Why is the tithe a tenth?
First, it is what the word 'tithe' means. Second, because that is the amount that God established. He could have said a twentieth or a fifth, but he didn't. He said a tenth.
is rounding okay when paying the tithe?
Yes. If your paycheck is $2,978.37 you could make your tithe payment out for $300 rather than $297.84
do i tithe on the gross or the net?
Gross. It is your increase even though the government takes what it considers it's portion (typically before you even see it).
Do i tithe on just my income or other forms of "increase" also?
Tithe on all your increase whether income, gifts, inheritance, appreciated stock, etc.
When should i start tithing?
Start when you want to start being obedient, when you want to start honoring God with your finances, when you want to have his blessing, and when you want to partner with him in his work.
If I am not tithing and i can't seem to afford it, where should i start?
- Repentance. Whenever we find that we have sinned, repentance is always where we start. Express your sorrow to God and ask him for grace to trust him and to change.
- Aspire to honor God. Postponing obedience is not wise.
- Evaluate whether you are living within your means. If not, downsize, scale back, sell something, etc.
- Start somewhere. God will honor your small steps of obedience but never get comfortable using what God has claimed as his. Be sure to progress.
What is the difference between tithing and giving offerings?
With the tithe the amount (10%) and where it is given is determined by God (the local church). An offering is anything given beyond the amount of the tithe (not in place of the tithe). After you tithe you can give in other ways and to other important things (e.g. missions, building fund, a friend in need, other worthy causes).
What if i have debt, should i pay my debts off and then start to give?
Debt reduction is important, but not as important as giving God what he has claimed as his own. Consider the rebuke and the promises in Malachi 3:6-11.
should i give in-person or online?
Either way is fine. It is a personal preference. That said, giving online lessens the workload for the church office and makes the funds more readily available for use. There is a cost to either form of giving. There are fees attached to online giving and there are human resource costs to in-person giving. If you are going to give online consider using ACH instead of a debit or credit card. The fee is much less with ACH.
how do we practice it today?
Give money, Give first, not last, Give to the local church that you are partnered with in gospel work, Give without designation, and Give whenever you get paid.