Tithe

 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever."

The above is an amazing injunction about generous giving. But, where is the word "tithe"? 

It may come as a surprise to you, but the word doesn't appear in the New Testament. Did you know that? Not once. So, wait a minute, then why do we hear yearly messages from Malachi about tithes and offerings? That's a good question. 

My hunch is that you hear these messages because there are many infrastructures that your church supports. Things like electric and water bills, heating and air conditioning costs, replacing the parking lot, or gym floor or equipment. These things all cost money. 

Then there is the staff salary, the support for your missionary list, and special events during the year. Building maintenance is a big-ticket item for most churches. Hymnbooks, choir music, projectors, microphones, and sound equipment cost a ton to buy and maintain. Thus the annual Malachi message. 

In that passage, the prophet chastised the Jews for cheating God by giving him their damaged goods. They had an obligation to give to God's work in maintaining the temple and the Levites. Their sacrifices were demonstrations of their faith in God Jehovah. The cross of Christ replaced that system at the institution of New Covenant. The new way to give is mentioned by Paul here in 2 Corinthians. 

The God "loveth a cheerful giver" phrase comes from this text. I think that "cheerful giving" seems too risky for most pastors. There appears to be no "sword of Damocles" hanging over those not too cheerful people. None of God's wrath to give them a proverbial kick in the wallet. So they have to use Old Testament passages to set the flock straight. 

There were three tithes in the Old Testament. Levitical or sacred tithe, the Feast tithe, and the Poor tithe. The total for these came to around 23% of the average Jew's income. That would be a hard sell these days when even ten percent seems too tricky for many churchgoers. 

I grew up in a 10% family. My first "allowance" was a whopping ten cents a week. Not that I deserved a dime of it. However, my dad was quick to remind me that one penny of that cash was the LORD'S. I could hardly believe that I had to sacrifice my money for God, who owns everything! 

Today, many feel that same pain in their pocketbook partly because they didn't come from a tithing family. Some don’t give because they aren't cheerful people, and some don't believe in the supposed ten percent rule. Do you? How do you give cheerfully? 

God loves a cheerful giver, and he richly blesses those who give sacrificially. Doesn't he?