been blessed and never missed the money.
—H.K. Rahlfs
Fredericksburg, Texas
There are a lot of times as I sit in church and debate writing a check about whether I can afford it, since my checking account is becoming a little thin. Within the next week there is often a surprise check from some unexpected source that covers it, and more. The logical part of me says this is probably something that I knew on some subconscious level, but I like the spiritual explanation better and always say a fast “thank you” prayer.
—Murella Bosse
O’Fallon, Illinois
Unfortunately many LCMS full-time church workers, pastors, teachers, DCE, etc., have been taught that tithing is an Old Testament mandate that does not apply to New Testament believers. In Numbers 18:25-32, Moses presents God’s expectations of the Levites, God’s full-time church workers in Old Testament times, and closes with this comment: “…but you shall not profane the holy things of the people of Israel, lest you die.” Considering the consequences (“lest you die”) of rejecting God’s expectation that His workers should tithe, I would think we would insist on clear evidence in the Bible that the tithe has been canceled and is no longer required. This false assumption is killing our church, and this is sad because our rich heritage offers much to a lost world.
—Rev. Harvey Gerdes
Granite, Oklahoma
In our 59-year marriage, we have been blessed beyond measure with our four children as we have honored Him with our tithes through the ups and downs of farm life, experiencing His joy in our giving.
—Mrs. Roger Kopperud
Revere, Minnesota
I find it a good practice and very rewarding. It will say it was easier to move from 10 percent to 15 percent than it was to get to 10 percent in the first place.
—Dean Naugle
Salix, Pennsylvania
Note: Views expressed in these letters are not necessarily those of Thrivent magazine or Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
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