Is tithing mandatory in Christianity? Find here
Contribution: Suzanna Joseph
Tithing involves reserving 10 percent of an individual’s earning for God. “Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High. He blessed Abram with these words: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis 14: 18-20)
The tithes were used in the temple to pay for the service of the Levites (Numbers 18:20-21)
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes* of mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. [But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others. (Matthew 23:23)
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Our Lord Jesus Christ never commanded tithing in the Old Testament. Neither do the apostles nor their successors ever demand tithing. The early Christians also held the views that tithes were a requirement of the Old Testament, now they are free from this compulsion.
“When there is a change of priesthood, there is necessarily a change of law as well.” (Hebrews 7:12)
New Testament priests do not emphasize on tithing. However, some pastors reinforce the importance of alms giving. Repeatedly demanding, making money in the name of tithes and misapplying it for personal a interest which is wrongful. Remember if money becomes central to mass it diminishes God’s blessings and promotes idolatry.
“You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”(Galatians 4:5)
This citation also supports that Christians are free from tithing. However, there is nothing wrong in giving tithes but there is no compulsion by catholic laws. Everyone can contribute according to one’s own free will, with no strings attached. We give to God from all that he has given to us first, so we must be devoted to the love of God. For our own happiness we can give beyond this 10 percent as long as it involves the element of gratitude for both spiritual and material blessings. God has blessed us with 24 hours in a day. Reflect, out of these 24 hours what fraction do we spend in devoting to God. 10 percent of 24 hours will be 2 hours and 40 minutes. What other activities do we priorities during these hours? Tithing is not restricted just to the collection bag, used during offertory; there are other forms of tithing. For instance, dedicating few hours of our daily lives in the service of God and using the skills he has blessed us with, for the greater common good, are also few forms of tithing. Tithes given to your heart’s content and happiness is the norm of the Church.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7
This article was originally published in takistan.com.pk
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