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Many Christians wonder whether God requires believers today to give 10% of their income.
The Bible clearly teaches that God loves generosity.
However, it also shows an important difference between the Old Testament laws given to Israel and the instructions given to Christians under the New Covenant.
The New Testament never commands Christians to give exactly ten percent.
Instead, believers are encouraged to give:
- willingly
- generously
- cheerfully
- sacrificially
- and according to what God has provided.
👉 God desires a generous heart, not reluctant or forced giving.
⚡ What To Do Right Now
- Thank God for everything He has given you
- Give generously as you are able
- Support the work of the Gospel
- Help those in need
- Give with joy rather than obligation
👉 God values the attitude of your heart more than a percentage.
What the Bible Says About Tithing
The word “tithe” means “a tenth.”
In the Old Testament, God commanded the nation of Israel to give tithes under the Law of Moses.
These tithes supported:
- the Levites who served in the temple (Numbers 18:21–24)
- the work of worship (Deuteronomy 14:22–27)
- and the care of the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:28–29; Deuteronomy 26:12–13).
These instructions formed part of God’s covenant with Israel under the Mosaic Law.
Christians Are Not Under the Mosaic Law
After Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) and established the New Covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6–13), believers were no longer required to keep the ceremonial and civil laws given to Israel.
The New Testament teaches that Christians are justified by faith in Christ rather than by keeping the Law (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:23–25).
Because of this, the New Testament never commands believers to tithe ten percent as a requirement for following Christ.
The New Testament Emphasises Generosity
Instead of commanding a fixed percentage, the New Testament focuses on the attitude behind our giving.
Second Corinthians 9:7 says:
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Notice what Paul does not say.
He does not tell believers to give exactly ten percent.
Instead, he teaches that giving should be voluntary, thoughtful, and cheerful.
Give According to What God Has Given You
The New Testament encourages believers to give according to their ability.
Some will be able to give more.
Others may only be able to give a little.
What matters is faithful generosity.
First Corinthians 16:2 says:
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.”
God does not measure our giving by comparing us with someone else’s income.
He looks at our willingness to trust Him.
Jesus Cared About the Heart
Jesus praised the poor widow who gave only two small coins because she gave sacrificially (Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4).
Her gift was not large.
Yet Jesus honoured her because she gave from a heart of faith.
God values the motive behind our giving more than the amount itself.
Generosity Reflects God’s Character
Everything we have ultimately belongs to God.
As we give generously, we reflect His kindness and provide for the needs of others.
The New Testament encourages believers to support:
- those who preach the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:13–14; Galatians 6:6)
- fellow believers in need (Acts 2:44–45; Galatians 6:10)
- widows and the vulnerable (James 1:27)
- and the work of God’s kingdom.
Giving is an act of worship, gratitude, and love.
Does This Mean You Cannot Give 10%?
Not at all.
Many Christians choose to give ten percent because they find it to be a helpful and generous starting point.
Others give more.
Others give less because of financial hardship.
The New Testament does not present ten percent as a law that determines whether someone is obedient to God.
Instead, it calls every believer to give generously, willingly, and with a cheerful heart.
How to Give Biblically (Practical Steps)
1. Remember everything belongs to God
Recognise Him as your provider.
What to do:
- Thank God for His provision
- Trust Him with your finances
- Live with gratitude
👉 God is the source of every blessing.
2. Give willingly
Never give because you feel forced.
What to do:
- Pray before giving
- Decide thoughtfully
- Give joyfully
👉 God loves cheerful givers.
3. Support God’s work
Help advance the Gospel.
What to do:
- Support your local church
- Help faithful ministries
- Care for those in need
👉 Generosity blesses others.
4. Give according to your ability
Be faithful with what God has entrusted to you.
What to do:
- Give consistently
- Avoid comparing yourself with others
- Trust God’s provision
👉 Faithfulness matters more than the amount.
5. Keep your heart focused on God
Do not let money become your master.
What to do:
- Be content
- Avoid greed
- Store up treasures in heaven
👉 Generosity reflects trust in God.
Bible Verses About Giving (KJV)
Cheerful Giving
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
👉 God desires willing and joyful generosity.
Acts 20:35
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
👉 Giving is a blessing.
Supporting God’s Work
1 Corinthians 9:14
“Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
👉 Believers should support Gospel ministry.
Galatians 6:10
“Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
👉 Generosity should include caring for others.
God’s Provision
Philippians 4:19
“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
👉 God faithfully provides for His people.
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
👉 Our giving reveals what we value most.
Contentment
Hebrews 13:5
“Be content with such things as ye have.”
👉 Trust God instead of pursuing wealth.
1 Timothy 6:17–19
“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute.”
👉 God calls believers to generosity.
Generosity Is the New Testament Pattern
The New Testament does not focus on a required percentage.
Instead, it repeatedly points believers toward generous, joyful, sacrificial giving that flows from grateful hearts.
Christians do not give in order to earn God’s favour.
They give because they have already received His grace through Jesus Christ.
Final Thought
The Bible teaches that generosity is an important part of the Christian life.
Under the Old Testament, God commanded Israel to give tithes as part of the Mosaic Law.
Under the New Covenant, believers are not commanded to give a fixed ten percent.
Instead, Christians are called to give willingly, generously, and cheerfully according to what God has entrusted to them.
You do not need to:
- fear that God will reject you if you do not give exactly ten percent
- give because someone pressures or manipulates you
- or measure your faithfulness by a percentage alone.
Instead, thank God for His provision, give with a joyful heart, support His work, and trust Him to guide you in your generosity.
As you continue following Him, something begins to happen.
👉 Gratitude replaces obligation.
👉 Generosity grows naturally.
👉 Your trust in God becomes deeper.
👉 Your giving reflects the grace you have received through Jesus Christ.
God is not looking for reluctant obedience to a percentage. He delights in hearts that love Him, trust Him, and willingly use their resources to honour Him and bless others.
✨ Still Have a Question?
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