Am I supposed to give 10% of my income to the church?
Maybe you’ve heard you’re robbing God if you don’t give exactly 10%. Maybe 10% feels impossible right now. Either way, you want to honor God with your money and know what He actually asks.
The New Testament doesn’t command a set percentage. It calls believers to give first, generously and cheerfully: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), and in keeping with what they’ve received (1 Corinthians 16:2). The tithe, a tenth, began before the Law when Abraham gave a tenth freely (Genesis 14:20), and many believers use it as a starting point. Become teaches: give first, cheerfully, with no set percentage, and grow in generosity over time.
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Abraham gave a tenth before anyone told him to
After Abraham rescued his nephew Lot and won back everything the raiders had taken, a priest-king named Melchizedek came out to bless him. Abraham responded by giving him a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:18–20). There was no law yet. It was a response of gratitude to the God who had given him victory. That is the heart of all giving.
What the Old and New Testaments say
Under the Law, Israel gave tithes to support the priests, festivals and the poor (Numbers 18:21; Deuteronomy 14:28–29). Malachi rebuked Israel for withholding them (Malachi 3:8–10). Jesus affirmed tithing to the religious leaders while the Law was still in force, but rebuked them for neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). The New Testament church gave generously, sometimes far beyond a tenth (Acts 4:34–35; 2 Corinthians 8:1–5).
How to start
Give first, before bills and spending, so God stays first. Decide your amount ahead of time and give it cheerfully. If a tenth is your starting point, wonderful; if you can’t yet, start where you can and grow. Give where you are fed spiritually, and to people in need.
What the Bible says
- 01
Give cheerfully.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:6–7 - 02
In keeping with your income.
“On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.”
1 Corinthians 16:2 - 03
Honor God with the firstfruits.
“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Proverbs 3:9–10 - 04
Abraham’s tenth.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High — and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.”
Genesis 14:18–20 - 05
Justice, mercy and faithfulness.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Matthew 23:23 - 06
Give, and it will be given.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.””
Luke 6:38
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Decide today what you will give first from your next paycheck, write it down, and give it the day you’re paid.
Common questions
Am I robbing God if I don’t tithe?
Malachi’s warning was spoken to Israel under the Law. For believers, the question is whether your giving reflects a heart that puts God first. Give first and cheerfully, and let it grow.
Should I tithe on gross or net income?
Scripture doesn’t specify. Decide in your heart and give cheerfully.
Does my giving have to go to a church?
Supporting the ministry that feeds you spiritually matters (Galatians 6:6), and so does caring for people in need (Proverbs 19:17). Many believers do both.
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