When I teach on tithing, I usually get this question: Do you tithe on the net or the gross? I usually respond flippantly, “Do you want a net blessing or a gross blessing?” I usually follow up by letting people know not to get so caught up in the details and just give 10% of something.
If you believe the LORD wants you to tithe, there are a number of valid ways to tithe. In the video, a go over the most straightforward method of tithing. Here are some other options that I’ve seen people find success with.
How Much?
- 10% of the Gross Pay: Look at gross pay (salary or wages before deductions and taxes). Give 10% of this amount. This is fairly simple and avoids the temptation to take extra deductions and withholdings to lower your tithe.
- 10% of the Net Pay: Look at how much your paycheck is (after deductions and taxes). Give 10% of this amount. Probably the most simple method. You may want to consider tithing your tax refund too if it is significant.
- 10% of Estimated Taxable Income: I would consider this one for business owners. As you are making your estimated income tax payments, also calculate your estimated tithe.
- 10% of your Personal Withdrawals: This is a good option when you are taking withdrawals from retirement accounts or when transferring money from a business to your personal accounts. Again, this is a very simple method.
When to Pay?
- Same Day: With electronic payment being so common, you can give your tithe every pay day or whenever you receive withdrawals from retirement or from your business.
- The Next Sunday: If your tithe is going to the church, get the check or cash ready for the next time you are in church.
- Quarterly: This may work well if you also file quarterly estimated tax payments. At the same time you pay your taxes, pay your tithe.
- Annually: I know a handful of donors that like to maximize their deductions for charitable contributions that give two tithes in the same tax year. In December, they may give a tithe for 2023 as well as what they anticipate for 2024. Usua
Where to Give?
- The Church: This comes out of Malachi where we are instructed to bring the whole tithe to the storehouse.
- Various Christian Missions: This likely also includes the church. In the Old Testament, there appears to have been multiple tithes that supported the priests and temple as well as the widows and orphans. In the New Testament, we see examples of people giving generously to support the poor believers as well as the work of the apostles.
- Charitable Giving Fund: I know of a number of people who put their tithe into a special account (either a checking account or an envelope of cash). Whenever they feel the Holy Spirit directing them to give, they give from this fund.
Why Give?
With any spiritual discipline, you can begin to believe that you are earning the LORD’s favor. That He somehow owes you something because of your obedience and good works. You may also be tempted to give to please others or maybe even gain control over a charity. None of these are good reasons for why to give.
- Obedience: You believe the LORD’s wants you to tithe.
- Grow Closer to Jesus: In the gospels, we’re told that “where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.” This is a promise. Your heart will be pulled towards where your money is going. If you are putting it into Kingdom work, your heart will be pulled closer to the King of Kings.
- Glorify God: As scripture teaches (2 Corinthians 9), people will thank and praise God because of our generous giving.