The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum proper recipient of our tithes/offerings

William,

I agree whole heartily with this since the optimum word is guideline in regard to the idea of the tithe. There is no direct or even implicit teaching in the N.T. that would bind believers to a 10% proportion of their income. If such a mandate existed, then it would be a sin for anyone to neglect giving a minimum of 10%. There are only 10 Commandments; not 11. What we do find in the N.T. is an encouragement to give liberally and joyfully as the Lord has provided and as He enables.

Secondly, the tithe in the O.T. was established for a specific purpose, which purpose no longer exists and/or applies to the N.T. Church. When Ananias and Sapphira decided to give a portion of their land despite the fact that they lied as to the actual amount given, (Acts 5:1) they could have given but a small part of that land and no one would have deemed them sinners for not giving at least 10% of it.

Lastly, for someone as yourself who has personally opted to use 10% as a guideline, it is a personal decision to do so and cannot be used to judge another; not that you would even think of doing that! To me, those who choose to make the tithe a N.T. "law" to which ALL believers must be bound by conscience and obedience is nothing less than Pharisaism and such a view must be relegated to the dung heap along with similar "rules" such as prohibitions against drinking of alcohol, dancing, card playing, etc.

In His grace,