Tithe means A Tenth. Tithe play a crucial role in the life of the Christians because this is the law given by God for everyone. According to the legislation of the Bible one-tenth of our income must be given to God. (Levites 27:30) says, “A tenth of all crops belongs to the Lord. This means that the crops from fields and the fruit from trees, a one-tenth part belongs to the Lord, which is holy unto the Lord.
(Deuteronomy 14:23) “Then you must go to the place the Lord chooses to be with the Lord your Almighty God. At that location, you will eat the tenth of your crops – one tenth of your grains, your new wine, your oil, and the first animals born in your herds and flocks. And In this way, you will always remember to fear the Lord your God Almighty.” This is the reason to always put God first in your lives.
Jacob’s promise to God for tithe
In the whole Bible, no one promises to God for Tithe, but Jacob is the only one who promises with The God. In (Genesis 28:22) says, “Am setting this stone up as a memorial stone. It will show that this is a holy place of God, and I will give God one – tenth of all he gives me.’’
Law of tithing
- Tithes for Levites – (Levites 27:30-34; Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 14:22).
- Tithes of Levites to high priest – (Numbers 18:25-28) (Nehemiah 10:38).
- Tithes of all Israel every 3rd year for the Levites, the poor, and Strangers (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 26:12-15).
Reward for Giving tithe (Malachi 3:10-12)
- Good things will come to you like rain falling from the sky. And surely you will have more than enough of everything.
- I will not let pests destroy your crops.
- All your grapevines will produce grapes.
- People from other nations will be good to you. For you will have a wonderful country.
Comparison of Tithe in Old Testament and New Testament
Old Testament talks about one – tenth of your total income. But New Testament says the person who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Means no limit will give much will get much. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Says “Remember this: the one who plants few seeds will have a small harvest. But the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest.” And the verse is (Luke 6:38) says, “Give it to others, and surely you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands – more than you can hold. For you will be given so much that it will spill into your laps. The way you give to others is the way the God will give to you.”
Ananias and Sapphira’s Lie
If we see a little story written in (Acts chapter 5:1-11). This story is about Ananias and Sapphira. There was a man named Ananias. And His wife’s name was Sapphira. Ananias sold some land he had, but he gave only part of the money to the apostles. He did secretly keep some of the money for himself. His wife knew this and agreed with it. Peter said, “Ananias why did you let Satan fill your mind with such an idea? And kept part of the money for yourself and lied about it to the Holy Spirit! Before you sold the field, it did belong to you, right? And even after you have sold it, you could have used the money in any way you wanted. How could you even think of doing such a thing? You do lie to God but not to us!” when Ananias heard this. He fell and died some men came and wrapped Anania’s body. They carried it out and buried it. And everyone who did hear about this was filled with fear. About three hours later his wife came in. Sapphira was not familiar about what had happened to her husband. Then Peter asked her, tell me how much money you got on the field. Was it this much?” Sapphira answered Peter, “Yes, obviously that was all we got on the field. Peter said to her, “why did you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Now Listen! Do you hear those footsteps? All men who buried your husband are at the door. And they will carry you out in the same way.” And just at that moment Sapphira was fallen at his feet and died. The all Young men came in and saw that she was dead. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Morally, we must not cheat the Lord God Almighty. (Malachi 3:8-9) “People should not steal things from God. But would have given one-tenth of their things. Must have given special gifts. But in this way, the whole nation has stolen things from the Lord”.
Well, Personally I give my tithe to my Church priest and is blessed by the Lord abundantly.