Tithes and Offerings in Christianity: What They Are, Why they matter, and Whether Paying Them is Right

By 254Digest.co.ke — Fresh. Bold. Kenyan.

Money has always been a sensitive topic in church discussions. For many Christians, the question of tithing and giving offerings is deeply connected to faith, obedience, and personal conviction. Yet for others—especially the youth struggling with the demands of modern life—it raises honest questions:
Is tithing still necessary? What exactly are offerings? Why do churches insist on giving? And if someone doesn’t pay, are they doing something wrong?

This article breaks down the topic in a balanced, grounded way, reflecting biblical perspectives, modern challenges, and the lived experiences of believers today.

Understanding Tithes and Offerings

What Is a Tithe?

Traditionally, a tithe refers to 10% of one’s income, given to God through the church.
The concept originates from the Old Testament, where tithes supported priests, temple work, and widows, orphans, and strangers. Notably:
Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20)
Israelites were commanded to give 10% of their harvest and livestock
Malachi 3:10 urges believers to “bring the full tithe into the storehouse”

What Are Offerings?

Offerings are free-will gifts given in addition to the tithe. These include:
a) Giving during Sunday services
b) Donations for church projects
c) Love offerings for visiting preachers
d) Support for charity or community work

Offerings are not fixed; they come from a grateful and willing heart.

Why Tithing and Giving Matter in Christian Faith

a) A Spiritual Discipline

For many believers, giving is not about the amount—it’s about the heart.
Tithing teaches:
I) Gratitude (acknowledging God as provider)
II) Discipline (consistent giving even in tight seasons)
III) Trust (letting go of fear around money)
It also reflects a believer’s intention to put God first in their finances.

b) Supporting the Church Community

Churches require resources to function just like any community institution.
Tithes and offerings support:
I) Church operations (rent, electricity, maintenance)
II) Pastors and church staff
III) Outreach programs
IV) Youth ministries, music teams, and community drives
V) Charity efforts, such as feeding programs and helping the needy

When believers give, they help sustain the work that keeps their local church alive and impactful.

c) Building Generosity

Giving develops compassion and breaks the grip of selfishness.
The Bible speaks strongly against greed and strongly for generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7).
A generous church community becomes a stronger, supportive, united family.

The Modern Debate: Is Tithing Still Necessary?

This is where perspectives differ—even among Christians. Let’s explore both sides fairly.

Arguments for Tithing

a)  Biblical Foundation

Many churches teach that since tithing was established long before the Law, it is a timeless principle.
They believe it remains a divine instruction for all believers.

b)  Honouring God With Substance

Proverbs 3:9 teaches:
“Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.”
Tithing is viewed as a way to honour God with one’s earnings.

c) Sustaining Ministry

Tithes allow churches to:
I) Run programs
II) Support missions
III) Employ church workers
IV) Give back to vulnerable groups

Without giving, the church’s work becomes impossible.

d) Encouraging Blessings

Malachi 3:10 promises that God will “open the windows of heaven” for faithful givers.
Some believers take this as spiritual assurance that giving invites divine provision.

Arguments Against Mandatory Tithing

a) New Testament Emphasizes Cheerful Giving

Many believers argue that under grace, giving should not be compulsory or tied to percentages.
2 Corinthians 9:7 clearly states:
“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion…”
This suggests freedom, not obligation.

b) Economic Realities

Life is tough. Some youths earn irregular income or none at all.
For many, insisting on 10% feels unrealistic and guilt-creating.

c) Church Misuse of Funds

Let’s be honest: misuse of offerings has made some believers skeptical.
Cases of corruption, unexplained projects, or lavish lifestyles by some church leaders make people ask hard questions.

d) Salvation Is Not Bought

Some believe that giving is spiritual, but salvation is not tied to money.
You cannot “buy” God’s approval by paying tithes.

Is It Right to Pay or Not Pay? A Balanced View

This is the most complex part—but also the most important.

If You Are a Believer Who Values Biblical Principles…
You may find joy and spiritual alignment in tithing.
You may feel called to honour God with your finances and support your church community.
For you, tithing becomes an expression of faith, not a burden.

If Your Situation Makes Tithing Difficult…
You are not less Christian because you cannot give 10%.
Generosity is not measured in percentages but in intention.
Even Jesus praised the widow who gave only two small coins.

What matters is:
a) Your heart
b) Your willingness to give what you can
c) Your honesty about your situation

If You Question Mandatory Tithing…
You are not alone.
Many modern Christians believe giving should be Spirit-led, not rule-driven.
Your growth, prayer, and understanding of Scripture will guide your convictions.

The Balanced Truth

Giving is good. Tithing is helpful. But guilt-driven, forced giving is unhealthy.

God values:
a) Willingness
b) Gratitude
c) Sincerity
d) Compassion
More than numbers.

Misconceptions About Tithes and Offerings

a) “If you don’t tithe, you are cursed.”
This is a misinterpretation. Malachi’s context was for ancient Israel.
Today, most theologians agree that believers in Christ live under grace, not curses.

b) “Tithes only benefit pastors.”
In healthy churches, funds support a wide range of community functions—not individuals.

c) “You must tithe for God to bless you financially.”
God’s blessings are not for sale. Generosity positions us spiritually, but divine provision isn’t transactional.

So What Should a Christian Do?

Here’s a balanced guideline:
a) Give what you can, with a willing heart
b) Support your church because community matters
c) Be wise and ensure transparency where you give
d) Don’t compare your giving to others
e) Pray for direction
f) Remember giving is not a ticket to heaven—it’s an act of love

Bottom Line

Tithes and offerings remain an important part of Christian faith, not because of pressure or fear, but because giving builds community, supports ministry, and strengthens personal faith.

However, Christianity also teaches freedom, compassion, and grace.
So whether you tithe 10%, give less, give more, or are still figuring it out—what truly matters is the heart behind your giving.

At the end of the day, giving should uplift you, not weigh you down.

Fresh. Bold. Kenyan — welcome to 254Digest’s new Religion & Faith category.