Bible Question:
Is it right when you tithe to be able to get a tax credit? I mean what do you do with the money you get beck? Shouldn't you give that money as well? Also I have searched here on tithing and my question still is : Do you tithe money and time? And what if you tithe and you cannot meet your bills? I know you should have faith that God will take care of you. But what if you are gonna end up on the streets if you do tithe? I am a Christian young in my walk with Christ and these questions are really tugging at me. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Fritzygirl001! You have probably already noticed that you will receive many different responses on the issue of tithing. :-) Allow me to add yet one more! Here is how I would advise someone in your situation. 1) Tithing is not commanded in the New Testament. Don't take my word for it. Look it up! You will not find a single place where Christians are commanded to tithe. In fact, in the Old Testament, the tithe was to be paid into the temple treasury. Do you have a temple any where near you? ;-) 2) Giving is commanded of Christians in the New Testament. 3) God will bless you when you give. It is not a magic formula like the faith teachers try to make it, but you cannot out give God. 4) So, make your giving a matter of prayer. Tithing is an excellent starting point. Ask God to help you get to the place where you can tithe. Start where you can and build on it as God provides. For a time, I was not able to tithe. I made it a matter of some serious prayer. We started out small, and have been able to adjust it up ever since. I can honestly say that I am in better financial shape now than I was before, and we are able to give about 15 percent now. 5) Give cheerfully, not out of duty. As far as tax breaks are concerned, if you have paid your tithe why would God be upset if you also receive a tax break for doing it? I believe you would simply be practicing good stewardship. The tax break doesn't change the fact that you paid your tithe in full does it? :-) Now, most denominations make tithing an expected part of membership. If you become a member of a local congregation, and tithing is expected of members, than you should honor your word and support your local congregation. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |