Is Tithing Required for Christians Today, Especially When Money is Tight?
Introduction
The question of tithing—giving 10% of one’s income to the church—becomes particularly difficult when financial resources are strained. The pressure to meet a fixed percentage can cause anxiety, leading some to view giving as a magic formula or a rigid debt to be repaid.
The Christian approach to giving must be rooted in the New Covenant of grace, which frees us from legalistic obligation while simultaneously calling us to a higher, more joyful standard of generosity.
Main: Three Principles for Giving in Times of Scarcity
The Christian must understand the shift from Old Covenant law to New Covenant principles, especially when deciding how to handle limited finances.
1. The Principle of Generosity, Not the Law of the Tithe
Christians should understand that the 10% tithe was part of the Old Testament Law given to Israel, used to support the Temple and the Levitical priesthood (Leviticus 27:30).
Freedom in Christ: No verse in the New Testament commands a strict, mandatory 10% of gross income for Christians. Instead, the focus shifts entirely to the attitude of the heart and the principle of sacrifice.
Cheerful and Willing: The key command for Christian giving is found in Paul’s instruction: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The emphasis is on cheerfulness and willingness, not a compulsory percentage. Giving out of fear or compulsion, even if it is 10%, violates the spirit of this command.
2. The Command to Give Proportionally and Sacrificially
While a percentage is not mandatory, the principle of giving is still central to the Christian life, and we are called to give in proportion to what we have received.
Proportional Giving: Paul instructed the Corinthians: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The amount is determined by the degree of blessing—the better off you are, the more you are expected to give.
Sacrifice in Scarcity: Even those with little are called to generosity. Jesus praised the poor widow who gave her last two small coins, noting that she gave “out of her poverty” (Luke 21:3-4). This teaches that the size of the sacrifice matters more than the size of the gift.
3. Wisdom for Tight Finances (Prioritizing Stewardship)
If money is truly tight—meaning you are struggling to cover basic necessities like rent, food, or essential medical care—your primary biblical mandate shifts to wise stewardship of what God has provided.
Prioritize Needs: God expects us to be responsible stewards who provide for our families. "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). When finances are desperate, the wise and biblical choice is to use the resources you have to meet the basic needs of your household first.
The Spirit of Generosity Remains: Even if the amount you give is currently $1 or $0, you should maintain the attitude of generosity. Commit to being generous with your time, service, and prayers until your financial situation stabilizes. Pray for wisdom on a proportionate amount you can give willingly, and trust God with the outcome.
Conclusion
God does not need your money, but He wants your worshipping heart. Do not let fear of legalistic judgment overshadow the grace of Christ.
When money is tight, pray diligently for wisdom. If you can give a small, cheerful, and sacrificial amount, do so. If you truly cannot meet basic needs while giving, trust God to honor your intention and your need for wise stewardship. Your ultimate security is in God’s provision, not in your performance of a rule.
