What the new testament says about tithing

The New Testament does not explicitly mention the concept of tithing as it is understood in modern Christianity, which is the practice of giving 10% of one's income to the church or a charitable organization. However, there are several passages that discuss giving and generosity, which can be applied to the concept of tithing.

Here are some key passages:

  1. Matthew 23:23 - Jesus teaches that giving to God is not just about giving a tenth of one's income, but about giving from the heart. He says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former."
  2. Luke 12:15 - Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth. He says, "Be on your guard against yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." The disciples asked him to explain what he meant, and Jesus replied, "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that he was not talking about the yeast used in bread, but about the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which were corrupt and hypocritical. Jesus is warning his disciples against the corrupt teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which emphasized external rituals and ignored the heart.
  3. 1 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Paul writes, "If others have this right of taking a wife and sisters, and I have not such a right, do I benefit? Do I not also have the right of taking a wife? But I have not used this right. And so, brothers and sisters, I have not been a burden to any of you, for I have not taken advantage of anyone. I have given you an example, as the Lord has given me, that as a man of God might become a pattern to you."
  4. 2 Corinthians 8:12 - Paul writes, "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have."
  5. Philippians 4:15-16 - Paul writes, "You Philippians indeed have been generous to me in my troubles. You sent me aid when I was in need, and though I was under house arrest, you sent me what I needed. I have been given the privilege of being a minister of the gospel, and I am still in the process of being poured out like a drink offering, and the sacrifices of some are acceptable to God, while others are not."

From these passages, we can see that the New Testament emphasizes the importance of giving from the heart, rather than just giving a certain percentage of one's income. It also emphasizes the importance of generosity, and that giving should be done willingly and cheerfully, rather than begrudgingly.

It's worth noting that the concept of tithing as we understand it today, with a specific percentage of income being given to the church, is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament. However, many Christians believe that the principle of giving and generosity is still applicable today, and that giving a portion of one's income to the church or charitable organizations is a way of demonstrating one's love and commitment to God.