What are Tithes?

Tithing is a concept deeply rooted in our scriptures. It is our gift to God in response to God’s generous gifts of grace and love to us. Generosity comes from a spirit of thankfulness within us, not from imposed formulas and rules. We share what we have because we want to. We share what we receive first from God. Therefore, a disciple asks, “How much tithing can I hope to share?” rather than, “How much should I give?”

Tithing is based on the biblical principle of sharing our firstfruits with God. This means tithing is the disciple’s response of thanksgiving and is given before we spend or save from our income. In the Bible the word “tithe” means a tenth part of what one owns or receives. Tithing, according to scriptural principles, is the act of sharing 10 percent of our income with God. As disciples we honor what we have received from God by reaching toward sharing 10 percent or more through Mission and Community Tithes. “Let whoever is of a generous heart bring the Lord’s offering” (Exodus 35:5).