To Tithe Or Not To Tithe - Should You Tithe When You Are In Debt?

Tithing means giving one tenth of all that we make to God through church donations or charity. Through tithing, we receive God's blessing and help. But, it can be tough to keep tithing when you are struggling to pay your rent because of debt problems. This article gives you some guidance to help you decide whether to tithe or not in tough times.

The Bible clearly says that we must give 10% of all that we make to God. It clearly states that you must give your first fruits, before any other expenses. It is a way to get His blessing, and it is our duty as Christians. But, this can be a little tough to swallow when you are buried so deeply in debt that you haven't seen the sunshine in years.

For many Christians who have enormous debt, tithing can be an added financial burden. Many ask, "Is it alright not to tithe?"

What The Good Book Says

The Bible clearly states that we should give 10% of our income to God, and that in return we will receive his blessing. There are stories throughout the Bible that emphasize the need to give selflessly to others. However, nowhere in the Bible does it say that God punishes those who do not tithe. After all, what does God need the money for? Naturally, He doesn't. On the surface, tithing is something we do for the poor or for charity; but actually, tithing is something we do for ourselves. The purpose of tithing is to teach us to give unselfishly, and to allow us to set free by the act of giving. Whether to tithe or not to tithe is a personal decision. Some Christians are very strict about tithing, even when they are having trouble making ends meet; for others, it is alright to take a break from tithing when it creates a financial burden.

How Much Of A Burden Is It?

When you do the math, 10% is not so very much. If you can live on 100% or your income, you can probably make do with 90%. It may be a matter of cutting out some extras like junk food or entertainment expenses, but usually 10% can be carved out. On the other hand, some people are so close to the wire that 10% of their income means the difference between a peanut butter sandwich or no dinner at all. When considering whether to tithe or not, this factor should be taken into account. Is it alright to withhold that 10% from God because of financial hardship, but to buy yourself a new TV? This is an issue to consider.

What Happens When You Tithe

When you tithe, you receive God's blessing. There are stories of Christians who struggled to keep tithing during their financial rough spots, and then found themselves running into some good luck. God often comes through for us when we really need it. Others have found that when they stopped tithing to work on paying off their debts, things took a further turn for the worst. Unexpected things can happen, and tithing is one way of showing your faith. God's blessing can really come in handy when you're struggling to make ends meet.

The Spirit Of Giving

If you decide to take a break from tithing while you work down your debt, remember that the point of tithing is giving. Is there some other way that you can give thanks to God? Instead of donating 10% of your income to charity, why not devote some of your time to volunteer work? It is important to keep focused on the meaning behind the practice. Any way that you can keep giving, even if it is not financially, will keep you right with God. Ultimately, whether to tithe or not is a choice for each Christian to make. There is no one answer for everyone.

Discuss This Topic in the Christian Debt Forum