There’s been a raging debate on Tithing.
Some say tithing is a Law that every Christian should follow. But others say is not a requirement among Christians because it’s a Law from the Old Testament.
Connected to this debate, I’ve received so many questions about tithing. Here is a sampling:
- “Is 10% based on gross income or net income?”
- “Bo, should I give 10%? Can I start with 5%?”
- “Can I give the 10% to my poor relatives instead of the church?”
I’m sure many preachers won’t agree with my answer, and I hope you won’t mind if I share my personal opinion here (and yes, you can disagree with me—we’re still friends): I don’t believe tithing is black and white. Tithing is one of your expressions of love in your relationship with God.
So pray and ask God how much He wants you to give and who He wants you to give.
For me, 10% is a guideline, not a law. And we’re all called to give to our spiritual community and support it—or else, who will? But it’s also true that God also calls us to give to the poor. So how can you do both?
My solution? I pray and work for the ability to give more. I ask God to prosper me so I can prosper others more.
I quote Paul who said, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)
Here are the five blessings of tithing.
Note that I’m skimming the surface here. I’m sure there are more.
If this were a 600-page book, I’ll write the 600 Blessings Of Tithing.
But since this is just a tiny essay, let me share my favorite share…
1. Humility
When we recognize that God is the source of our blessings.
So we share our blessings to others.
At the end of the day, God is the Owner of everything we have.
2. Happiness
Here’s a little exercise: Name the 5 happiest people you know in your life. My bet? All of them are Givers.
Because Givers are happy people. It really feels good to give!
3. Holiness
Greed will destroy you.
But generosity will free you from materialism.
By Tithing, you gain freedom.
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. Our Tithes are sacred. Our Tithes are Hagios. They’re set apart for God. And we always offer the best for the Lord.
4. Hunger
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!”
“Not really,” I said, “Because if I wasn’t a missionary, I would not 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 because I have so many big 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 lost their hunger.
But that’s because they only think of themselves.
I remember preaching to our spiritual community, “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.
Tithing is a declaration of abundance. You believe that God’s blessings will flow back to you.
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
PS. Do you want to learn how to improve 1% every day? If you do, you’ll be 37x more. I can help. Almost every day, I hold exclusive Supporters Conversations in Facebook Live and in Youtube Live.
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