Tithing FAQ's

Many people are unclear about tithing. We have addressed some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ's) on this page, however, should your question not be addressed, here's the link to our Comment Form Where you can ask your specific question.

  1. What is a tithe?
  2. What is the purpose of the tithe?
  3. Why 10 percent?
  4. What is "spiritual food"?
  5. What if I receive spiritual food from several places?
  6. What if those I tithe to don't need it or don't use it the way I want them to?
  7. Do we tithe gross or net?
  8. What if my partner (spouse/family) doesn't believe in tithing?
  9. When do I tithe?
10. What do I tithe on?
11. How do I tithe on gifts (not money)?
12. God doesn't need my money. Why should I tithe?
13. What is the promise?
14. What about people who tithe and don't prosper?
15. Did Jesus teach tithing?
16. How do I overcome my fear of tithing?
17. What about people who don't tithe and seem to prosper any way?
18. Is it OK to tithe 1 percent or 5 percent? Do I have to tithe 10 percent?
19. What if I can't pay my bills now? How can I tithe?
20. Can I be excused from tithing?
21. Are gifts to charity considered tithes?
22. Do churches tithe?

The word tithe means a tenth.
To tithe is to return 10 percent of all we receive (our increase) to the person, place or institution where we have received spiritual food. I believe that one should tithe of their talent (received from God), their time (provided by God) and their treasure.
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The purpose of your tithe is to acknowledge that God is the source of your good. The purpose of a tithe is not to build churches or to pay ministers' salaries although tithes do help to do these and other good things.
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The first recorded tithe in the Bible discussed in Genesis 14 when Abraham took his tithe to his spiritual teacher, Melchizedek. We are not told why 10 percent, only that it is a tithe meaning 10 percent.
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Spiritual food is that which inspires us, teaches us, reminds us of the Truth; causes us to remember who we are.
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It's perfectly acceptable to split your tithe and send a portion of it to all those persons, places and institutions, which have fed us spiritual food.
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Our tithes must go to those who have fed us spiritual food. We must not earmark it, suggest how it is to be used and most certainly not consider whether they are rich or poor. That is not our concern. Our concern is to acknowledge God as our source by giving 10 percent to those who feed us spiritual food.
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The answer is found in the question, "Do you want to prosper a little or a lot?" Emerson says that we cannot out give God. As an individual one should Tithe on gross. When a business tithes it should be on the "increase" to the person, place or institution where it has received its spiritual food.
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We are responsible for obeying spiritual laws as we understand them. It is appropriate for you to share with your partner your commitment to tithe and ask your partner what portion of the income is yours to tithe on.
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The sooner we tithe on income received, the sooner we receive more. You may choose to write your tithe checks and send them out immediately after receiving income. If you have a regular place of worship, you may take your tithe to the ministry for class or worship service.
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Everything you receive. Salary, bonuses, interest, monetary gifts, borrowed money; sale of house, money found, inheritance --- everything! I believe that one should tithe of their talent (received from God), their time (provided by God) as well as their treasure.
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Hold in mind that there is no such thing as personal property. Gifts then are yours to use and enjoy and pass on when you are through with them. You are the temporary steward of property. Enjoy and share.
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Of course, God doesn't need your money. You need to give! Tithing is a beginning discipline in giving and receiving.
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"Bring all the tithes into my storehouse that there may be food in my house, and prove me now in this, ..., and I will open the windows of heaven for you and shall pour out blessing for you until you say, It is enough." Malachi 3:10 (Lamsa Bible)
When we tithe, we prove God in our life and the windows of heaven open for us.
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The windows of heaven open for us in the ways that we are willing to have them open. We must ask for what we desire and expect to receive.
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No. Jesus did not need to teach tithing because it was so much a part of his religious heritage that it was taken for granted.
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Once you allow yourself to receive light you can give light. The simple answer: by tithing.
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While there are those who may have mastered money (in childhood or, possibly, previous lifetimes), Money alone is not true prosperity. Prosperity includes perfect health, satisfying relationships, right joyous work and financial abundance. ("Judge not," Mat.7:1)
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The word tithe means "tenth." Anything less than 10 percent is not a tithe; it's a gift and does not fulfill the law. All giving is good, however, and opens the way for greater receiving.
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By asking this question I would humbly suggest that its time for more "spiritual food." However, unless you tithe, you probably will never be able to pay your bills. Tithe first and trust God to assist you in paying the bills. Remember, God is your source. Be responsible about money and refuse to create debts that you feel guilty about. Ask for, and seek, wisdom.
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I'm retired (on welfare, not working, etc.) and I'm on a fixed income, it is because you "fixed" it. No one is excused from obeying spiritual law. Lack of faith will cause you to justify not tithing, but that thinking will keep you from your unlimited good.
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No. A tithe goes where you are fed spiritually.
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