How to Tithe: Meaning, Importance, & Practice

• When you tithe, you offer the Lord 10% of your income to demonstrate your faith and fund the church.
• Give your tithe without vain and with an open heart, as God’s goal is always to benefit you.
• Offer acts of service like volunteering or starting a church fundraiser if you can’t tithe—any selfless act that helps others can please the Lord!

What is tithing?

Tithing is the process of giving 10% of your income to the church. This custom dates back to Biblical times and is practiced by many Christians to show faith. In the Bible, God asks His disciples to offer the “firstfruits” of their labor to Him. The money doesn’t benefit Him, but the act of sacrificing your hard earnings demonstrates your trust and faith in Him while funding the church. As the Bible states: “A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy” (Leviticus 27:30). “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops” (Proverbs 3:9). “‘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’” (Malachi 3:8-10). Fun fact, tithe translates to tenth in Hebrew!

What’s the difference between a tithe and an offering?

A tithe is a fixed payment, while an offering is an extra donation. You may be wondering, “Am I tithing when I drop coins into the church offering dish?” Nope, that money is simply a donation—a tithe and an offering are not the same thing. When you tithe, you give a specific amount of your earnings, whereas anything outside of that is a spontaneous gift. Think of tithing like an investment. The Lord is asking you to put money into your religious future, so to speak. Your payment is a selfless but obligatory act that demonstrates your faith.

How to Tithe

Pray before you tithe. Ask God for wisdom and a generous heart as you start a new practice of demonstrating your faith. Tithing is a great way to deepen your connection with the Lord, so try welcoming the opportunity to be a more giving person. As you pray, try reflecting on these Bible verses: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44). “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8).

Be in good spirits. Try not to give your tithe in vain or with grievances. Tithing is a selfless and generous act that shows the Lord your faith and unconditional love for Him. So, open your heart and offer your money with the knowledge that God has your back. Keep in mind that tithing is more than a payment; it’s a deep spiritual principle and responsibility in your relationship with God.

Budget your tithe into your expenses. Try prioritizing your tithe before paying other bills and expenses. Calculate how much 10% of your income is, subtract that from your budget, and then rework your budget with the thought that the subtracted amount is your new income. Prepare yourself for tithe by setting aside 10% of each paycheck, so you have the money ready for payment—and you won’t even miss it! Talk to your family or partner about your tithing plan and how it may affect the household budget. This way, you can all make any necessary financial changes. Consider taking a tax deduction for your tithe while filing tax returns. Ensure that your church is following the official IRS rules for charitable tax deduction, and then file a Schedule A with your tax form.

Talk to your church about when and how they receive payments. Every church asks for tithes differently. Some may require payments yearly, monthly, or with each paycheck. Reach out to your religious mentors about what to expect. Consider asking them questions like: When are tithe payments due? Should I divide my tithe into monthly payments or pay yearly? How do I pay the church? Do you accept checks or online payments? Who do I give cash or check payments to?

Automate your payments so you don’t forget to tithe. Nowadays, there’s no need to worry about when you have to send your tithe in. Many churches have online systems or portals you can use to make your tithe payments. Simply create an account, enter your bank account information, and agree to have the money pulled automatically during each payment period. This way, you won’t accidentally spend your tithe or forget to pay. If you don’t want to automate payments with your current bank account, set up a bank account that’s only for tithing. This way, the money won’t be pulled from your main budget.

Why should you tithe?

Tithe to thank the Lord and be selfless. Tithing may not be easy, and that’s okay! God is testing your spirit and helping you be a better and more generous person. Think of your tithe as a thank you to God. He’s done so much for you, so (if you can) why not offer Him your first fruits? And who knows? The Lord may just return your generosity in marvelous ways. Think of it like this, whatever you give to God, He will give back to you.

Tithing helps fund your church. So, if God doesn’t need your money, where does it go? In most churches, tithing funds are used to fulfill the Lord’s purposes. This may include a mission trip, repairing a part of the church, hosting a gathering, or buying the congregation new Bibles. If you’re curious about where your tithing money actually goes, talk to your pastor or priest. They’ll be able to shed some light on your church’s specific process.

What do you do if you can’t tithe?

Understand that God loves you even if you can’t tithe. You’re not a bad Christian if you can’t give 10% of your income. God is an understanding and forgiving leader, so make the choice that’s best for you. Just because you can’t tithe now doesn’t mean you won’t be able to in the future! Keep tithing in the back of your mind while formulating future financial plans.

Volunteer your time or skills if you’re tight on money. Money isn’t the only way you can help out your church and be faithful to the Lord! Try volunteering or offering to mow the church’s lawn, file paperwork, or mop up the bathrooms. Think about starting a fundraiser like a bake sale or car wash to raise money for a missionary trip or other church needs. No matter what you do, do it with a thankful heart, so it’s a true act of giving.

Talk to your pastor, priest, or spiritual advisor. It’s okay if you can’t tithe—God won’t hold it against you. Chat with one of your religious mentors about your concerns and why you might not be able to tithe. They’ll be able to offer advice and support.