Tithing, or giving a part of what you earn to the church, is like planting seeds that grow into blessings in your life. It’s a practice that many believe can bring good things your way, not just money but also happiness and help when you need it. This guide, “8 Ways to Pay Tithe and Never Be Broke Again,” is here to show you different ways you can tithe, making it easier and more meaningful for you. Whether you’re young or old, new to this idea or have been tithing for years, you’ll find helpful tips on how to do it in a way that fits your life. Keep reading to learn more about these eight ways and how they can help bring more blessings into your life.
1. Hold God Responsible
According to Malachi 3:10:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Here, God invites us to test Him under one condition: that we bring our tithes to Him and watch for “blessings from heaven.” “Blessings from heaven” means divine ideas that are released to you. Now, we should understand the connections. The spiritual realm releases ideas which aid in the mental state and well-being of a person. Another way is that God brings you to mind in the thoughts and hearts of other people.
When you pay your tithe, expect more than just a physical blessing; anticipate a divine encounter. Blessings encompass both divine ideas and divine remembrance. These two are the gateways to heaven’s blessings for you.
2. Hold Yourself Accountable
Isaiah 1:19-20 says:
“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
God blesses you with divine ideas and divine remembrance, but what action are you taking? Are you waiting for God to do all the work for you? The scripture states you must be willing and obedient, a directive without alternatives. Yes, the good of the land is already available, perhaps in your mind or in another’s possession. But, how prepared are you to receive it?
Another scripture that aligns with this is “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”(James 2:26).. If you want to be rich and not broke, be rich in good works!
3. Ensure Your Pastors Are Responsible Stewards of Your Tithes
The initial part of Malachi 3:10 states, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.”
Indeed, “food in my house!” The church is not a bank but serves as a point of spiritual and physical nourishment. It wasn’t established solely for the workers, though a significant portion justifies pastoral care.
For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
Your pastors and teachers deserve compensation. How would you feel working all day without food or water? Your pastors provide sermons that can guide, correct, and motivate you.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
This verse not only talks about your pastor’s belly but also about you. The pastor delivers God’s word tailored to your situation, and you benefit from it. Divine inspiration, as mentioned earlier, is a channel of God’s blessings.
Moreover, the church provides physical sustenance for those unable to work, such as the vulnerable, homeless, and disabled. A church failing to meet these needs does not fulfill its role. Supporting the sick involves not only prayers but also providing food, as exemplified by Jesus (Matthew 14:13–21; John 6:5–14).
4. Ensure you give Cheerfully
Another relevant verse is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This passage is often misunderstood or manipulated. Let’s clarify:
Sowing and Reaping
Naturally, planting a few seeds won’t yield an extensive forest. Similarly, abundant planting leads to plentiful harvests. This is a fundamental principle, often referred to as the law of sowing and reaping, as noted in Genesis 8:22. However, when it comes to tithing, the application is both direct and nuanced. Yes, we give, but the rewards we receive are not always tangible; they are part of a spiritual exchange that may require physical actions on our part.
It’s crucial to understand that tithing is not akin to a financial investment expecting immediate, measurable returns. If one’s intention behind paying tithes is to see immediate material gain, such an approach misses the broader, more profound essence of this spiritual practice.
Sowing bountifully delves into the realm of sacrificial giving. It represents a family commitment, a conscious choice, and an act of giving without any expectation of return. The Bible is replete with examples illustrating this principle:
Acts 2:45 – “and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
Exodus 36:5 – “and they said to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the Lord commanded us to perform.”
1 Kings 17:13-15 – “Then Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days.”
Luke 21:4 – “for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”
Acts 4:34 – “For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales”
2 Corinthians 8:3 – “For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord…”
“In the context of tithing, a 10th of your labor is what you pay as tithes. However, that was another man’s vow to God.
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me, I will give a full tenth to you.” (Genesis 28:20-22)
If you must go by this, then you have decided to accept the next terms in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 which says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Give what’s in your heart
Frankly speaking, most pastors make us fall into two categories of givers which are displeasing to God. The first is reluctant givers. These individuals see no reason whatsoever to give. They may have the means to give but decide not to. Possibly they have had experiences that feed their decision not to give, or they see it as a biased transaction from a business mindset. Hence, they give some days and on other days, they don’t. You cannot get blessed as a reluctant giver.
The next set of people are those under compulsion. These individuals are weary of giving, maybe due to the occasional demands of the church or pastor, and so they grumble or search on Google for answers. Being a compulsive giver is not your fault; however, you cannot get blessed in that atmosphere of giving. You must give as you purpose in your heart.
5. Pay Yourself Also a Tenth of What You Give
This approach is an excellent step toward accountability and financial stability. Suppose I earn $1,000 each month and allocate $100 as a tithe and another $100 to pay myself. Over one year, I would have saved $1,200 for myself. In a decade, that amount grows to $12,000. Adopting this habit can change your perspective on tithing. Rather than viewing it with reluctance, you may come to see it as a way to invest in yourself while still fulfilling your spiritual commitments.
This practice not only ensures you’re financially prudent but also allows you to remain open to the divine inspirations and reminders that can come through your acts of tithing.
6. Invest in Kingdom Projects
Reflecting on Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Investing in projects that align with God’s heart, particularly those that aid the less fortunate, is akin to lending to the Lord Himself. This act of kindness is not overlooked; it carries with it a promise of repayment from God. This repayment is not always in monetary terms but can manifest in various forms of blessings and provisions that cater to your needs in ways you might not anticipate.
When you allocate a portion of your income to support initiatives within your church community or beyond that aim to uplift those in need, you’re essentially planting seeds in fertile ground. These seeds grow and yield a harvest that benefits not just the recipients but also you, the giver. It’s a cycle of generosity that fosters a community of support and love, reflecting the very nature of God.
7. Pray Over Your Tithes and Offerings
As seen in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Prayer is a powerful tool that should accompany every act of giving. Before you release your tithe or offering, take a moment to pray over it. This isn’t a mere ritual; it’s an act of faith and dedication, acknowledging that what you give is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual act of worship.
In your prayers, express gratitude for the provision and ask God to use your gift for His glory. Pray that your tithe and offerings will be seeds sown into good soil, yielding a harvest that furthers God’s kingdom. This practice not only aligns your heart with God’s purposes but also reinforces your trust in Him to provide for your needs.
8. Stay Informed and Engaged with Your Church’s Financial Health
As stewards of God’s resources, it’s prudent to stay informed about how your contributions are being utilized within your church. A transparent and accountable church leadership should welcome inquiries and provide clarity on financial matters.
Engagement doesn’t stop at asking questions; it extends to participating in financial planning and decision-making processes, if possible. This involvement ensures that the resources are being used wisely and for purposes that align with the church’s mission and vision.
By being proactive and involved, you become a part of the process that ensures the financial health and integrity of your church. This not only fosters a culture of accountability but also builds trust within the community, ensuring that the collective resources are channeled towards impactful and meaningful projects.
FAQs about 5 Ways to Pay Tithe and Never Be Broke Again
1. Do pastors get paid from tithes?
Yes, pastors can be supported through tithes. The concept is rooted in scripture, such as 1 Timothy 5:18, which suggests those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel, implying that pastoral care and church workers can be financially supported through tithes and offerings collected by the church.
2. Can I split my tithes between two churches?
Absolutely. You can divide your tithe between two churches if you feel connected to both. The act of tithing is a personal and spiritual one, meant to support the body of Christ and its ministries. As long as you are giving with a cheerful heart and in accordance with your faith, the distribution of your tithe can be flexible.
3. What are the 3 types of tithes in the Bible?
The Bible mentions different tithes for specific purposes:
- Levitical or Sacred Tithe: Given annually to support the Levites and the temple’s work (Numbers 18:21-24).
- Festival Tithe: Used by the giver and their household to celebrate religious festivals in Jerusalem, promoting joy and fellowship (Deuteronomy 14:22-27).
- Charity Tithe: Given every three years to support the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows, emphasizing social justice and care for the needy (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-13).
4. Can I pay tithes and still be broke?
Yes, it’s possible to pay tithes and face financial hardship. Tithing is a spiritual principle of giving back to God a portion of what you’ve received. While it’s associated with blessings, it’s not a guarantee against financial challenges. Financial stewardship, including budgeting, saving, and investing, is also crucial in managing one’s resources effectively.
5. How can I pray for tithes and offerings?
When praying over your tithes and offerings, you might thank God for His provision, ask for wisdom in stewardship, and pray that your contribution supports the church’s mission effectively. A prayer might include gratitude for the ability to give, requests for the funds to be used wisely, and prayers for those ministering and those ministered to.
6. What’s the difference between tithes and offerings?
Tithes and offerings are both forms of giving in Christian faith. A tithe traditionally refers to giving 10% of one’s income to the church. An offering is any financial gift over and above the tithe, which can be given out of gratitude, love, or a desire to support specific church projects or initiatives.
7. What are the consequences of not paying tithes?
While some interpret Malachi 3:8-10 as indicating financial or spiritual consequences for not tithing, others view tithing as a personal, heart-led decision rather than a mandatory obligation. The New Testament emphasizes giving cheerfully and according to one’s means (2 Corinthians 9:7).
8. Did the disciples pay tithes?
The New Testament does not say if the disciples paid tithes or not. Their focus was on spreading the gospel and living in community, sharing all they had (Acts 2:44-45). The principle of giving and supporting the community is evident, although not directly tied to the Old Testament practice of tithing.
Conclusion
Paying tithe is more than a religious obligation; it’s an act of faith and partnership with God in His work on earth. When approached with a heart of obedience, accountability, cheerfulness, and engagement, it becomes a conduit of blessings, both spiritual and material. Remember, it’s not just about the act of giving but the attitude and faith behind it. With these principles in mind, you’re not just fulfilling a commandment; you’re investing in a legacy of faith, generosity, and divine provision.