OK, the honest truth is that I believe in tithing....although the church RECIEVES the money, in my heart, it is given to the Lord as He asked. I have been giving nearly 10% of my income because I have felt convicted to do this. It has been a bit of a struggle.
Now, I have a bit of a problema with it- my wife does NOT believe in it, so when I get paid, I write the check without telling her, or get the money out without telling her. We share our money, but basically have control of what we bring in. In the past, I have stopped tithing basically to not have to hear, days on end, all about how much she hates it, and how we could have used the money for something else, on and on and on....well, if I DON'T tithe, I don't feel like I am obeying God, and am not trusting in Him to provide. Now, I am doing it secretly, and since I don't KEEP many secrets from my wife, it is causing me great guilt. We really don't have much money. We are in debt, but I still feel like if we bring the whole tithe to the storehouse....you know what I mean...am I doing wrong by keeping it a secret? Am I a coward because I don't want to hear about it for days on end??? My wife can get really mean about it, usually, and I don't want to deal with that.

Blyth, seems like your question doesn't really have as much to do with tithing, as it does with being honest to your partner and, in fact, how to be honest when the circumstances are such as you described.

I like the idea of tithing, but in all honesty, I've never applied the principle in its entirety. Firstly, I'm a bit reluctant to give away a tenth of my income to a cause/institution I have some reservations about. I agree that tithing is about God, but let's face it, the money doesn't go to God but to other people.

For some time I had a practice of setting aside 10% of my income and giving it away either to charities or some other causes, including my parish church. Perhaps you could agree with your partner to do something similar, and contribute financially to a cause she wouldn't have a problem with.

Also, if you do have financial problems, maybe you could try to understand her side of things. She might have a valid point there.

Finally, although keeping it a secret from your partner may not be the ideal arrangement, I don't think you ought to disclose to your partner every single financial transaction you make. It's your money, after all, and it's your right to do with it whatever you want.

I DID tell her the other day. Then, I suggested we tithe to her mom who is elderly, taking care of my wife's niece and needs money right now...is there anything in the Bible that says we HAVE to tithe to the church? This is the way I was taught, and I know the church needs it to survive, but I can't think of scripture to back this up. The tithing scriptures are in the O.T., specifically in Malachi. Can I get some wisdom on this?

Blyth, I know we've been sharing Small Straws in a different thread but I think todays is for you and in response to your query so here goes:

Small Straws in a Soft Wind
January 30, 2007: "Looking back over the past few weeks, you can see that you have been in a spiritual maze that you've struggled to find your way through. I have brought you through, says the Lord, and you will now be able to move forward in greater clarity and precision. Rejoice in this time, for you will experience heightened discernment and optimum efficiency."

James 1:5-6 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”

quote:

Originally posted by Blyth:
The tithing scriptures are in the O.T., specifically in Malachi. Can I get some wisdom on this?

My impression is that only the tiniest minority of Christians actually tithe. That is certainly true for my church. I don't think there is anything in the NT that would make tithing mandatory. If you feel called to tithe, that's a different thing in my view.

Blyth, I think it's great that you choose to tithe. I agree with you that tithing doesn't have to always be to a church or similar organization. Only you can know what God lays on your heart regarding where, who and when to tithe. I think in one of your past posts it was brought up that we can also tithe with our time. If we tithe with time and/or money it needs to be in the spirit of Christ and not because we feel guilty if we don't tithe. The ultimate goal as you know, is to be like Christ, so as I pray and study, I also think to myself, what would Christ do? God isn't asking us to help people who deserve it but to just help them as Christ would. People need not only the gift but the love that you give it with.


Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing:for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

quote:

People need not only the gift but the love that you give it with.

Very true--and pretty profound for a cowgirl!

Tithing is one of those subjects that can easily divide Christians.

There are those who firmly say we no longer need to tithe, and those who say we do.

I think the simple answer is to follow what God says in your heart.

John I heartily agree that we need to do whatever is in our heart to do. And how ever we tithe or give should be done in agreement between couples. If we are able as couples to prayerfully bring this to God in prayer, both will feel at peace that what is given is right. It is much harder when one party is not believing. However as a Christian I feel I must not give an offence by giving more than my spouse is comfortable with. this is just my opinion of course. For many years I was unable to give very much because my spouse was not in agreement to giving.

Tithing is tough but it is something we must do if our churches and missions are going to survive! Pray about it and it's okay to start small. Starting at $5 and working your way up to a full tithe over time is a great way to get the ball rolling.