As a Christian, one of the fundamental teachings of the Bible is tithing. It is an act of giving back to God a portion of what He has blessed you with. Tithing is a spiritual obligation that forms an integral part of one’s faith. Many people, however, do not understand how to tithe correctly. They either do not tithe at all or do so inappropriately, which deprives them of the blessings that come with tithing. In this article, we will discuss how to tithe correctly.
What is Tithing?
Tithing is giving back to God a tenth of your income or produce. The word “tithe” comes from the Old English word “teōthian” which means “to give a tenth”. The practice of tithing can be traced back to the Old Testament, where Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). The Bible records instructions on how to tithe in Leviticus 27:30-33, Deuteronomy 14:22-29 and Malachi 3:8-12.
Why Do We Tithe?
God commands us to tithe in order to acknowledge that He is the source of all our blessings. Tithing helps us to put God first in our lives and teaches us to be grateful for what we have. In Malachi 3:10 the Lord says:
‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’
Thus, tithing opens the windows of heaven and attracts blessings into our lives. It also enables us to support the work of God on earth, such as the building of churches, the spreading of the gospel and the care of the needy.
How to Tithe Correctly
Tithing should be done with the right heart and motive. It should not be done grudgingly or out of compulsion, but rather as a joyful act of obedience to God. Here are some tips on how to tithe correctly:
1. Determine Your Income
The first step in tithing correctly is to determine your income. Your tithe should be based on your net income after taxes and deductions. Some people make the mistake of tithing on their gross income, which is not correct. Your net income is what you take home after all taxes and other deductions are made.
2. Calculate Your Tithe
Your tithe should be a tenth of your net income. For example, if your net income is $1000 per month, your tithe should be $100. If you receive income irregularly or have other sources of income, calculate your tithe accordingly.
3. Give Your Tithe First
One of the principles of tithing is giving your tithe first before any other expenditure. This shows God that you acknowledge Him as your source of provision. Do not wait until you have paid your bills or other expenses before giving your tithe.
4. Give Consistently
Tithing is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous act. You should tithe every time you receive income, whether weekly, fortnightly, monthly or annually. Giving consistently helps to build discipline and consistency in your spiritual life.
5. Give Cheerfully
God loves a cheerful giver. Your tithe should be given with a joyful heart and a spirit of thanksgiving. Giving grudgingly or under compulsion does not attract blessings.
In Conclusion
Tithing is an act of obedience to God that attracts blessings into our lives. By tithing correctly, we acknowledge God as our source of provision, support the work of God on earth and attract blessings into our lives. Giving our tithe first, consistently and cheerfully is key to tithing correctly. Let us all strive to tithe correctly and reap the blessings that come with it.
