Does God make exceptions to tithing?

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  1. aoiffe379 profile image60
    aoiffe379posted 15 years ago

    Does God make exceptions to tithing?

    Consider this true scenario. A faithful tither finds that an error has been made in salary.The employer removes $1000.Inquiries are made; there are promises to correct the error.The individual returns a tithe and offering anyhow. The following month, the same error is made. This time the person  has $1000 to last for the month- to pay bills, buy gasoline,water and food.The person owes creditors $700; and after buying gasoline, water and food is left with $30. How did a faithful tither get in such a mess?There is no tithe only money for  offering; and there are two weeks to next  payday.

  2. Silver Poet profile image70
    Silver Poetposted 15 years ago

    Tithing is voluntary.  Don't feel guilty if you can't.  If it makes you feel better you can just write an I.O.U. saying you'll make it up when you get back on your feet and tuck it into your Bible.

  3. profile image0
    Bob Vince Jrposted 15 years ago

    When it comes to tithing people are led to believe they should 10% of their earnigs to the church but what God really wants is 10% of you. Let me explain, if you are a capenter then God wants you to give 10% of your skill to either help a neighbor or a stranger. You can also devote your time into helping others as a tithe. In Bibical days not all people had money so they brought their tithe in the product they grew or the wares they sold.

    Remember the staory of the widow and the rich man/The rich man gave 10% of his wealth to the church but the widow could only give 2 mites. Jesus said she was more blessed because the man gave what was expected of him but the widow gave all she had. The moral of the story is its not what you give it;s the heart behind what you give that God is looking for.

  4. HOOWANTSTONO profile image60
    HOOWANTSTONOposted 15 years ago

    Tithing is Old Covenant, so if he is a Born again believer, he was making a mistake in tithing, because Jesus Christ was the Tithe on the cross. He paid the price and removed all laws and ordinances, to fullfil the Law.

    So God wouldnt even bother about it, because God has already met all our needs according to his riches in glory, through Christ. Not any human work or effort moves God, only Faith in the completed works of Jesus Christ.

  5. bstiltner77 profile image66
    bstiltner77posted 15 years ago

    The act of Christian giving should be done in such a manner that it reflects God's goodness and expresses God's grace. the reason for this is that ultimately, giving is an act of worship. read more

  6. lindylou2 profile image60
    lindylou2posted 15 years ago

    If you are faithfully paying your tithes on what you have been earning, God does not sit around putting the pencil to every nickle. I just do not believe that.  If you are doing the best U can with what U have; God respects that and He knows your heart and you are not willingly withholding tithes. The scripture also says to owe no man anything but but to love one another: Romans 13:8.  You are suppose to pay U bills too and if you have been short changed by u employer, it is not U fault.  Stop being so hard on yourself and God knows your heart.  U can make up for it when U get your money back.

  7. rocketjsqu profile image77
    rocketjsquposted 14 years ago

    For everything God asks from us, He gives us a choice.  We can chose to respond to God by doing as He requests, or we can do our own thing.  Anytime God asks us to sacrifice on His behalf, it is a test of our faith and trust in Him.  Is your relationship to God based on your blessings of prosperity, or is it deep enough to keep you close to God during difficult times?  When times are tough, and the road your traveling seems all uphill, and circumstances are out of your control is when we need to turn to God and allow his power to deliver us.  Don't shrink God's power down to what "you" can see as a solution to your problem.  Be faithful to Him and He will provide all your needs.  Unfortunately, our "needs" are not always the same as our "wants", so be sure not to confuse the two.

  8. bddonovan profile image60
    bddonovanposted 14 years ago

    I was once asked: "How much is enough?"  How much do we need to live on?  Whenever I have been faithful to the tithe I have always had enough when the month was over. Sometimes I lived the month to the penny but it was always enough for the necessities.  I might have to forgo a beer or going out to a fast food restaurant but my needs were met. 
    God/Jesus must come first in our lives and it is what is in our heart that is important.  We do tithe, but the full tithe amount does not necessarily go to our Church. We tithe to God.  We pledge a certain amount of the tithe to the church and the rest goes elsewhere to do God’s work.  It might be buying books or local artist music to help educate and spread His word.  It might be donations to other organization to help is people or to spread His word.  Organization such as the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Local Hospital or Hospice, Feeding programs, The American Bible Society and so many more need our money, time and talents.

    The tithe needs to be the first portion that is set aside.  In the example you give it sounds more like a pledge is being paid. Granted that pledge might be a tithe of your salary but it is a pledge.  Foxxfire quoted  Corinthians 16:2 (NIV)

    2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income,

    If you normally receive an income of 2000 then you tithe would be 200.  If due to the error you only receive 1000 than your tithe would be 100.  You would not be held to the 200 as a tithe.
    Jesus would only have us give from what we have.  I once saw a quote that read: "I asked the angle if I must give and give forever.  The angle answered 'No. Only until the Father stops giving to you.'"

  9. Pollyannalana profile image60
    Pollyannalanaposted 14 years ago

    Why does it have to be money? They gave part of their bounty whatever it was, in old testement but tithing has not stopped for us. so if you are low on money and feel bad making a choice you feel you cannot help, then give clothing or of yourself to help another. We most have more than we need even if not wealthy. I think God would count it as tithing, you could even go over the tithe in this, who can say. God is good and His spirit will lead you in what to do.

  10. profile image51
    Hillmeddoposted 14 years ago

    in the old testament tither and offering was made it is still practised now but we have to remember according to the scriptures ''old things are passed away and behold all things become new'' this was the saying in the new testament Jesus christ is the way and the truth we should be looking toward the gospel which is matthew mark luke and jhon that teaches us the way to walk tither and offering the lord requires not but if we go to him with a pure hear and a clean mind he is faithful enough to forgive us Pasalms 51

  11. aguasilver profile image74
    aguasilverposted 14 years ago

    I can show you categorically why tithing is OT and not reiterated in the NT, so form a scriptural case it's not needed.... however..... that is assuming that as a new covenant believer you, as an individual, have grasped the fact that in the NT the tithe is not stated BECAUSE 100% of what we though we owned BELONGS TO GOD.

    So if you can live honestly, hearing Gods commands and find yourself regularly sowing most or all of your money into Gods Kingdom, you will have no problem, you are a big, grown up, mature believer who does his Fathers will.

    But if (like me) you have sticky fingers that seem to hold money just a little too tight, that you put me before thee.

    Then making a heart decision to at least bless God's work with 10% of what HE gave us makes sense.

    God LOVES a cheerful giver, once it's given, it's not your responsibility.

    If you can't run with God financially, use His training reins for a while longer...

  12. Dim Flaxenwick profile image80
    Dim Flaxenwickposted 14 years ago

    Just read through the account of Jesus at the temple when a poor widow put only 2 coins of little value.Jesus said from her heart she put in more than all of those who dropped a lot of money out of their surplus..God loves a cheerful giver. It's hard to be cheerful if you can barely pay the mortgage.

  13. profile image0
    loriamooreposted 14 years ago

    The premise of your question seems to indicate that God is a legalist who sets rules and then makes exceptions?

    Tithing is encouraged in the bible for many reasons.  But it also says in the bible that "God loves a cheerful giver."  If someone tithes out of sheer guilt or legalism, God doesn't want his/her money. 

    Christians and non-Christians alike get themselves into all types of money and debt situations.  Dave Ramsey teaches us to tithe, save, then spend -- in that order.

  14. heart4theword profile image61
    heart4thewordposted 14 years ago

    I went for a period of time, when I was younger not tithing, because of too much debt.  It seemed my budget was so tight, I couldn't get ahead, the car would always break down or something. 

    When I stepped out on faith, to start tithing again, I tithed up front...and it was so interesting that there was money left to pay all the bills.  The month went better, my car didn't break down, I wasn't getting in debt more.  Things just seem to run smoother in life.

    So my personal experience is, that it is good to tithe.  Yet it seems God is so great, He will deal with us individually.  To allow us to figure it out for ourselves, even if it takes us a little time.

  15. Callan S. profile image57
    Callan S.posted 14 years ago

    I'm not sure I'm understanding the question right - have you been given an extra $1k or have you been given $1k less? The following is if you've been given $1k more:

    Look at it from a do unto others aspect. If you were running a business, would you want to be out $1k?

    But it depends also on how big the buisiness is. If you were Bill Gates, would you mind some struggling employee getting that? Probably not. If your running a struggling buisiness, you probably would mind.

    Put yourself in the shoes of your employer and ask yourself if you would mind it happening?

  16. Unchained Grace profile image61
    Unchained Graceposted 14 years ago

    For the longest time, this has been a struggle. With a fulltime but uncompensated position in the ministry, the little bit of money I did have came from my veteran's  benefits and my wife's disability. Now, would it not be realistic to believe my financially uncompensated work for the Lord was in fact a tithe given I had no money?

  17. Judah's Daughter profile image80
    Judah's Daughterposted 14 years ago

    Understand the New Covenant ~ I'm not promoting my hub, but it will answer your question pretty thoroughly, I pray: http://hubpages.com/hub/Tithing--Giving-and-Alms

  18. profile image0
    Sam Tatumposted 14 years ago

    This is going to offend a lot of people. Sorry. A study of tithing for yourself is helpful. First of all, tithing was never meant to provide money for the church. Tithing was ordered as food so the Levitical priests could eat. And, it was not as if the Israelites did not have money, they did. But, that was not God's concern. Jesus never tooks tithes but asked that people simply give to the church out of the glad tidings of their hearts. The apostiles never asked for tithes but did as Jesus did. And, if we're feeding priests with tithes today, are they the Levitical priests of old? Even yet, the bible states in Hebrews that Jesus did not come from the Levites but of a different tribe and we are all now priests. So, can anyone find me some apostalic preachings supporting tithes? When you do, if you heart and mind is open, you'll see that Paul taught that we should not pay them but give offerings and to those in need. Hebrews Chapter 8. Today, if you have your bill money, you're blessed already. Why would you give that to someone else? That's not scripture.

  19. The Book of Life profile image58
    The Book of Lifeposted 14 years ago

    We are no longer under the law of works, but the law of grace. To give a tenth of our income to help support the local church and contribute toward the advancement of the gospel to the world, is wonderful to be a part of.
    It should only be done with a cheerful heart.
    Unfortunately,  today there are many preachers,on TV, and out in the communities, who in a very self-serving way, attempt to put the flock back under the law for their own benefit.These are "fleecers of the flock, rather than, feeders of the flock".  There are also too many people who give out of their own greed, in an attempt to make God indebted to them, by their giving. The whole "Prosperity gospel", has done tremendous damage to the church. Men and women, who are multi-millionaires, demanding the tenth part as an obligation, or enticing giving, with the promise of God being obligated to the giver, is neither scriptural, or ethical.
    Give according to how God has prospered you, with a cheerful heart.
    Not expecting or desiring  to get a reward. You will then be both prospered and rewarded. Just make sure it starts with a cheerful heart. According to how God has already prospered you.

  20. edzee profile image52
    edzeeposted 14 years ago

    No. In fact you ask again, and he'll send you straight to your room. With your accountant. And no cell phone.

  21. Stan Fletcher profile image60
    Stan Fletcherposted 14 years ago

    Tithing is old testament.  Giving however and whenever and how much you feel led to at the moment is new testament.  That's why I'm not sure I believe in building huge ministries and buildings and pastor's salaries that are supported by 'tithes'. 
    Read "Pagan Christianity" a book coauthored by George Barna.

  22. profile image48
    BlueSkunk12posted 14 years ago

    The Tithe (which was food) went to feed those who could not provide for themselves: Levites and Priests, the poor, widows and orphans, and the aliens within their gates. Yet somehow, the Tithe has supposedly become money that everyone has to give, and not to support those who need it, but instead, to fund God's work.

    Abraham's "tithe" in Genesis 14 was not of his first-fruits or even of anything he owned. It was from the plunder he got from someone else (the increase). And even then, he kept none of it for himself. Yet this is supposed to somehow be an example.

    Another problem is that many pro-Tithers haul out Malachi 3:8-12, claiming that it still applies. This places us under the Old Covenant. We have a New Covenant. And many chain us to the Tithe, while ignoring the other 612 laws.

    Some say that since Jesus told the Pharisees to keep Tithing, that means we have to. This isn't true either. The Pharisees were still under law, under the Old Covenant, because Jesus was standing there talking with them. Jesus had not died and risen again, His blood had not been shed. But since He became our sacrifice, he did away with the law.

    I wonder why people say they believe in Jesus, then haul out an Old Testament law and try to place us under it. I wonder why people look for their reward here on Earth, when Jesus said our reward is in Heaven. I wonder why people say that God has placed a price tag on His blessings, and unless we pay enough, we won't be blessed.

  23. the pink umbrella profile image73
    the pink umbrellaposted 14 years ago

    im sure that if you do not give tithe that does not mean you are going to hell

  24. bwenzel100 profile image60
    bwenzel100posted 14 years ago

    You trust in the Lord to provide what you need not what you want.  If you are a joyful tither, meaning a tither who gives because you want to, the Lord will take care of you.  You may end up with no money by next payday but that is what living on faith is about, trusting the Lord to take care of you, not counting on your employer.  People will always let us down, but God will not!

  25. Arthur Gulumian profile image76
    Arthur Gulumianposted 14 years ago

    Tithing is really an Old Testament concept...what it was really was "tax". 10% goes to the Church, but in today's concept it simply means don't be too attached to personal belongings. God is above objects. Simply as that.

  26. profile image0
    SirDentposted 13 years ago

    It is better to have $90 with the blessings of God upon it than have $100 without it.  Tithing is a choice to do or not do.  It is like giving honor to God when you tithe.  it bleses Him as it blesses the Church.

    It is the choice of the individual to do so, but I encourage everyone to do it.  Give with a smile and be happy because you can do something to help in some way.

    http://hubpages.com/hub/Is-Giving-Better-than-Receiving

    I wrote that hub not long after I joined the site here.

  27. dancergirl238 profile image71
    dancergirl238posted 13 years ago

    God asks us to "try" him and see if He will not open the windows of heaven to us.  He will never leave you hanging high and dry, but God also wants  a cheerful giver.  If you don't feel right about it, pray about it and let God reveal it to you.  This isn't necessarily a law anymore, but something God uses to bless us, and builds our faith. 


    Malachi 3:10-12 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.


    What a promise!  Why wouldn't we want to do this?  Everyone is entitled to a choice of course.  :-)

  28. manspaugh profile image59
    manspaughposted 13 years ago

    First of all, none of it is your money to give. You are just holding God's money. But He asks us to be wise stewards of this money.

    So what's the wisest decision? To take care of your family. God doesn't need your cash. Your family does. There is grace upon grace.

    And stop thinking that by tithing you will receive great blessings from God. The health and wealth gospel sucks. Give out of nothing in return but to be faithful to God.

  29. profile image0
    AMBASSADOR BUTLERposted 13 years ago

    GOD does not want your money but a relationship with human beings and also he offers the greatest relationship of which I do have which is knowing and walking with GOD moment by moment. GOD knows that human beings main focus and desires in life is money being number 1. If you can give your money for the purposes of GOD bringing people to know him then he got your attention and can get people attention to seek the kingdom of GOD first and all these things shall be added unto you including money. GOD does not want your money . GOD wants you for himself in an eternal relationship on the other side of death.

  30. bockshiner profile image77
    bockshinerposted 12 years ago

    Under the new covenant we are not obligated to tithe. Don't worry about it. Serve people in a different way that doesn't require your money if you can't give anything.

  31. LoisRyan13903 profile image72
    LoisRyan13903posted 11 years ago

    I may not be able to give 10% of my income but I give 10% of my time.  But tithing is optional I think it is Old Testament law and not required in the New Testament.

  32. Erin Trefz profile image70
    Erin Trefzposted 10 years ago

    If you trust in the Lord, he will provide.  Here is what scripture says:
    2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "...For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."
    I think this is self explanatory. 

    Money should flow in and out.  It is not ours, but everything good is from God.  We are only the stewards of it. 

    Proverbs 3:9 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce." 
    To me, this means you should first tithe.  God will provide what you NEED.  There is also scripture about being a slave to the master when you take debt, (Proverbs 22:7 below)so I would work on paying off my debt too.
    "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender."

    There have been many times my husband and I have prayed that God will help us financially.  We faithfully, and cheerfully tithe every month.  It doesn't matter what is going on.

    I cannot tell you the number of blessings we have seen.  I am not going to say if you always tithe you will win the lottery, or even be able to get everything you want.
    I would take a look at your expenses and decide what you need. Do you need to buy water, that coffee ever morning, etc.  Is there a food bank you can get supplies to help you make it through the month?  You may need to swallow your pride, but I would not start to make an exception because once you do it will be easier to keep doing it. 

    There is quite a lot in the Bible about tithing and debt. Too much for me to write, but you can search online to find many more than what I have provided.  The easiest way for me to put it is:
    1. Trust the Lord
    2. Have faith (kind of the same thing)

  33. Jordan Travis profile image68
    Jordan Travisposted 9 years ago

    You will definitely not go to Hell for not tithing once. Tithing is an opportunity for God's faithful believers to practice being good stewards of what God has given us. Tithing is us returning a small portion of what He has entrusted to us of which to take care. Tithing is by no means a requirement, but is an act of worship - same as attending/ faithfully serving at a church.
    I would also argue in this situation that God will provide. He always does. Look at the Israelites and the messes He delivered them through - He will undoubtedly do the same for this person!

  34. celafoe profile image52
    celafoeposted 7 years ago

    44 answers and not one that correctly and fully answers the question according to scripture.
    First the tithe  was only for the Israelites and only was to apply until the law was fulfilled, the age ended, the clergy eliminated and the age of Christs rule was begun, the final age of man.    The age we live in.   The final chance man has to determine their eternal fate, to live forever or to be destroyed in the lake of fire.
    Second only a levite could receive a tithe
    third tithe was only on the increase, not off the top
    fourth tithe was never on money
    Fourth when Jesus spoke of the tithe it was only when He was under the law before He fullfilled it and brought us into a new AGE that has neither tithe or clergy.
    fifth no where in scripture does it say "if it works for you it must be right"
    sixth there was even a tithe that you were to eat yourself.
    and more
    no where in scripture ( the new testament the rules for the age we live in)does it tell us to give money to a"church"
    We are to be devoted to Christ alone.     WE are told that we have a responsibility to take care of the widow and orphans and anyone else that the Holy Spirit tells us to.     But that is the responsibility of each individual.   Why would you trust others to do what God wants you to do with His money, He gives it to you and you will answer for what is done with it.   Of course those not filled with the Holy Spirit, are unable to understand scripture or hear the Holy Spirit so scripture does not matter to them
    There is NO clergy, no tithe, no building called a "church" in the new testament.    All who enter the kingdom of God are priests and responsible to do the work of the ministry themselves, not hire it out..

      1 Peter 2:9-10    But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

    Eph 4:11-13    And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

 
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