It’s not uncommon to feel uneasy talking about money in church. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does God expect me to give 10% of my income to the church?”, you’re not alone. This question came up in our recent Questioning God series at Shepherd’s Gate, and it’s a topic that touches every part of our lives—our families, work, and spiritual growth.
You may have heard folks say, “I don’t need to go to church. The church just wants my money!” A common misconception about churches is that they are focused solely on collecting donations, which is not true. What is true, however, is that in order to carry out God’s work in and through the church, money matters. From the individual giver to a church’s allocation of funds, the stewardship of giving is about building and supporting God’s church community.
Why Money Matters in the Bible
Surprisingly, the Bible talks about finances more than almost anything else—over 2,350 verses, or 7.5% of Scripture. Compare that to prayer or faith, which are each mentioned in about 500 verses. God clearly wants us to understand how our money reflects our hearts. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Giving is more about the condition of our hearts than a strict calculation.
Old Testament vs. New Testament Giving
The Old Testament introduced the concept of a tithe, giving 10% of income to support the priests and temple. But when Jesus came, everything changed. His sacrifice fulfilled the law and created a new path for generosity. The New Testament emphasizes giving that is voluntary, cheerful, and proportional, rather than compulsory.
Consider 2 Corinthians 9:6-7:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Generosity is about heart, not rule-following. It should be intentional, regular, and proportional to what we’ve been blessed with.
Personal Reflection: How to Be a Generous Giver
Generosity is truly about living just as Christ died for us. It’s about acknowledging all that we’ve been given—air, water, light, sound, sustenance, just as examples—and demonstrating our gratitude by giving back with a grateful heart. A generous giver reflects on God sending His only son to atone for the sins of humankind and prioritizes their giving as a response to Christ’s utmost act of generosity.
First fruits giving means setting aside a portion of your income for God before paying bills or spending on other needs, making generosity a priority.
Here are a few questions to consider:
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What does generosity mean to you?
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Are you giving out of leftovers, or are you a first fruits giver, setting aside intentionally before other expenses?
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How does your giving reflect trust in God?
As 2 Corinthians 8:7 reminds us: “Excel in the grace of giving, just as you excel in everything else.” Giving isn’t a burden—it’s an opportunity to reflect God’s generosity, share His love, and grow spiritually.
The Heart of Giving
Ultimately, generosity isn’t about hitting a number—it’s about your heart. God gave us everything through Jesus. Our giving, even in small amounts, is a response to that ultimate gift.
When we give with joy and intention, we participate in God’s work, strengthen our church community, and grow in trust and faith. It’s a lifestyle that transforms how we live, love, and serve.
FAQs About Church Giving and Tithing
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Does the Bible require me to tithe 10% of my income?
No. While tithing was part of Old Testament law, the New Testament emphasizes voluntary, cheerful giving based on your heart and circumstances.
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How much should I give to my church?
Giving should be proportional to your income, intentional, and generous. The exact amount is personal, but generosity is the guiding principle. Learn more here on the “Live Generously” page on SG’s website.
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What is first fruits giving?
First fruits giving means setting aside a portion of your income for God before paying bills or spending on other needs, making generosity a priority.
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How does my giving affect my spiritual life?
Generous giving strengthens trust in God, develops a joyful heart, and allows you to participate in the work of the church and community.
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How can our church thrive financially while serving the community?
When members give intentionally and generously, the church can fund ministries, programs, and outreach, impacting lives locally and globally. Learn more here.
