Financial Giving

What Is Tithing?

The word “tithe” means “a tenth part” or 10%. In the Bible God tells us that we are to give the first 10% of all we earn back to Him. Giving less than 10% is not tithing.
What is the Difference between a “Tithe” and an “Offering”?

A tithe is 10% of our income. An offering is any amount you give over and above that amount. An offering is anything you give in addition to your tithe, such as gifts for special projects, your church building fund, etc. Tithing is God’s minimum standard — the starting point. As God prospers you, you’ll want to give more. Tithe is a debt you owe; giving is seed you sow!

Why Should I Tithe?
11 Reasons from the Bible
Because God commands it!
“A tithe of all you produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy.” (Leviticus 27:30)

Because Jesus commands it!
“Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone either.” (Matthew 23:23) Tithing was the only thing Jesus commended the Pharisees for doing!

Because tithing shows that God has first place in my life!
“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to put God first place in your life.” (Deuteronomy 14:23) If God does not have first priority in your finances, He isn’t really first in your life.

Because it reminds me that everything I have was given to me by God!
“Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) Rather than feeling “I’m giving God 10% of my money”, realize God is letting you keep 90% of His money. Without God’s help, you would have nothing. Tithing expresses my gratitude to God for helping me earn income!

Because tithing expresses my gratitude to God for helping me earn income!
“How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?” (Psalm 116:12) Here’s the answer: “Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” (Deuteronomy 16:17)

Because refusing to tithe is stealing from God!
If you don’t tithe, God says you are keeping money that rightfully belongs to Him. God says, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ God says ‘In tithes and offerings. Bring your whole tithe to My house.’” (Malachi 3:8-10) God has a right to whatever He asks for from you.

Because tithing gives God a chance to prove to you that He exists and wants to bless you!
“Bring me your tithe. Test me in this,” says the Lord, “and see if I won’t throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will be protected from plagues.” (Malachi 3:10)This is one of the most amazing promises in the Bible. God actually offers you a challenge. He says, “I dare you!! Start tithing and watch what happens!” He not only promises to bless you with more, but He also promises to protect what you already have! In the bible, tithing is the only way given that you can prove God exists. Start tithing and get ready for God’s blessing.

Because it is essential to spiritual growth!
“But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge…and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7) Many christians remain spiritual babies because they disobey God by not tithing.

Because tithing shows I really love God.
“Where your treasure is, your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Wherever you put your money is where your affection is going to be. Every time you give back to God you are drawn closer to Him. You may say you love God, but 2 Corinthians 8:8 says that your giving tests the sincerity of your love. You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. Jesus said, “If you really love me, do what I command.” (John 14:15)

Because tithing is an investment for eternity!
Jesus told us “Store up treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20) How do you do that? By investing your money in helping people get to heaven. Most of the things you spend your money on will not even last for ten years, much less eternity.

Because you cannot out-give God!
There are more promises in the bible connected to giving than any other subject. Giving unlocks the promises of God in your life. When you give, God always gives back to you in greater degree. Jesus said, “For if you give, you will get. Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure. Whatever measure you use to give, it will be used to measure what is given back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

What Should I Tithe?

The first 10% of every paycheque, and all else you earn. “Honour the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns…to overflowing.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) God doesn’t want your ‘left-over’ income at the end of the month. He wants first place.

Where should I Give My Tithe?
The bible is very clear that God expects the tithe to be given back to Him at the place where you worship. In the Old Testament they brought their tithes to the Temple. In the New Testament the tithe was given at the synagogue or church. While there are many fine organizations, charities, and ministries, the church is God’s institution. You may support other ministries with additional offerings. Only gifts given to God as an act of worship at the house of worship are considered tithes.

When Should I Tithe?
1 Corinthians 16:2 says, “On the first day of every week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you to earn.”

What’s The Best Way To Remember To Tithe?
We suggest you buy a small ledger or record book. Every time you receive income, write it down. Assign 10% to Account No. 1: “Tithing.” Then when you have given that amount you can record it. Most churches provide envelopes for tithers. Keep it in a prominent place on your desk as a weekly reminder. Many people write out four tithe cheques when they pay their monthly bills and then give one cheque a week.

Or, ask about our Pre-authorized Giving Plan.

To teach your children the principles of tithing you should encourage them to tithe too — even their allowances or babysitting money, etc.

Isn’t Tithing An Old Testament Jewish Law That I Can Ignore?
No. That’s just an old excuse with no biblical basis. First, God established the principle of tithing 430 years before He gave the Law to Moses. If tithing was only a Jewish law, why did Abraham tithe 430 years before the law was revealed? Tithing was being practiced long before the Jewish nation even existed!

What If I Can’t Afford to Tithe?
If you are in debt, you can’t afford not to tithe! You need God’s help to get out of debt. There are many financial principles in the Bible but the starting point is to be honest to God by beginning to tithe. Tell God you’re going to put Him first in your finances, that you are willing to obey the principles in His word, and you are trusting Him to help you get out of debt.

How Do I Start?
Phone the General Office (905-433-2964), and notify us of your intention. We’ll make sure you receive sufficient tithing envelopes and further information.

The Real Issue
We have heard every excuse ever invented for not tithing. But in every case, an unwillingness to do what God says can be boiled down to two motives: First, materialistic values. If you’re more than interested in “having things” than pleasing God, you won’t tithe. You may store up treasure on earth, but you won’t store up treasure in heaven. Second, unbelief. If you don’t really believe God will keep all the promises He has made regarding tithing, you won’t do it.

Breaking the Spirit of Poverty
In the end, as you commit your finances to God — up front — you will break ‘the Spirit of Poverty’. The spirit of poverty is a fear of giving because of a fear of not getting. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Why not show good stewardship and discipline yourself for tithing.

Why Don’t You Bow Your Head and Pray this Prayer of Commitment

“Father, I know You love me and want what’s best for me. I recognize that all I have, or will ever have, comes from You. I am more interested in pleasing You than in having more possessions. I want You to have first place in my life and I am willing to begin tithing as You have commanded. Out of gratitude for all You’ve done for me, and in expectation that You will continue to provide for me, I commit myself to returning at least the first 10% of all I earn back to You. I want to begin investing for eternity. Help me to remain faithful.”