“What does the Bible say about Christian tithing?”……Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches tithing is over-emphasized. …At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord.

Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. …Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today.……Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle/Temple

Leviticus 27:30…"One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.

Numbers 18:26…"Give these instructions to the Levites: When you receive from the people of Israel the tithes I have assigned as your allotment, give a tenth of the tithes you receive-a tithe of the tithe-to the Lord as a sacred offering.

Deuteronomy 14:24…"Now when the Lord your God blesses you with a good harvest, the place of worship he chooses for his name to be honored might be too far for you to bring the tithe.

2 Chronicles 31:5…When the people of Israel heard these requirements, they responded generously by bringing the first share of their grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. They brought a large quantity-a tithe of all they produced

Malachi 3:10…Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent, not the 10 percent which is generally considered the tithe amount today.

Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. ……The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2…Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia.On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.……The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says it is to be "in keeping with income"

Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a "recommended minimum" for Christians in their giving. …The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving.

We are to give as we are able.…Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. …It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church.

Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God's wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give .

James 1:5…If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ

2 Corinthians 9:7…You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."