Why Tithe?
The tithe is traditionally considered to be 10% of your income. If you are wondering “why tithe?” there are many verses throughout the Bible which encourage us to tithe. Tithing also honors the Scriptural principles of generously giving. When you give today, your generosity enables the work of University Baptist Church (UBC). Your tithe supports the church’s budget and mission activities here and abroad. To put it very plainly, your tithe will support your ministry team, staff, provide for the buildings and grounds, and support our community missions in Virginia and abroad.
Are you interested in where the Christian tradition of tithing originates? There are many Biblical passages discussing generosity, tithing, supporting the church etc. Read on to learn more!
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
II Corinthians 9:6-15 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 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. As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
If you are interested in continuing to learn more about the Biblical basis for tithing, many other verses and parables mention tithing, including Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 14: 22-23, Colossians 3:1-2 and Matthew 6:19-21.
As with anything, sometimes it’s easier to talk or think about tithing than to do it. So, consider it one way to worship God, a way to remember that each of us, and all our resources, belong to God.
Consider these guidelines to make tithing a habit:
- Establish a pattern of giving (such as in line with your pay periods).
- Give to your local church and missions which are important to you and your family.
- Start somewhere you are comfortable. We welcome all contributions.