Tithing? What’s that? Who does Tithing? Why should we tithe? Is that really in the Bible?

Malachi 3:10 ‘The Lord All-Powerful says, “Try this test. Bring one-tenth of your things to me. Put them in the treasury. Bring food to my house. Test me! If you do these things, I will surely bless you. Good things will come to you like rain falling from the sky. You will have more than enough of everything.”’ (ERV)

I was single and working, and I lived in an apartment. I went to a church Bible Study that met in a home. One night a person named Bob gave Biblical tips on finances, including tithing, saving and budgeting.

I thought I was doing good. My bills were paid and I was tithing on my take home pay. Saving money? That was hard to do. Then Bob talked about tithing.

Tithing is to give God 10% of ALL your income.

He talked about the gross amount and net amount. Gross amount is the “full amount” of all your income. This is before taxes and anything else is taken out. Net amount is your “take home” pay. I thought I was doing right. But Bob said we need to tithe 10% of gross amount! Gross!?! Many of us were surprised or confused.

Bob said everything we have comes from God. Gross amount is our total wages for our work. We pay deductions like taxes and insurance. What is left over is your Net pay. Some other expenses may also be taken out before we get our Net Pay. Oh no!

He said it is a good idea to also save money. If possible, save 5% to 10% of your gross amount. Use it for emergencies that may come up, car problems, house repairs, etc. You should also save for a rainy day and retirement.

A new year was beginning, so I started tithing on my gross income. I was afraid. I thought I would have all kinds of problems. So I prayed, Lord, help me! Before I started tithing on my gross, it seemed I was always running out of money! I borrowed money from friends, so I could pay for my expenses. It wasn’t easy to tithe on my gross. The lowest point for me was when all I had was 52 cents in my checking account! Yes, 52 cents! It was a good thing my bank did not require a minimum balance.

It was amazing! I was able to tithe on my gross income! Tithing became my first check to pay each month! To the church and some missions that I supported. I was able to pay all my living expenses, and pay my bills. I also saved up money for my retirement. Oh wow! Praise the Lord!

It was quite an adventure! Honor your God. Try it, and see what happens.