Does Tithing Have to Be Money?

Charity & Giving

Jun 19

Leviticus 27:30-32 "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord."

Tithing—the custom of giving one-tenth of your income to the Church—is understandably associated with cash. But does tithing have to be money, or can worshippers tithe in other ways?

The answer to this question is simple! Tithing is not only about money; you can also give time, business services, and physical goods.

Tithing Is About Giving Back

The concept of the tithe is a key part of Mosaic law set out in the first five books of the Old Testament. "Tithe" literally means "a tenth" in Hebrew; it’s from here that we get the idea of tithing the first ten percent of our salary.

Christians traditionally pay tithes to their local church. However, giving money isn't the only way Christians can pay "all the tithes." God blesses everyone who gives back, regardless of the amount (or what) you give. This is because tithing serves more purposes than simply giving money.

Tithing helps us recognize the hand of God in every blessing we have in our lives and fosters a sense of generosity. Indeed, tithing has applications in the New Testament Church that go far beyond simply giving money. Tithing reminds us that giving is receiving as it creates a cycle of well-being for yourself, your community, your church, and God’s kingdom.

If that’s not enough, there’s a wealth of evidence that charitable donations and voluntary work lead to psychological well-being. Giving really is receiving!

What to Understand from Leviticus 27:30-32

Leviticus 27:30-32 reminds us that everything ultimately belongs to God. The examples of grain, soil, fruit, and livestock may seem antiquated to a modern audience, but the truth remains the same. Everything we have belongs to Him and is thanks to Him.

Unfortunately, some Christians misinterpret this verse or use it as an excuse to justify that tithing isn't relevant in the modern day. However, they miss the most vital point of the passage; who the tithe belongs to: "It is holy to the Lord."

This is the crucial fact when understanding how tithing is relevant today. Whether you tithe money or give back to God in another way, you are giving back part of what He gave you in the first place.

Leviticus 27:30-32 has modern-day applications that go far beyond agricultural produce. We cover this and many other practical applications of faith in our devotionals and podcast. You can sign up for early access to our devotionals and podcast or request details about our membership options if you would value personalized coaching through your Christian entrepreneurship journey.

How Leviticus 27:30-32 Helps Us Understand Tithing

Leviticus 27:30-32 shows us that tithing isn’t just about money. Tithing can also be:

Time

In the same way that God gives us tangible blessings, He also gives us the blessing of time; 168 hours per week to be specific. Dedicating 10% of your week to God may seem like a lot to some, but remember the spirit of tithing when dedicating some of your time to God. Christians must be cheerful givers, not acting under a sense of forced obligation or drudgery.

Dedicating time to the service of God can take many forms. Attending church, prayer meetings, helping out at your local church, or raising money for Christian organizations are all worthy uses of your time and express your gratitude to God.

Services

Offering services could take different forms like volunteering at your church or helping out in your community. These acts are considered worship as you’re dedicating your unique talents to bless others. As Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, what we do to serve others in need, we do for him. Therefore, working in the service of people in need could be seen as a form of tithing.

As a Christian business owner, you’re in a great place to offer services to those in need. Imagine the impact you could make tutoring children in need or offering financial services to those who can’t afford it. The possibilities are endless!

Physical Goods

The original tithe consisted of livestock and produce rather than money. 10% of farmers’ livestock and produce would go to the Levites and a second 10% would be consumed in Jerusalem for the feasts in years 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the seven-year cycle and gathered in farmers’ home towns as a “poor tithe” in years 3 and 6 of the cycle.

A modern application of this kind of tithe could involve donating 10% of the goods your business produces to the Church and people in need. This might involve food products or other items such as clothing, stationary, or tools. Whatever your business produces, there is sure to be someone in need who could benefit from your tithe!

Tithing Encompass Every Area of Life

While traditionally viewed as a monetary contribution, the core principle of tithing lies in expressing gratitude and supporting your religious community. Whether you donate your time, skills, or resources that hold value, the act of giving back demonstrates your commitment to your faith and fosters a sense of connection within your community.

Remember, the value of your tithe isn't solely measured in dollars and cents. Consider what resonates most with you, how you can contribute meaningfully, and become a cheerful giver in every area of your life.