What does god say about tithing in the new testament

In the New Testament, the concept of tithing is not as prominent as it is in the Old Testament. However, there are some passages that provide guidance on giving and generosity. Here are some key points:

  1. Jesus' teaching on giving: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that giving should be done with a cheerful heart, not begrudgingly (Matthew 6:2-4). He also says that when we give to the poor, we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing, implying that our giving should be done in secret (Matthew 6:3-4).
  2. The widow's offering: In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus commends a widow who gives her last two coins to the temple treasury. This story highlights the importance of giving sacrificially, even when it's difficult.
  3. The principle of proportion: In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This passage suggests that our giving should be proportionate to what we have been given.
  4. The example of the early church: In Acts 4:32-37, we see that the early Christian community shared their resources and possessions, and no one was in need. This example emphasizes the importance of generosity and community in the early church.
  5. The concept of "firstfruits": In Romans 15:26-27, Paul writes that he has been collecting money for the poor among the Gentile churches, and he plans to take it to Jerusalem. He calls this offering "firstfruits," implying that it's a portion of their income that they are setting aside for God's work.

While there is no direct command to tithe in the New Testament, these passages suggest that giving should be a regular part of a Christian's life. The principle of proportion, the example of the early church, and the concept of "firstfruits" all point to the importance of generosity and giving to support God's work.

It's worth noting that the New Testament does not replace the Old Testament's laws about tithing, but rather builds upon them. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of giving from the heart, rather than just following a legalistic formula.