Wading Into the Tithing Controversy

The Uncomfortable Truth About Abraham’s Tithe 🤯

When God taught me the truth about tithing — whether it is for today — it brought me out of the legalism of modern thinking on this subject and, in time, resulted not just in financial blessing but in a radical upgrade in my quality of life regarding financial provision. It’s easy to dismiss the tithe issue or to condemn those who don’t think like you do but honestly the scripture plainly addresses this issue in way that will liberate and bless you and bring change in this very important area of your life.

How Did Abraham Tithe?

The story of Abraham giving a tenth (a “tithe”) to Melchizedek in Genesis 14 is often used to show that tithing existed before the Law of Moses. True enough! But if we’re going to use this chapter as our ultimate authority on giving, let’s make sure we tell the entire story.

Yes, Abraham gave 10% of the spoils of war to the High Priest, God’s representative. But the very next thing he did (and this is key!), by what we understand to be God’s direction, was give the OTHER 90% of his gains—all of the recovered property—back to the King of Sodom!

The point? Abraham gave 100% of his sudden wealth away.

If we are to “tithe like Abraham,” then we are giving 100% of all back to God’s purposes. You don’t hear this taught in our pulpits but I’ve seen believers act on this and experience astounding financial blessing in return (you truly can’t outgive God.)

This perspective echoes Jesus’s commands throughout his ministry. When he spoke about money and discipleship, he frequently said things like, “sell all, give all.“

🤔 What does this mean for us today?

It means that our giving is not about a rigid, compulsory percentage. It’s about being led by the Spirit and holding nothing back.

• The Pharisees were devout, meticulous tithers.
• But Jesus famously said: “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

This isn’t just about our spiritual acts—it applies to our money, too. Give as you are led, but here’s the uncomfortable challenge:

If you look at your giving over time and consistently find you are not giving ABOVE (and perhaps far above) a tenth, it might be a sign you aren’t truly listening to what God is asking of you. The blessing and the deeper discipleship of the King comes to those who are willing to hold nothing back.

What are your thoughts? Is our focus on the 10% distracting us from God’s call to 100% surrender?

#Tithing #Giving #Genesis14 #FaithAndMoney #Discipleship