Deciding how much to give as a tithe is an important spiritual decision for many Christians. The Bible provides principles and guidance that can help each believer determine how much they should give regularly and cheerfully to God. While 10% is a common benchmark, the New Testament calls believers to give generously and sacrificially according to their means.
Here are several biblical principles to consider when deciding how much to tithe:
1. Recognize that everything we have belongs to God
The earth and everything in it was created by God and belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). As His stewards, we are called to use all that He has entrusted to us for His purposes and glory. This applies to our finances as well. Giving back to God from what He has given us is an act of worship and obedience.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1).
2. Give willingly, generously and cheerfully
While tithing was mandated under the Old Covenant, New Testament believers are called to give voluntarily and cheerfully, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). God loves a cheerful giver, and we honor Him when we give freely and abundantly from the heart.
“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” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
This generous spirit reflects God’s generosity and grace towards us. As we mature spiritually, our hearts become more inclined to generosity and sacrifice for the kingdom.
3. Give in proportion to how God has blessed you
The New Testament speaks of giving in proportion to how God has prospered us (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Those who have been abundantly blessed are able to give more generously. However, even small acts of sacrificial giving by the poor are looked on with favor by God (Mark 12:41-44).
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
The percentage given is less important than the heart motive and level of sacrifice. We should regularly and prayerfully evaluate how God has blessed us financially, and aim to give accordingly with a generous spirit.
4. Make giving a priority in your budget
Rather than giving from what is leftover, believers are called to give first and priority to God’s work (Proverbs 3:9). Setting aside a portion for giving right when income is received ensures that it doesn’t get pushed aside by other expenses. It becomes a priority, not an afterthought.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops” (Proverbs 3:9).
Deciding on a percentage to give before other expenses are considered sets the tone for how finances are handled. It enables us to evaluate needs versus wants when it comes to the rest of our budget.
5. Give sacrificially, not out of excess
Jesus upheld the poor widow who gave two copper coins as an example, commending her for giving out of her poverty (Luke 21:1-4). Her small gift required real sacrifice and revealed a heart of devotion to God.
Similarly, we are called to give sacrificially, not just from our excess. This may involve re-evaluating our lifestyles and priorities in order to free up resources to give generously to God’s work.
“They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3).
Our giving should be marked by sacrifice, reflecting our love for God and desire to see His kingdom advanced above material comforts and pleasures.
6. Seek wisdom through prayer and counsel
Determining how much to give can be very personal and should be an outflow of prayerful consideration before God. Seeking wisdom from mature believers and godly counsel can aid our ability to hear from the Holy Spirit.
As we grow in the knowledge of God’s Word and in relationship with Him, we gain understanding about stewarding resources in a way that honors Him. The Holy Spirit guides us into greater kingdom perspective and Financial wisdom.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
7. Give regularly and consistently
Setting aside an intentional portion to give on a regular basis enables us to honor God with our first and best. This trains our hearts towards faithful and disciplined giving over time, rather than haphazardly or sporadically.
Giving regularly also provides needed resources for ministries to continue their work. As we commit to consistent giving, our trust in God’s provision grows as well.
“On the first day of each week, each of you is to set aside and save as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2 AMP).
Developing consistent giving habits honors God and lays a solid foundation for future generosity as well.
8. Excel in the grace of giving
For believers under the New Covenant, giving is a grace to be pursued and excel in (2 Corinthians 8:7). Just like faith, speech and knowledge, giving is an area where we can grow and honor God.
Excelling in this grace involves developing a joyful, generous spirit that looks for opportunities to give to God’s work. Our heart attitude is just as important as the amount given.
“Excel in the grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7).
As we seek to excel in giving, our desire becomes to give more, not less. This grace transforms us into true disciples who are other-focused and kingdom-minded with resources.
9. Trust God as provider
Giving generously requires faith. There will always seem to be other needs and desires competing for limited resources. Yet as we give, we can trust God to be faithful as our provider (2 Corinthians 9:8).
When we honor God first with our wealth, He assures us that He will meet all our needs according to His riches (Matthew 6:31-33; Philippians 4:19). We can give sacrificially with confidence in His provision.
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
As we give cheerfully, generously and consistently, our faith grows as we witness God’s faithfulness to supply and sustain us.
10. Know that reward awaits in heaven
While difficult to give sacrificially at times, we are encouraged with the truth that eternal rewards await those who give generously to God’s work (Matthew 6:4; 1 Timothy 6:18-19). Our brief sacrifice will reap eternal blessings.
Giving also advances God’s kingdom purposes, bringing others to salvation in Christ. The eternal fruit should motivate us to give selflessly and abundantly.
“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21).
As we give faithfully on earth, we can look forward to special reward when we meet Jesus face to face.
Key Principles
In summary, here are some key biblical principles for how much a Christian should tithe or give:
- Everything we have belongs to God
- Give willingly, generously and cheerfully
- Give in proportion to how God has blessed you
- Make giving a priority in your budget
- Give sacrificially, not just from excess
- Seek wisdom through prayer and counsel
- Give regularly and consistently
- Excel in the grace of giving
- Trust God as your faithful provider
- Store up eternal reward in heaven
The New Testament emphasis is that giving should be voluntary, generous, cheerful, and proportional—not under compulsion. The percentage itself is less important than the heart motivation. As we grow in Christ, we gain a kingdom perspective that transforms our attitude and approach towards using resources for eternal purposes. Our giving reflects our love for God and desire to see His purposes advanced, rather than regret over parting with earthly money and possessions.
Deciding how much to give can be a spiritual journey unique to each believer. But as we apply biblical principles, pray for wisdom, and seek godly counsel, the Holy Spirit will lead each of us in how to steward finances in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom. We can all excel in the grace of giving as we trust in God’s faithful provision and the eternal rewards that await.