Don’t Cheat Yourself From The Rewards Of Tithing
I have a confession to make.
When I was a kid, I didn’t like taking a bath.
It was my unique solution to the water shortage of the world. I felt that taking a bath was totally unnecessary—a vanity that modern people invented.
When I studied history, my hunch was confirmed.
For example, the monks of the middle ages felt it was vain to take a bath. St. Francis of Assisi believed that to be dirty was a sign of a holy person. Even St. Benedict recommended that those who are young and strong should seldom take a bath. It was said that St. Catherine of Siena avoided washing. And St. Agnes, who died at the age of 13, had never taken a bath.
Queen Isabella of Spain was proud to say that she only took two baths in her whole lifetime.
And Queen Elizabeth of England was seen as a very vain woman during her time. Why? Because she bathed once a month.
I argued that I was even more vain. I was willing to take a bath once a week.
But Mom told me, “Take a bath everyday or else!”
So I had to take a bath.
“Mom is so cruel,” I told myself. “Here I am, enjoying my favorite cartoon, and just when the 5 spaceships are about to “volt-in” and morph into a giant robot and slice the enemy with his saber sword—she calls me to take a bath!”
In the Sanchez household, it was a law that I take a bath—or else. The consequences of violating that Law were deadly: My five angry sisters will chase after me with a pail of water, soap, and panghilod. (I have no idea how to translate that word. It’s actually a rock that Filipinos use to remove their, uh, libag. Gee, this is getting more complex.)
From Law To Love
Thanks be to God, I outgrew that stage of my life.
In a blink of an eye, it just happened. All of a sudden, I loved taking a bath everyday.
Why did I change?
Because I had a crush on a pretty classmate named Mercedes, who had bewitching dimples and smelled of chocnut.
Taking a bath was no longer a Law for me.
It was a Love.
Of course, no matter what I did, Ms. Chocnut never looked twice at me. Because I was still ugly during those days. (Indeed, your past does not define your future.)
Still, her dimples gave me a lovely reason to shower daily.
Let me now bring you to my main message…
Tithing Was An Old Testament Law
I’m a Catholic. (I love our Church—warts, sins, and blemishes. It makes me more convinced of God’s mercy.)
In all the years as a Catholic, I’ve yet to hear a clear teaching on Tithing. Here’s why: Because Catholic Theology says we’re not bound by the Old Testament Law of Tithing, but by the New Testament Law of Generosity.
I agree. But we’ve failed in generosity too!
Catholics are known as having the noisiest offerings in the world. “Klang, kleng, kling, klong, klung…” Because everyone gives coins.
One man said, “Catholics aren’t Tithers, they’re Tippers.”
Many Catholics don’t even know what Tithing is.
Thus, we’re missing out on the many blessings of Tithing.
A Failure In Teaching
Here’s my personal opinion on this matter: I agree in our Catholic Theology that Tithing is no longer a Law. But from a “Execution” viewpoint, we’ve failed miserably in teaching generosity.
I’m a communicator. I’ve been one for 30+ years. And here’s a rule in communication: Always be specific, never vague. I’ve learned that whenever I teach people something vague, they’ll have a hard time doing it.
Yes, we’ve been teaching Catholics to be generous. But what does “generous” mean? The options are endless. And the more options you give, the more confused people are. And the more confused people are, the more inaction there’ll be.
What does generous mean?
Does generosity mean that Catholics pull out (at least) a paper bill? A friend told me that before he joined the Feast (our weekly prayer meeting on steroids), he felt very proud he gave P20 every Sunday, even if he was earning P100,000 a month.
Does generosity mean that Catholics give until it hurts? Until there’s pain? Well I know of a millionaire who felt pain when he couldn’t find P20 in his wallet, he was “forced” to give P50.
Here’s my point: Even if Tithing isn’t a Law anymore, we need to teach Tithing as a Love. Laws are about fear. Loves are about desire. Because it will bless their lives abundantly!
Instead of giving good but vague instructions like…
“Give whatever you can give cheerfully”
“Give as the Holy Spirit inspires you to…”
“Give what your heart dictates…”
Why not just teach: “Give 10% or more of your income.”
Period.
I’m worried. Catholics aren’t receiving the blessings of Tithing because we don’t teach it.
My Personal Experience
Here’s my main point: I see Tithing as the most practical way of teaching generosity to people.
I’ve been Tithing for the past 30+ years of my life.
I started when I was 12. Why? My prayer group leader taught me how to tithe. So as a 12-year old kid, I tithed 10% of my daily allowance to God.
And I’ve never stopped Tithing ever since.
I tithe not because it’s a Law.
I tithe because it’s a Love.
I love to tithe! It gives me so much joy.
I can’t live without Tithing.
Because I see Tithing blessed my life in a profound way.
Don’t Curse Yourself
The most popular passage in the Bible about Tithing is found in Malachi 3:8ff. Yes, it’s the Old Testament Law of Tithing. But you can pick up powerful universal principles that you can apply today.
I ask you, is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. ‘How?’ you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings. A curse is on all of you because the whole nation is cheating me.
This verse says that when you don’t tithe, you’re cheating God. Tell me: Can you really cheat from God?
Not really. His CCTV cameras and anti-burglary alarms are much better than ours, believe me.
Here’s a universal truth: When you don’t give, you’re really cheating yourself. You’re cheating yourself from the rich blessings that you were supposed to receive because of giving.
And believe me, God doesn’t curse us when we don’t give. (This was archaic Bible language.) Here’s the truth: When we don’t give, we curse ourselves. We curse ourselves with the curse of missed blessings.
Let me share with you the 5 incredible blessings of Tithing…
The 5 Blessings Of Tithing
· Habit
· Happiness
· Holiness
· Hunger
· Harvest
1. Habit
Here’s a difference between giving and tithing.
Giving may be something that you do occasionally.
But Tithing is something that you do regularly.
Because Tithing means that every time you earn money, you give 10% or more to the Lord.
Let me ask you a big question: Do you want your rewards to come occasionally or regularly?
You decide.
2. Happiness
Here’s a little exercise.
Name the 5 happiest people you know in your life.
Imagine their faces. Finished?
Here’s my bet: All of them are Givers.
Because Givers are happy people.
It really feels good to give!
When you tithe, you feel that happiness regularly because you give regularly. As the Bible said in Malachi above, Then the people of all nations will call you happy…
3.Holiness
Greed will destroy you by materialism.
But generosity will detach you from materialism.
By Tithing, you gain freedom.
By Tithing, you gain a greater love for God.
The greek word of “Holy” is “Hagios”; which literally means “setting apart yourself for God”. Tithing is exactly that—setting apart a specific amount for God.
When I was a small boy, my father used an ancient, large, silver spoon. No one else could use that spoon. It was Hagios for him and him alone.
It was so large, it could only fit in Dad’s mouth. More important, it was made of silver. Everyone else used cheap stainless steel spoons. But not Dad. He deserved the best.
Tithing is exactly like that.
Our Tithes are sacred. Our Tithes are Hagios. They’re set apart for God. No one can touch it. And we always offer the best for the Lord.
4.Hunger
How can hunger be a blessing?
Believe me, a person without hunger is a miserable person who lives a meaningless life.
Yes, hunger is a great blessing!
When you tithe, you stir up your hunger within you.
Last week, someone asked me, “Bo, you’re a entrepreneur and a missionary. If you were only an entrepreneur, you’d probably be ten times richer!”
The answer is a resounding No! If I wasn’t a missionary, I’d be ten times poorer. Because if I wasn’t a missionary, I wouldn’t have had the great hunger I have today.
Here’s my guess: After the initial success of my businesses, I would have remained complacent. I’d tell myself, “Why earn more? Why work harder?” There was no purpose.
But because my goal was to raise money for my ministry, this hunger drove me to earn more.
I’m truly rich now because I tithe—and give more than my tithe.
And I have so many dreams for God’s work. These dreams fuel my hunger.
I’ve met people who have earned a lot of money and have lost their passion for life. Because they have lost their hunger. Their dreams have been fulfilled and they have no new dreams.
But that’s because they only think of themselves.
Two weeks ago, I told my audience, “I’ve got bad news, good news, and bad news. Bad news: My accountant says it’ll take lots of money to make our dream of building 1000 Feasts come true. Good news: We now have all the money we need to build 1000 Feasts. Praise God! And finally, here’s the Bad news: All that money is still in your pockets.”
I believe that if Catholics start tithing, we’ll have all the money to do God’s work.
5.Harvest
Some people tell me, “I’m a bit hard up now. When my income increases, that’s when I’ll tithe.”
This is scarcity thinking. And a person with a scarcity mindset cannot tithe.
Tithing is like planting seeds. You don’t wait for good times before you plant seeds. You sow in times of famine. Because that’s the only way to break the cycle of poverty.
Tithing is a declaration of abundance. You believe that God’s blessings will flow back to you.
Malachi said…
Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things.
Let me now answer two of the most common questions I receive.
1. “Where Do I Bring My Tithe?”
A lot of people ask me, “Bo, I help my poor relatives. Can I consider that Tithing?”
Let me speak as a Catholic here. Since Tithing for us isn’t a Law but a Love, there really are no black and white rules on this matter.
But let me give you a guideline. Malachi says to “bring your tithes to the Temple”. That means your first priority is to support the spiritual family that nourishes you in your spiritual growth. Support God’s work of sharing His love to the world.
I cannot impose my practice on you, but this is what I do: I give my Tithes to God’s work and I give my Alms to the poor. I set aside a separate amount for my charity work. I’m able to do that because of the way God has prospered me.
I repeat: There are no black and white rules. At the end of the day, you have to decide where to give your Tithes.
My 3 house helpers, like most house helpers, send a huge percentage of their salaries back home. But despite this, I still urged them to tithe to God’s work.
Giving to poor relatives was a wonderful thing and I encouraged them to keep on doing that. But when they also gave to God’s work—that stretched their minds. A shift happened within them. They began to discard scarcity and take on abundance.
2. “Should I Give a Tithe Based On Net Or Gross?”
Everywhere I go, people ask me this question.
And it’s a very valid question.
If Bill earns P50,000 a month, and his tax is 30%–he actually takes home only P35,000. If a Tithe is 10%, should Bill give to God P5,000 or P3,500?
I answer in this way: How do you want to be blessed? Do you want your blessings to be based on the Net or on the Gross?
Again, since Tithing isn’t a Law but a Love, this is really up to you.
And this question becomes a non-issue when you challenge yourself to increase your tithes as God prospers you.
Rick Warren, author of Purpose-Driven Life, gave a reverse tithe. Because of his big royalties from his bestselling books, he’s now able to give 90% of his income and keeps only 10%.
The Last Reward
Let me end with two stories.
My first is about a man who died and went to Heaven.
He was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter who said, “Welcome!” And the Saint led the man down the golden streets. As they walked along, he saw huge sprawling mansions one after another. Until they came to the end of the street where they stopped in front of a very small nipa hut. “This is your house,” said St. Peter.
The man was disappointed. He asked St. Peter, “Why am I getting a nipa hut?”
St. Peter replied, “I did the best with the money you sent us.”
The point?
Whatever you give is an eternal investment.
The only way to keep your wealth is by giving it away.
Give it away and you’ll see it again in the Kingdom of Heaven.
My Personal Experience
My last story is about my experience with Tithing.
Once upon a time, I was poor.
Twenty years ago, I was so poor, there were days when I didn’t have enough money for a haircut. There were days when I didn’t have money to eat in a fastfood. There were days when I didn’t even have enough money to ride the bus to preach in a prayer meeting.
Yet through my poverty, I kept Tithing whatever I received.
Today, God has blessed me with small businesses. After many failures, I’m now a successful entrepreneur.
Last month, I donated P1 million to the ministry. (I don’t like sharing that to you because I know I lose brownie points in Heaven. I share it not to brag. I share it to stress a very important point.)
That was a dream come true for me. For years, I dreamt of writing a check of one million.
Last month, it happened.
I believe in Tithing. It works.
If you don’t believe me, just try.
In other words, experiment, and see what happens.
God says, Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things…
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
PS. Help Me Share God’s Love To The World. Join 40,000+ people who are already members of the KerygmaFamily. They receive God’s Word daily and a few generous members choose to donate (totally optional) to our various ministries. To join, log on at www.KerygmaFamily.com now!
PS2. Do You Need Vitamins For Your Family Life? I just had a chat with Patrick. He said, “Bo, I love my FamilyReborn Newsletter. Your writings really bless my family so much. My marriage is so much stronger because of you.” Conversations like this inspire me! Patrick is a member of my FamilyRebornClub. That’s why he receives my FamilyReborn Newsletter. To join my FamilyRebornClub and receive my life-changing FamilyReborn Newsletter, log on at www.FamilyReborn.com now!
Filed under: Spiritual Growth, Prayer, Dreams, Purpose, Wealth/Money, Blogs by bosanchez
Thank you Bro. Bo
Your article is always my Monday’s vitamins…c”,)
Thank you Bro Bo for another inspiring message.
Elvin
Another inspiring article. Thanks for reminding us that the only way to keep your wealth is by giving it away. God Bless you more Bro. Bo.
Thanks for reminding us and giving essence to TITHING Bro. Bo. More powers! God bless you more and your family. See you soon. I can’t wait to see you in the feast. Cheers!!!
Thank you Bro. Bo,it inspire me to tithe even more and it has indeed bless me and my family.God Bless you and your family always!
Thanks Bro Bo, now I know the essence of tithing, it wasn’t so clear to me before.
I only have an idea thruogh to life experience that in times i’ll be generous to my fellows, so many blessings came on my way in any other ways…but my idea in tithing before when I was a child that we are required to give in the church not as a form of generosity…& to love doing it agen & agen…thank you very much for the enlightenment…..
Thank you Bro Bo for enlightening me.
Bro Bo, thanks for another inspiring message. God bless us all!
By the way, it’s called a pumice stone, the panghilod, I mean.
Thanks, Bro. Bo for teaching us how to tithe and how to be generous. You truly inspire us with your personal examples. God bless you and all your works!
Thanks so much brother Bo. Your article always makes my day. God bless you more.
Hi Bro. Bo,
I have been waiting for an article on tithing, especially since so many views on it abound. Your article is, as always, enlightening! I want to start now, especially with the great blessings I have received thus far, small they may be to the rest of the world! Thank you!
Thank you for your teaching Bro Bo, now i have another reason to continue tithing and to convince my members to do the same, more power and God Bless You
Many thanks, Bro. Bo… Indeed, God will always bless the cheeful giver
hi bo..wonderful and inspiring and looking to read more of your soul food.
I would like to thank you for your generosity. These things that you have given me through email has continually blessed me. God bless you always and your ministry…
Many thanks, Bro. Bo, because you have pinpointed on the issues about tithing and answered them directly and very clearly. I take my hat off to you because not many preachers in our predominantly Catholic country would speak about the law on tithing with such audacity and frankness. Truly, you are a preacher whose time has come to enlighten many Filipinos. I thank God everyday for the blessing of knowing you and being a part of the LOJ. God bless you!
Thank you Brother Bo! This is so true.
A lot of Filipinos take for granted the baskets going around during the offertory without knowing about the abundant blessings that will certainly come to them if they decide to put their “10%” or more inside those. Indeed, we earn what we give. If we are only capable of giving “tips”, we will only receive “tips”. If we give something that is substantial and means a lot to us, we will also reap something that is substantial and meaningful and most of the time, even more than we expect.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about what we can give. It’s about how much can we really give up or sacrifice.
I wish more and more Filipinos know that the money that they donate to the church actually goes to the church and for the propagation of teaching the good news of God’s love for us. So that more and more people may know about it.
Thank you for enlightening all of us everyday, Brother Bo!
To God be all the glory!
Brother Bo,
I finally have a concrete idea on tithing and generosity….
Thanks for the enlightenment….
I really want to see you……
May God continue to keep you in good health so you will continue to inspire millions of people….
I have never met you but you are always in my prayers and you are my constant inspiration… Thanks for the soul food brother Bo…
Marie Joy
Bro. Bo,
I just can’t say how timely your post is. I’ve just decided to start tithing but I had many questions that got me confused. Thank you for clearing many things up.
I’m looking forward to share any blessings the Lord provides.
Hi Bro. BO, thanks for teaching about generosity and tithing and most of all the law of LOVE!!
this article is in a sense a spiritual tithe to our souls-
thanks2x. God bless
There’s a reason why Soulfood comes out every Monday–to keep our spirits up at the start of every workweek. Keep it up Bro. Bo. We need this!
Thanks Bro. Bo! This post is very enlightening. I wish you could post as well (or let me know please if you have made a post already) regarding tithing of SAHMs or Stay-At-Home-Moms. I’d like to get into the habit of giving as well, but how do we do it if we don’t earn for ourselves, and only depend on our husbands’ earnings, since we devote most of our time to the family and to home-making? Would love to read about that. Thanks again!
…very inspiring article! please send me any account of yours wherein i can send my tithe
Bro. Bo,
the Lord used you as an instrument to send me His message, i gave my tithe this morning even if i will only be left out with transportation allowance for today..
but in my heart, i really felt good…
Thanks be to God,
tina
Thanks for all the inspiring words during THE FEAST
God Bless you and your family Bo.
thanks Bo. God never failed to give answers. After I attended a seminar and the speaker speaks of tithe/tithing I got a lot of questions.
and then Twingggg! an email from you popped up and answered all my questions about tithing.
Thank you for clearing things for me. Now my brain/mind works in a proper way my soul is happy.
Another miracle I received today!
thank you Bro. Bo your really God’s messenger sending out His message at the right time……….. God bless you always
Dear Sir Bo,
It’s always a happy feeling to read and be able to know new things which could help us to know the real essence of being here & living this world..
You’re such an inspiration.Hope you continue preaching…God Bless.
Striking and an eye opener. Wonderful message Bo. Since sharing my 10% gross income to the Church my family is trully blessed. I received also a percentage of my husbands salary. He is working abroad. Without him knowing it, I give the 10% of his income to the church. God is so good to us, in many differentw ways.
Hello Bro. Bo,
Thank you very much for enlightening me `coz today`s article made me realize the truth behind Tithing. Its like you open heaven`s door for us to realize how great it is to give back to God what is supposed to. It encouraged me to do give my tithes honestly with all my love and I know that blessings are on our way now…
Muchisimas Gracias contigo (Thank you very much)…
I`m so proud and overjoyed for being a member of the truly rich club and the kerygma family…
God Bless po…
Thank you, Bro. Bo.
I hope I can be more generous to God more day by day.
I have always seen how He has provided for me, and it is so true that one can never, ever out give Him. Maybe because at the end of our giving, it is still his generous love to us that prevails the more.
I hope to, one day, write my own P1M check for God’s services also. Amen.
Thank you Bro. Bo.
So true. I believe in Tithing. It works.
DEBT. Doing Everything But Tithing.
To God be the glory.
Hats off to you, Bo! I’ve always admired the way you invite honesty and generosity among us. May the good Lord guide you and bless you always!
(Hope I’ll be given the opportunity to write in your Kerygma magazine one day because it’s one of my passion… to declare the ‘inner burn’ - if that’s the most appropriate term to use - in me through words and love-filled inked statements.)
in loving service to God…
I started using the “envelope” style of putting aside my tithes so I will have to budget what is left from my resources (I only get occasional commission from my insurance sales). This way I will not shortchange my God.
Praise God.
Preacher Bo,
There are books on Cheerful Giving by our Pastor Benny M. Abante, senior and founding pastor of MBBC, Sta. Ana. This book will teach one on Tithing, First Fruit Giving and SAcrificial Giving to mention some.There are so many testimonies among the MBBCians on the blessings: spiritual and material, when people learn how to be a cheerful givers.
These books on Cheerful Giving are now being used by many pastors, preachers, believer teachers in the Philippines and in the world to instruct the faithful on cheerful giving.
Today, once more, you speak based on the Bible- the Holy Word of God. A book on God’s instruction and promises if you obey them.
Glory be to God!
I do tithing..and i agree that it feels like im rich when i give..My family depends on my salary alone (for the mean time)..but i still give tithes..i believe my blessing will be coming like a great flood! I do tithing! I believe in tithing! tomorrow, i’ll receive my salary..another tithes for the Lord! another blessings to come! =)
Bro. Bo:
Thank you very much for this very inspiring and eye opening article. I will put in practice having 10% of my income as an offering of love in the Church and will surely set aside for other charity and civic work where I am a member. God bless!
Bro Bo,
Thank you so much for your daily inspiring messages. It enriches my life. God bless…
thank you Bro Bo for reminding us about the truly meaning of tithing…
GOD bless us all!!
Hello Bro. Bo, thanks for this inspiring and awakening article, it is indeed true that God loves a cheerful giver.. more power to your organization! GOD BLESS US ALL!
amen i agree with u bro bo. 12 years na akong nagiikapu 12 years narin akong pinagpapala ng Panginoon financially, materially, physically and most of all spiritually. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos sa paggabay niya sa akin upang gawin ito sa pamamagitan ng gawain ni El shaddai sa pamumno ni Bro mike upang lubos kong maunawaan. Isa akong domestic helper sa abroad na sa maliit kong kita ay sinisikap kong maisabuhay ito.Purihin ang Diyos at hindi namn ako binigo bagkus pinatunayan niya ito sa akin sa pagbukas niya ng pinto salangit at ibnuhos sa akin ng masaganang pagpapala.. Glory to you oh
God!……
Thanks Bro. Bo! I remember talking to my friends about tithes because we don’t know what it is. You gave me a clear point of view. Thank you! You always inspire me with your works and daily messages. Thank you and God bless!
Hi Bro. Bo,
Praise God I started my 10% tithes on my gross monthly salary starting this year and our Lord has been blessing me & my family a lot. To God be the glory!
My wife is a full time homemaker and all my children are still studying. Do they need to give tithes also on the money/allowance I give them?
Pls. let me know.
Thank you. God bless!
In Christ,
Bro. Mon
Bro Bo, thank you so much for this enlightening message! Your daily messages inspire us.. We thank GOd for giving you to us as our teacher..God bless us all!
yes there is no black and white in tithing, thus when parishioners tithes they dont receive a black and white evidence from priest and missionaries. This is a good encouragement and a mindsetting messages from Bo. Still i would say, we should know whom to trust the 10% or more of our tithes, because we are not sure where our money goes. sad to say, i dont have much trust now to missionaries are they are users, i have proven and seen many times. i have tested them but they fail. I recommend, setting aside a tithe, give it yourself to the needy, and support a ministry which you know that is doing well and not run by business man.
i always believe in tithing and i have tested The Father in this and He has never fail to bless me. In plenty or in few, i always tithe and it is such a great happiness and joy i receive in my end. plus the blessings are insurpassingly great… Be blessed always Bro. Bo… Reylla
dear bro.Bo,
Thank you. i truly appreciate this article. It had answered my questions re tithing. Now i can share this knowledge to my husband & kids & to my friends whom i have been able to share with your articles/teachings.
God bless your ministry!
I strongly believe in tithing. I just kept on donating to the ministry of Bo Sanchez with 300 pesos per month, occasionally give to Monastery of St. Claire with 1500 pesos monthly, and giving to my mother in law about 1500 pesos monthly. The result was that I was able to earn a gross of 410,000 this month by selling our conjugal property. I strongly believe that this is a result of tithing I had done. Thanks be to God.
just wondering all these years…
do you laugh at yourself when you write all your jokes or when they pop up in your thoughts as you write?
i can almost imagine your signature laugh…
great soulfood!
If I had known Bo Sanchez 15 years ago, and practiced tithing, I should have been a millionaire now. God is truly very generous.
Thanks a lot Bro. Bo. You answered a lot of questions i’ve been having in mind for seeeeveral years. Keep the fire of God’s love burning…..
Thank you again for another inspiring article Bro. Bo! God bless you to continue touching lives…God bless you & your family always!
Much love&prayers,
Hutch
Thanks for the article about tithing. Initially, I was against it because of the history of the Church but when I joined SFC, I wanted to give it a try but was too confused on how to go about it so until now I’m stuck.
But this article helped a lot.
Thank Bro. Bo. Great lesson about tithing.
God Bless…
bo
thank you for teaching us about tithing i regularly tithe because i believe God rewards you back basta heartily given.din yung pagtithes.
keep inspiring us brod bo!
elizabeth
thanks Bro. Bo for another inspiring article…..lets practice TITHING and be generous for God will prosper us abundantly…..We may realize one day that when riches begin to come, they come so quickly in such great abundance that one wonders where they have been hiding during all those lean years….God Bless Us All.
Thanks Bro. Bo for a very important reminder, a very inspiring article.
Dear Bo,
I was actually hesitant on leaving comments probably because
I had never thank you after receiving wonderful (free) articles for almost a year or so…my conscience finally forced my fingers to…by the way..let me “THANK YOU” for reaching my hungry soul on GOD’s word..
Tithing and many other topics you’ve written helps me grow as a christian …
thank you bro. Bo. You have been blessed so much by God. you are a great inspiration to many of us.I dreamed of meeting you one day.it keeps my hopes and spirit up
Sir Bo,
Can I post this on my wall? I believe many of my friends in facebook will enjoy reading this if I have this posted…
Dear Bo, this is an eye opener for me. Thank you very much, I will try this in my life now.
Tithing does work! I started tithing 8 years ago starting with 1% and now I am giving 10%. It is so wonderful to experience God’s generosity because he has always given me back twice or more than the additional amount that I commit to give to him for the year. It has given me so much joy to KNOW a God who responds and awesome in his response.
Hey Bro Bo
I have made ‘Giving Regular Tithe’ as my new year resolution this year. I was deciding where my 10% should originate, should it gross or net income. I have decided to give according to my gross income because I believe God should be first and if tax deserves the cut from gross income, why not God.
This article has been a great affirmation to me and today, I have written my first tithing cheque and it felt great.
Thanks for the encouragement and great teaching on being generous..
May God bless you always…
Irene
thank you Bo for helping us remind ourselves about how and why tithing is important. Your article gave me a clear view of what tithing is. May God bless you always.
What a pretty inspiring message..! Thanks a lot Bro. Bo for sharing, you are a real gift from Him…!
Bro. Bo,
Again thank you!…hope you will continue preaching us.
God bless you always.
Thank you Bro.Bo
To God be the glory…..
Thank you Bro Bo for that life changing message.
God bless you more
Very Inspiring and encouraging.
Yes I believe that tithing is not an obligation but a declaration of generosity which proves our love for GOD. I will try to make it regurlar offering to give 10% of my gross income to GOD.
God bless you always Bo,
Thanks Bro. Bo! I am enlightened.
I used to think that giving to God and giving to the poor are the same, all are for good. But you’ve stressed it out what is for God is for God. I just read that Bible passage recently and I felt guilty because I felt like cheating on God when all that I have isn’t mine but His… I have been working abroad for three years. And all my salary goes home, and honestly, it isn’t enough. I used to think that God would understand… But from now on, I hope to change. What is due to God, is what we should give Him. We should give him what is right and not what is left… thank you so much for inspiring us Bro. Bo! God bless you always!
Bro. Bo,
You never fail to inspire and bless your readers and listeners. Praise God. You are a blessing not only to the Filipino people but to everyone in the world that you can reach and inspire, personally and through the modern technology. More life and blessings to you and your loved ones and yourministry.
Fr. Mario
Thanks for the great message..it’s clear now regarding the net or gross income…and where to give the tithes to…more power to you…
I think you are confusing giving a tenth of your income to the church with the Biblical tithe. They have nothing to do with each other.
NO ONE, absolutely NO ONE pays the Biblical tithe today.
Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18: The First Tithe - a tenth of crops and animals and commanded to take the tithe to the Levites.
Deuteronomy 14:22-27: The Second Tithe aka The Festival Tithe - a tenth of crops, plus add to that the firstborn animals, and take for the yearly feast.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29: The Third Tithe aka The Three-Year Tithe aka The Poor Tithe - a tenth of crops, kept at home, and invite the Levites, widows, orphans, stranger to eat.
In all 3 tithes, the tithe was always on GOD’S INCREASE of the crops and animals and NEVER on anyone’s income.
Now, tell me. Which of the above three tithes commanded by God does anyone follow today?
The ONLY people in the Old Testament that were commanded to tithe were those who INHERITED THE PROMISED LAND WITH EVERYTHING ON IT. They got the land, house, animals, crops, etc. ALL FREE AND CLEAR. No mortgage payment or rent to pay. And THEY were commanded to tithe on the crops and animals and take it to the Levites who INHERITED the tithe INSTEAD OF the promised land with everything on it. No one else tithed. Wage earners did not tithe. Jesus didn’t tithe. Paul didn’t tithe. Peter didn’t tithe.
There’s no place for tithing in the Christian Church. Tithing actually shows a denial of what Jesus did for us on the cross. You can’t tithe out of love, or any other way.
Now I DO agree that the teaching of generosity is lacking in the church. The teaching of good financial stewardship is missing. God wants us to be good stewards of 100% of what he gives to us, and God wants us to be generous givers, FROM THE HEART. No rules. No guidelines. No percentages.
Thanks Bro Bo for another inspiring message to awaken the confused mind that I have regarding tithing. I would try to do it today as you have shown me always.
thank you, bro bo for re-enlightening me again. palagi kasi ako nandadaya kapag kapos. hugggg
Dear Bo,
Your message on tithing is so timely. Our prayer group here in Taiwan is planning to discuss about tithing. Many have so much questions about this so I can now share this with them. Thank you so much. You are such a blessing.
To God be the glory!
brother Bo i’ve heard that story yung sa nipa hut in the homily in Our lady of Peace at Edsa shrine. Yes, i really really believe when you give, good things comes back to you. This is God’s way of blessing you, he will not bless you alone, but he will bless other people as well through you. (PAY IT FORWARD=))
dear bro. Bo,
thank you for that wonderful message. i know nothing about tithing, i have very vague idea about this tithing, but thank you for enlightening my mind.
God Bless You More!
thank you for the message…for reminding and guiding me spiritually..
Thank you dear Bro. Bo for enlightening us. Your messages are wonderful and you have touched my life in so many ways. May the good Lord continue to shower you with more blessing so that you may continue to preach His words.
Dear Bro. Bo,
Thanks for this very enligthening message. This is very true, becase it happened to me. Once, when I attended a mass, envelopes were distributed for the
intention of giving to the mission. I inserted P50.00
and my salary was increased by P500.00. I was not aware of the this tithing matter. Still giving tithes and
God still continously showers me, not only materially but physically. Thanks again for all the messages you been sending me. You are angel sent from above.
thanks so much bro. bo for making us aware of what tithing is…. now it’s up for the person to tithe accordingly… be it in cash or in kind.. as long as you have a share of what you have , not only in abundance but more effectively if it’s the last of your resources…
i hope this will be an enlightenment for those who are confused…. thanks more power and nlessings, too.
thank you bro bo for elaborately sharing your thoughts on tithing; for “enlighting” many of us–especially catholics–that tithing is about love. I learned to tithe many years back from your books and kerygma magazine, and i say that you really changed my life from scarcity mentality to abundance mentality. i learned to put aside first my tithe before anything else every payday. Now that we know you recently gave 1M to God’s ministry, i dream that someday i would also want to give 1M.. no….. 2M to your ministries to help build more Feasts in the country. God bless you and your works!
Great! lesson understood… thanks a lot…. indeed GODis good all the time…
thank you, kuya bo, as a student and a therapist,i am very happy 4 ds learning again.. tithes is one of the key of being a generous person..
Hi My Beloved Bro. Bo Sanchez
It was so clear to me now, that tithing and giving really differs, and I truly believed that when a person do tihes the gates of heaven’s blessings will pour out so abundantly, amen. Yes you are right that to tihe must be based on the gross income in order to receive a gross blessings and a complete beautiful mansion in heaven. Yeah, i was reminded in this wonderful gift of wisdom to you from the great grace of God to continue my 10% tithing, coz in a while i stop tithing, i just giving right now any amount that is based from my budget coz my money is so limited and so budgeted. Thanks a million for the very inspiring messages. YOu are the best living instrument of God for us. Keep up the good deeds and continue your great desire to serve God and his people, in Jesus MIghty Name. Amen, God bless you abundantly too,
Amen!
thanks bro Bo….u give me much idea about tithing I just hope that one day I’ll be convinced to do the same. May I love tithing more…God bless
This is so powerful !!! Thank you bro. Bo Sanchez.
Maraming Salamat,
your article bro. bo does not only always inspire me but contenously give me hope
This is a day to begin rejoicing. Thanks for writing this article. your message is so wonderful and wish that many of the Roman Catholics will have the chance to read this.
I am a believer of tithing. As it is written in Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines.”
Also, reading and meditating 2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 13, will serve as inspiring thoughts for generosity.
I wish, one day your article could be written and translated to Pilipino so that others (Roman Catholics) in the rural areas could read and understand fully what tithing/generosity could do in their lives.
Kung umuuwi ako at nagsisimba sa ating bayan, wala o halos wala akong naririnig na pangaral tungkol sa pagbibigay (tithing/generosity ng ayon sa salita ng Diyos) kaya karamihan sa ating mga kababayang Katoliko, lalo na sa probinsiya, ay mangmang sa kaalamang ito.
Maraming salamat sa mga magandang aral na binabahagi mo sa lahat.
Nagpapasalamat rin ako at sa pamamagitan ni Jeiel, nabasa ko itong article mo.
Thanks for the message of tithing bro. bo,. now i understand. many thanks
Thanks, Bro. Bo for this article. This is absolutely right. Tithing really sets the giver free, and God really returns everything whether we expect it or not. It really makes us ache to give more.
Giving to the church only enriches the church leaders, give your best to the needy around you and share the gospel to them
Good day !
Always give from your source not from your extra. True, if we love to set aside our time, talent and treasure for the Lord from the gift that from His loving Bounty we receive, our lives are set free from worldly attachments, joy enriches the heart and God will never put you in want. ” Look at the lillies of the fields, the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these…”
” Seek first God’s Kingdom and all things will be given unto you. ” Says our Lord.
Thanks Bro. Bo and family !
Be happy all !
JESUS LOVES YOU !!!
Bro. Bo. Thank you for this write up on tithing. God is not kidding when HE said ” Bring the full tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in my house and thereby put me to the tests, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.
I have proven God’s faithfulness through my tithing. He is the same God of the Old and the New testaments and He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Yes, I will continuously give tithes and yearly will do my best to grow the percentage as well. Because giving brings so much joy in our hearts.
Thanks bro Bo for this great message! God bless you always.
Jake
wow im really2x inspired…
thanks for sharing this to us..
i was born and raised in a Christian family. Tithing is our way of life..=)
That’s a funny story, the one about not taking a bath. I too, hate taking a bath when I was young.
Although I don’t agree that we must give 10% of our income.
And why 10%? It’s a rule made by someone, and just became the fad, just become THE “right” thing. I don’t really love following rules.
I’d stick to giving what my heart desires.
Thanks for sharing though, Sir Bo. I love your articles.
Thanks Bo, this is a really nice article and it clearly explains the importance of tithing.
Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches tithing is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today.
Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle/Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent, not the 10 percent which is generally considered the tithe amount today. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
point is, give what you can if you are happy about it or if its from the heart, if it’s 10% of your earnings but a check out of grudges then God doesn’t need it.
Hi Matthew !
I’ve been wanting to ask ’bout this ten percent . Thanks for this enlightenment.
God bless you!
Dear Bro.Bo,
thank you very much for sharing this article. I’m praying and hoping that i will be able to practice to give tithes religiously. I’m here in Riyadh and on March 22 I will be flying back home there in the Philippines. All my plans are hanging. I’ve been working here for 6 yrs. I’m still praying for all my plans. I’m looking forward to attend the Feast on March 27. I hope you can help me start the new chapter of my life.thank you very much again and God bless…
Hi Brod bo,,
i really like this article!! my confusions on where to give and how much to give answered them all.. Im a member of religious catholic organization for couples and i give my tithes there sometimes i give it to my church..and that really confuses me but now.. this article cleared them all..”That means your first priority is to support the spiritual family that nourishes you in your spiritual growth. Support God’s work of sharing His love to the world. ” so il give it to both my org and church…
God bless!!!
hazel
thanks to the advice!
Thanks for reminding us that tithing should be done out of love and not by law…I tried once to give my last money to the point of having little enough for my family’s consumption for the week but then within that same week, a miracle happen…A generous friend gave more than enough without being asked. I pray that I can start my kids while their young to tithe..and as for me, I should be able to give what is due to GOD even in the midst of financial debts.. Thank you BO for the insights.. God bless you..
elusivestar
you’re welcome. God bless you too
Tithing is in the Old Testament
Old Testament is for Israelites
THEREFORE tithing is for Israelites
Tithing is “love” and it is a law in the Old Testament
There are 613 Jewish laws in the OT
THEREFORE the 613 Jewish laws is love
do you think we should avoid eating meat, sacrifice a lamb in reparation for our sins etc because it’s love and we’re cheating God if we don’t do so?
Tithing is in the Old Testament
Old Testament is for Israelites
THEREFORE tithing is for Israelites
Tithing is “love” and it is a law in the Old Testament
There are 613 Jewish laws in the OT
THEREFORE the 613 Jewish laws is love
do you think we should avoid eating meat, sacrifice a lamb in reparation for our sins etc because it’s love and we’re cheating God if we don’t do so? and if we will be rewarded by God when we tithe(one of the laws), will we have more reward if we follow the remaining 612 Jewish laws?
Hi Bro. Bo! Thank you for clearing this up! I had a few questions on tithing and I’m glad I came across you blog! I think I’ll start “experimenting”… I’ll write again what my findings are…
Many thanks and God drench us all with his abundant blessings!
I’m glad I found this site, I am very much confused about tithing.. I dnt know how i found this blog but whatever it is, it’s the answer to my questions.. tithing is clear to me now…. may all catholics realize this… my wife is a non catholic and they are really religious in giving 10% of their income… thank you and God bless us all!!
Sorry if i have been a critic of your blogs…just consider it a constructive criticism…
I quote your article: But what does “generous” mean? Since you yourself professed a ” A Failure In Teaching” in this topic…are you not falling on the same trap of not expounding this “new covenant” virtue? I have heard many explanations on tithings… can i request that you elaborate more on “generosity”?
Thank you for this wonderful message. I agree about what you say regarding tithing… it is not a rule per se, but it extends to our responsibility in buiding the kingdom of God. If in society we are being taxed by the government to create our nation, why can’t people give their earnings to create God’s kindom here on earth? If money is not an issue, how can someone reach out to the poor, travel the country and preach God’s word, reach the young people through different social media, etc? it is a hypocrisy to say that God’s church does not need money.
On the other hand, I love contributing to God’s kingdom because I love God , I love being at the Feast, and I love being a part of the His community. I want the Feast to continue to be there until I die, and see it grow and grow so that it will reach millions of people… because what happens at the Feast is a miracle in itself… and I pray that other people will also see that and experience it themselves. God bless!
Goodday Bro. Bo,
Thank you for enlightening us about tithing…. By the way, i feel blessed being connected to the kerygma family thru the internet, how i wish the Feast reach our city, (Zamboanga City)… I have never attended the Feast since it has not reached us, but i have heard a lot about the miracles happening during the Feast….
bo, i dont know if u still can read all the “Thank you’s ” … happiness you brought. Still, i wud like to say thank you for the Big Heart you always had for us.. for keeping us inspired and helped us open our eyes to God’s love and abundance. thanks bo!
dear bro. bo, before reading your article about tithing, i’m about to steal my tithes na inipon ko para ibigay ko sa feast kasi i have no enough money to spend this weekend. Praise God, pagbukas ko ng blog mo, i saw this article of tithing, sapul, maybe God remind me, “test me, try me, makikita mo pupunuin ko ang lagayan mo, siksik, liglig, umaapaw….” sorry Lord.
I have read all the comments on your articles above, but there’s still some who are against or n ot convince about the teaching of tithes. ang tao talaga pagdating sa pera or material things, human na human pa rin ang dating. I thank God that He send us you Bro. Bo, who is serving His people, us to renew our mindset, worldly mind. Thank you Lord God!
Required ba ang Ikapu?
Hindi. Sa sinaunang Israel, ang pagbibigay ng ikapu ay ipinag-utos sa ilalim ng Kautusang Mosaiko upang tustusan ang mga manggagawa sa templo ng Diyos, ang mga Levita at ang mga saserdote. (Bilang 18:21, 24-29) Ang mga ito ay walang mga lupain ng mga tribo maliban sa mga ilang lunsod, kaya kailangan nila ng pantanging panustos na ito. Bukod dito, ang tapat na mga Israelita ay malayang magbigay ng kusang mga abuloy para sa pantanging mga proyekto, tulad baga ng pagtatayo ng tabernakulo at, nang malaunan, ng templo.—Exodo 25:1-8; 1 Cronica 29:3-7.
Gayunman, nang mamatay si Jesus, sinasabi ng Bibliya na “inalis niya ang . . . Batas ng mga utos na may mga kautusan.” (Efeso 2:15; Colosas 2:13, 14) Sa ibang pananalita, sa mata ng Diyos ang Kautusan ay hindi na kapit sa mga Judio ni sa mga Kristiyano man. Samakatuwid, kasama ng mga iba pang bahagi ng Kautusan, tulad baga ng palagiang mga hain sa templo, hindi na kahilingan sa mga mananampalataya ang pagbibigay ng ikapu.
Sa mga Kristiyano, ang motibo sa pagbibigay ay pag-ibig, hindi kautusan. Ipinaliwanag ni apostol Pablo ang simulain nang nagsasaayos ng isang abuluyan para sa nangangailangang mga Kristiyano sa Judea. Sinabi niya: “Magbigay ang bawat isa ayon sa ipinasiya ng kaniyang puso, huwag mabigat sa loob o parang pinipilit, sapagkat iniibig ng Diyos ang nagbibigay nang masaya.” (2 Corinto 9:7)
Hurray Brother BO! You’re such an incredible person of letting this articles shared upon us. Yes you’re true, many people just shared 0.5% of their total income for GOD’s work to continue. To be honest, I don’t like tithing but your valuable ideas really impresses for me to open a new door to give what belongs to GOD. I just found out this personal development blog with great articles about personal growth and personality improvement at http://www.thelifedecoder.com/blog/. Just keep it up and more power to you. God bless you for all your hardships in proclaiming the word of God.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD NOW AND FOREVER
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine…
Thanks Bro. Bo for the message…..:)..god bless..
I’ve known tithing just recently and I believe of what you’re saying here is true. I tested it and it worked for me like a charm.