Should Tithe and Offerings Be Based On 10% of Net Earnings or Gross Earnings?

Originally the Tithe was for the support of the priests as they were given no inheritance with the twelve tribes of Israel. It was how they were sustained.

These verses may help you decide what you want to do:

Romans 12:8

if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

I believe that you give from your heart, not from a percentage. Many churches I fear use the scripture in Malachi to claim that if you don't give 10% that you have robbed God. Furthermore, many of the New Testament references are about giving to the poor.

I think we need to give from out of the love in our hearts to those in need-- and to those who spiritually bless us-

1 Corinthians 9:11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?

Be at peace and give from your own conscience...

The answer will vary from congregation to congregation, based on what the leader of the flock teaches. That's really what the answer is.

Interpretation of scripture regarding tithes is apparently open and speculative, or there would be a more uniform voice about whether a net or gross 10% should be offered.

In the end, it is one's own personal standing with God that counts, and what you do in that relationship that is important. If your understanding of the scripture is based on gross, then pay gross. If it's based on net, then pay net. If it's a combination of money offering and laboring in the Kingdom, then do that.

The widow's mite may not be viewed as much in some places, but not undervalued by God.

The Tithe should be 10% off of the gross earnings. We are giving God the first fruit of our increase and if you tithe off of the net, you gave the government the first not God. Now, that said if you are giving in fear or out of condemnation or from the wrong heart and without faith then you may as well not give at all. God gave us the money in the first place and He is only asking that we trust Him enough to give Him back a portion of that which He blessed us with. I have found that in trusting Him ... He keeps His promise and makes provision for me and sometimes I can't even figure out how it is that I have all that I need.

I believe that tithing does not need to involve only a monetary amount. For example, we have a lot of elderly widows in our congregation who are on a fixed pension. Because of high expenses associated with rent, utilities, food, etc. these women give their time to their church in the form of fundraising projects which results in a greater gift to the church than they ever would have been able to donate. The important thing with tithing is that if it doesn't come from the heart, you may as well not give it at all.

It depends what you mean by 'should'. If you choose to practice tithing, then it should be ten percent of your gross income, otherwise you are honouring the government above God by paying Caesar's protion first.

You may choose not to tithe because Christians are not under the law and may tithe or not freely. Galatians 3:10 & 13 says:

For as many as are out of works of the Law, these are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the Book of the Law, to do them...Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone having been hanged on a tree").

This freedom from the curse includes the curse mentioned in Malachi 3:9 against those who failed to tithe under the Law.

Nevertheless, tithing both pre-dates the law by several centuries and continued under the New Covenant as evidenced in Hebrews 7:5-9.

'And truly they who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priest, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the Law, that is, from their brothers, though they come out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. And here men who die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. And if I may say so, Levi, also, who receives tithes, paid tithes in Abraham.

Offerings are strictly speaking anything that isn't a tithe, and may vary as the believer feels led by the Spirit to give.

If a believer does not choose to tithe he is free to so choose, but he might like to consider Jesus' advice in Luke 16:10-11.

'He who is faithful in the least is also faithful in much. And he who is unjust in the least is also unjust in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust the true riches to you?'

We can't buy God's grace, earn his favour or pay for his love, but here he tells us that we can earn his trust.

If non-tithing is a principalled position based on a limited understanding of the Bible, that's fine by God who looks on the heart. But if it's just an excuse for stingyness (which Jesus calls an 'evil eye') then look out.

My journey has been a long and windy one. I too asked this question privately years ago before I realized the full implications of what I know today. Tithing is a human concept and God is so much bigger than that. God asks us to care for each other and to do our best for our fellow beings. If you gave 50% of either option but it didn't matter to you and it didn't touch your soul for the better, then you have given less than what God wants. To give freely of yourself - time, finances, love, respect and compassion is my understanding of what God wants from us - and the most wonderful things happen in your life when you do. Giving 10% of either without compassion is worthless in a faith journey (although I promise you, those of us working for starving Churches appreciate it and God will use these gifts to the upmost). Giving 10% of either without love and compassion will only make you resentful down the road - it will not - in and of itself - come back to you ten-fold just because. Andrew Carnegie said teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results, the church is one of the best examples. While many lose sight of the intent and give just so they can hold their head up on Sunday mornings, is sad. Supporting the church body and thus the church's resources with our tithes and offerings is one of the many ways church members work together to achieve more effective results in our covenant with God. Giving, in any form - if done with the right spirit - comes back to you time and time again.

The idea of tithing should be based on the Lord receiving the "first fruits". If you use the method of tithing it should be based on your gross earnings (the Lord receiving first) before the government gets its share.

Actually I beleive Green Tea-cher is factually incorrect. Other forms of charity do not negate the need to give a 10% tithe, which is based on your gross earnings, to answer the original question. And to Shirleybill, I do not believe paychecks were in existence at the time the Bible was written!

According to the Bible, you should give ten percent of the amount that you receive on your check for your tithes.

On the offerings, that can be any amount that you choose.

If you are Southern Baptist or any other strict type of brand OR if you go to a church with a multi-million dollar facility and you can't afford to go to the Men's Saturday Golf Outing because it is 'only' $100 greens fees and 'only' $25 extra if you want a cart and lunch costs you another $35 - then yes, definitely tithe off the gross.

Non-denominational, or other variety = net

Catholic = just play bingo and count that for Lord's money

Jewish = you gave enough already

Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist = it's up to you

Greek Orthodox = X%

Muslim = 10% - cab fare

Unitarian = take money out if no one is looking, it's okay

LDS = doesn't matter, we're in heaven already

JW = the more you give, the better your chances...

New Age = Why can't I use my debit card for this?

But seriously folks: the Lord loves a cheerful giver! If you feel convicted to give off the gross (if you are even asking the question) you know that the government calculates IT'S share off the gross, and everything else... You could fall back on "ten percent of all your increase" and say you weren't really increased the gross amount... I think if you tithe off the net, then you better tithe off your tax refund AND/OR if you tithe off the gross, then technically the refund has been tihed on already and you keep 100% of it. But just tithe something and God will be happier than if you tithe nothing.

Um, 10% to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter is a modern shift on that theme. Not preaching here, just sliding the offerings to those that may be a bit more in the need.

I believe tithing should not only be 10% of your gross earnings, but also yourself, your time, etc. At least 10% straight across the board.

I agree with Born Again 05; the Lord should get the first fruits.

Along similar lines, I have always wondered how the tax deduction fits into the responsibility we have to donate. Does getting the benefit of a tax deduction negate the generosity involved in a donation?

Absolutely not, what is so magical about the number ten and what does it symbolize? I feel you should give freely...period! Fair is fair, just as someone that is responsible will behave in a responsible manner. Adding a number to what you should pay for tithe just seems dumb! I remember the times when I was forced to pay tithe at the age of 9 at the end of the year when I received the print out of the entire amount that I had tithed for the entire year, I just went crazy. Really I did!

Gross earnings. That is the amount you earned.

God will not be made a fool of. He hands you ten pencils. He asks for ONE in return to show our gratitude that only He can make us prosperous by oppurtuning us through careers,positions,proffessions...etc. He doesn't say, "Have a tax guy take his share first and then we "tithe". There's a great writer (I forget who,please forgive) who wrote that deciding not to tithe your income, your time and your devotion....etc.will eventually canker the whole estate. Something to go to God with. Tithing is hard. I don't do it as well as I did during my twenties and thirties because I've witnessed too many crooked pastors who take advantage. So I ask God to make a withdrawal at His own discretion and make sure I advocate the good news of salvation and love to whomever He moves me to.

Hope this was helpful. TToni9/Pauline

How about tithing is an Old Testament LAW and according to the bible if you are living by the law and dont obey ALL the laws you are cursed? How about giving to the church should be what you can comfortably afford and give cheerfully? How about the church practice what it preaches and let God provide your needs like they tell us to do. The church wants you to pay TITHES before you pay your bills, even if you dont have enough left over to pay your bills. They will be quick to tell you that God will provide. How come he doesnt provide for them? I didnt receive any free land so Im scuffling like crazy. One tenth of my income can be the difference between eating or being in good standing with the church.

Tithing, died when Jesus Christ, died, he was Gods tithe for man, so man is free from the law of Tithing.Tithing was a firstfruit, and Jesus Christ is the only firstfruit that mattered. Besides only Israelites were told to tithe, not gentiles.Rather give as you purpose in your heart, God loves a cheerful giver.

Dont tithe it is a direct rejection of Jesus Christ as your tithe your firstfruits forever.

I find it interesting to read all of the "answers" given below.

The issue of tithing was a commandment that God gave even before the laws of Moses, Abram gave to Melchizzadek (sp) 10% of all he owned as a tithe to him, Melchizzadek being a High Priest. And Abram was blessed because of his obedience.

Jesus knows that when we give he wants a cheerful giver, so if you are a widow or poor and a mite is all you have, if you give cheerfully, God does bless you for your obedience. But if you are fully in understanding of the Word of God, you are commanded to give 10% tithe to God.

Most people don't tithe because they're so "religious" and don't trust the place that they are supposed to give their tithes to (the church they regularly attend), so they don't tithe and they wonder why they don't prosper and are not blessed not only financially, but in every other area of their lives. When you tithe, you are giving to God, regardless of who you make the check to (or debit card). DON"T USE CREDIT CARDS TO PAY YOUR TITHES! Again, you need to be a cheerful giver.

As for first fruits - that was a special specific offering to be given one time a year. It was a portion of your increase for that year. So if you got a raise, or a bonus, you gave a first fruit offering on that. See teachings by Paula White and Larry Huch regarding first fruits. They can explain it a lot better.

But tithing is 10% of your income and that's gross income. We in US have the opportunity thanks to the IRS to deduct our donations, tithes and offerings off of our taxes. Many countries don't provide that. And yeah, the IRS bases our taxes on our gross income. God says, render to Ceasar that which is Ceasar's and render to God that which is God's.

Regardless of what denomination you belong to, or if you don't go to church, tithe not only your income, but tithe your time. Time spent helping others, time spent reading and studying your Bible and time spent praying. You might be surprised by how God will bless you when you obey His Word. Study it out, prove God and see if He doesn't come through.

When you give with a right attiude, a cheerful heart, God will bless you in all areas of your life.

That is a loaded question! LOL :) The answer is technically...yes. However, that is the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law. Let's say you are living check to check and aren't able to afford 10%, but you can give 5% or whatever amount you can afford. Volunteering is a big part of a church community. Remember the most important commandment is LOVE. We will be judged by how much we loved in this life. Give what you can and love as much as possible. That is the spirit of the law. God knows your heart, and He's not blind to anyones finances either. I could be completely wrong, but that is my personal opinion. There are times I may give more than 10% as well, because that's what I can afford. Also, I give it with my heart which means more than just out of obligation. Remember why the pharisees were chastised...anything we do out of love for God and others is much more important.

Tithing 10% is from the OT and is no longer a requirement under the New Covenant but...

we have a new commandment that is: to love God and your neighbor as youself one. On that hangs all the other commandments.

If we really love God and one another then we will give to whoever God tells us to give to and when He tells us to give. BTW, that may or may not be church.

If we follow God's direction to give out of a heart of love (from the inside out) and not a law from the OT then I believe we'll see giving go way over any ten percent. It does for me...

All of this is a result of the Gospel of Grace

"True religion is to give to the poor..."

Tithes were a community tax for the Jews only which comes under the law of Moses. Tithes weren’t a New Testament mandate and weren’t paid by Yeshua, his disciples, Paul or anyone that followed Yeshua. In other words tithes isn’t a requirement of the Christian Church but ministers won’t abandon the ritual because it brings in millions of dollars.

God never gave Christians any instructions on tithing, so you are free to decide for yourself what to give. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

I don't think the word *should* be included in this question! Why? Well tithing/offering is based upon what's in your heart & your beliefs-

IF you feel in your heart you need to figure out how much $$ based on "gross or net" income, then get out the calculater & go from there! [It's solely based on your interpretation of the tithing/offering gift you think appropriate] As long as your giving ALL you can afford, may it be 10% or more, maybe less~ ? The point is that you ARE giving to God. IF you believe your going to get 'special treatment' from God because you tithed or made an offering, then that's wrong. I agree with "Green tea-cher"; that people who are on fixed incomes can give in other ways- by donating their time to church activities. The Church appreciates this form of donation/devotion-as much as they do the offerings!

I believe tithes and offerings should be based on gross earnings.

Tithes are traditionally based on your gross earnings. This should be the very least you offer. Your tithes and offerings should be a sacrifice that comes from your heart in appreciation for what God has done for you.

Like someone else has said, tithing was for the nation of Israel. It was used to support the poor and the tribe of Aaron, who had no portion. God said, therefore, the tithe shall be their portion. Tithing, in contrary to what many Christian preaches teach today, is not for the church. Even Paul says in the New Testament, we are to give as we feel persuaded by the Holy Spirit. We are not in sin if we do not tithe. There is no more temple and no more priesthood of Aaron. Jesus is now our High Priest. The tithe was also paid from your "increase".

That being said, our government in the USA, is based on our Judeo-Christian beliefs. The institution of paying taxes is based on that Bible concept. This is why I don't understand how the "so-called" religious right" is so "anti-tax. They claim to be Christian but don't want to pay taxes. Can someone explain that to me?

Godspeed!

Yes! You get to lived off the 90% left. When God,has only 10% of the income that he has provided for you. He will provide for all your needs, through Jesus Christ Our Lord !!

Tithing is from the old Testament but that does not mean that it is forgotten. God still wants his part, he still wants us to give cheerfully. It should not be a burden. I have found that if you have trouble giving the whole tithe, start out small and work your way up. The old Testament says, to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. To me it is something that is apart of our faith.

Like praying, and fasting. It is a part of who we are in Christ.

It is a personal choice. Something that you can walk in. And when used properly, it increases the kingdom! I tithe from my gross.

Because God has given me my job, my home, my life, my family.

The idea of giving a tenth of your earnings is a legalistic perspective on tithing. The law of tithing like this does not apply to anyone other then the Jewish people as it is only these people who were instructed to obey this law. The new testament does not speak of a percentage in terms of the tithe but instead speaks of giving from the heart. In other words, God loves a cheerful giver and does not require a percentage of anything. However, if one felt a need to give in terms of total income, then one would give of his or her firstfruits or a tenth of one's gross income. Remember though that this is a legalistic principle based upon Jewish law. According to the Apostle Paul, Christian's are not under the law but under grace. In this light giving is an act of love and should come from a internal desire to support the work of one's church, the ministry, or any other way in which an individual feels led to assist. Keep in mind that if you belong to an organized church, this church can not survive without it's members providing the funding. However, what you give is up to you and should only be done from a cheerful and joyous heart.

A true Christian would give to someone in need...and today...the church does not need.

The Bible says, Lu:18:12: I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

I believe that giving is according to how much faith you have in the Lord and Tithes is much more than just money….

2Co:9:7 says, Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Tithes is giving a tenth of ALL that we owe, 1 Tenth of our Time, 1 Tenth of our talent, 1 Tenth of our possessions, 1 Tenth of all that we have. The Bible tells us in Le:27:32: And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Net vs Gross, is according to our own faith. The Bible says in, Mal:3:10: Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

God says “prove me now” It is according to our own faith and our own personal relationship with the Lord. I have asked God to “prove me now” I have paid on Gross, and with great purposeth in my heart, and with great trust in LORD, he has never let me down.

My Dear Sweet Friends, Tithing is now antiquated. A shocking thing to say, to say the least. Yet, the end of all religions is near at hand, for God's Holy Kingdom of Love is upon us.

There is only one form of what mayest be considered tithing as we surrender our worship of things made with our hands. That is the total giving of one's self daily and at every opportunity in the Spirit, Which Is Love.

As Christians Love is our Label, and we must express That as daily worship in all of our activities and relationships. It is by our Love that we art recognized, nothing else. Therefore, we each must know and understand that God's Kingdom of Love is truly at hand and soon to be established upon all the Earth.

I think that paying 10% of your gross earnings will not make God any more happy with you. I think that 10% of whatever you have to offer, including monetary earnings and other earnings, such as spiritual blessings, gifts or anything else you could imagine that involves you relinquishing part of your physical spirit to God is the intention.

God would not want you to jeopardize yourself or your family by blindly giving 10% of what you earn. Giving 10% of what you earn is a dogmatic way of thinking and taking all of the effort out of the act itself. Also, giving it to a church does not necassarily mean that it will end up in God's hands, or rather used for Godly purposes.

The tithe is based upon the gross earnings of an individual. 10% of the gross. There are some who think that we do not have to tithe. We do. If Jesus himself said "Render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's...", how much more should we give God what rightly belongs to Him. Trust HIM with the 10% and he WILL bless you according to Malachi. Read it and you will see. I have seen too many great things happen when you apply God's financial principles in my own life and in the lives of others. This may or may not be the answer you are looking for, neverthless, it is solid truth.

Shalom

Tithe paying is based on your gross earnings not your net pay.