Written by Renate McDonald

Tithing remains a much-debated topic among Christians. Whether the discussion is about whether tithing is still required under the New Covenant or if it's about the 10% versus simply giving from a willing heart or if it's about how the pastors may use or misuse the money, it can easily become a legalistic conversation instead of one that is seeking God's heart.

So let me be clear, I'm not here to debate but to share some thoughts with you from the perspective that tithing is biblical and still relevant for believers today. Tithe, by definition, means "one tenth" or ten percent, and I will be treating it as such throughout this article. As for the use of funds, whether it is stewarded well or misappropriated, those with oversight will have to answer to God - their choices will not determine my obedience. Finally, I trust that God will lead me where I should be. I will not be bogged down by the "what-ifs". 

Now here's a little bit about my story. My first experience with tithing was back in October 2014 when a tithing challenge was issued at my home church. I had just surrendered my life to Christ in June of that year and I was hungry for the Lored but still quite new to many church-related things. When the sermon was delivered and the challenge issued, I felt a nudging to respond. I nervously told my husband about it (because...how could we take on anything else when we were already barely managing on the one salary?!) but he replied with, "If God has said it then we will do it". And just like that, I committed to begin tithing starting with my next salary.

The first month, I was a nervous wreck. The numbers didn't add up and I didn't see how we could make ends meet. My husband, Jermaine, was in school full time and my salary was our only income since we closed the business in early 2013. I cried at the computer as I prepared to click "send" on the transaction but I did it anyway. With each month that passed, it got a little easier to hit the "send" button but what was even more notable was the work that God was doing in my heart. 

I was learning how to let go of my fears, my expectations and my plans, and to trust God for His. When I looked back at the first 3 months of the challenge, I realized that we lacked NOTHING. When the numbers didn't add up, the gaps were somehow filled - clients who owed us from the business we had closed would send over payments, bills came in smaller than usual amounts and help came from unexpected places. Our needs were met...and it was truly miraculous. God showed me that I could trust Him. 

This was a true turning point for me spiritually and financially. I never looked at money the same way again and since then, God has been consistently reminding us of who He is as our Provider (Jehovah Jireh). As we continued tithing (we never stopped once we got started), we learned to trust His way of managing money. We dug into His Word to find guidance on every aspect needed and applied it to our finances. Our very community - Learn Grow Invest - was borne out of our journey with the Lord. 

He took us from mountains of debt to being in financially stable, even through a pandemic. When things were good, we tithed. When things were tight, we tithed. When we were uncertain, we tithed. When we were stretched to give above the norm, we tithed. The result - strengthened faith in our God Who provides...and peace about our finances! 

Tithing stretches you and brings you to a place where you acknowledge God as your source, focusing your efforts on Him instead of solely on obtaining more. The truth is, if you prove yourself faithful with a little, then you will be given more. Just check Matthew 25:14-30. God is not short on money - He is the Creator of all things Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. What can He truly need from us? Tithing is about getting our hearts right and keeping first things first. 

Stay fixed on Jesus and all your needs will be fulfilled. It may not come how you expect it, but it will come because God has said so (Matthew 6:33). 

Don't worry about the numbers not adding up. This is easier said than done but when the anxiety looms, remind yourself of the truth - God honours His Word every time. Stretch your faith a little, test God in this area (Malachi 3:10) and watch Him change your life!

P.S. I've included a short video of one of oour financial testimonies for you to hear. Do enjoy! If you would like to watch the sermon that came afterwards, you can access it here: Emerge from Financial Struggle - Bishop Dwight Fletcher.