Grace-centred generosity means giving freely and joyfully because God has been generous to us in Jesus, not to earn His favour or because of pressure. The New Testament invites believers to give cheerfully, thoughtfully and regularly, and Christians hold a range of views on how the tithe fits into that.
This article is general information only and is not financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice where needed.
Giving can be a touchy topic. Some people have felt pressured or guilted into giving in the past. Others have never thought much about it. This article offers a fair and grace-filled look at what the Bible says, and how families can grow in generosity with joy.
Generosity begins with God
Before we talk about our giving, we start with God's giving. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16, NKJV).
Paul puts it this way: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). In context, Paul is talking about the riches of grace that Jesus gave us, and he uses it to encourage generosity.
Christian generosity is a response. We give because He first gave.
The tithe in Scripture
The word "tithe" means a tenth. Here is a short overview of how it appears in the Bible.
- Before the Law. Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:18-20). The writer of Hebrews reflects on this in Hebrews 7. Jacob also promised to give God a tenth (Genesis 28:22).
- Under the Law of Moses. Israel gave tithes to support the Levites, to celebrate festivals and to care for the poor, widows and foreigners (see Leviticus 27, Numbers 18 and Deuteronomy 14).
- In the Prophets. In Malachi 3:10, God called Israel back to faithfulness: "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse." This was spoken to Israel under the old covenant, and it was a call to return to God with their whole hearts.
- In the Gospels. Jesus spoke to religious leaders who tithed carefully but neglected justice, mercy and faith. He said, "These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone" (Matthew 23:23).
How Christians view the tithe today
Faithful, Bible-believing Christians hold different views on tithing. Here are three common ones, presented as fairly as we can.
View 1: The tithe is a continuing standard
Some Christians believe the tithe is God's ongoing pattern for His people. They point to Abraham's tithe before the Law and to Jesus' words in Matthew 23:23.
View 2: Giving is proportional and Spirit-led
Others believe the tithe belonged to the old covenant. They note that the New Testament letters never command a tenth. Instead, they teach giving that is generous, proportional and from the heart (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
View 3: The tithe as a starting point under grace
Many Christians hold a middle view. They see the tithe not as a law but as a helpful, time-tested starting point for generosity. Grace may then lead them to give beyond it.
Where Rhythm stands
At Rhythm Church, we hold the third view. We encourage the tithe as a faith-building starting point, given freely from a grateful heart, not as a legal requirement. For those facing financial hardship or who are new to faith, we encourage giving that grows gradually. Read our full position in Grace-Centred Giving: A New Covenant Understanding of Generosity.
New Covenant principles of giving
Whatever your view on the tithe, the New Testament gives clear principles for generosity.
- Cheerful. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Planned and regular. "On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper" (1 Corinthians 16:2).
- Proportional. Giving is "accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have" (2 Corinthians 8:12).
- For the local church. Paul taught that those who teach the Word should be supported (Galatians 6:6).
- For people in need. The early church shared generously so that no one among them lacked (Acts 4:34).
- Joyful. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Promises without formulas
Scripture contains beautiful promises about God's provision. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
Notice the purpose: "for every good work." God provides so we can keep being generous.
We want to be careful here. God is generous and faithful, and many people testify to His provision as they give. But giving is not a transaction or a guaranteed way to get rich. We do not give to get. We give because we have already received so much in Jesus.
Generosity when money is tight
If your family is under financial pressure, please hear this: God is not asking you to go without food or fall behind on bills in order to give. He looks at the heart.
Generosity can also take other forms:
- Giving your time to serve others.
- Sharing your skills.
- Cooking a meal for a family in need.
- Being hospitable and opening your home.
If your family needs support right now, please visit our financial assistance page. Receiving help is not a failure. It is part of how the body of Christ cares for each other.
Try this week
- Thank God. List five ways God has been generous to your family.
- Pray about giving. Ask, "Lord, how would You have us give in this season?"
- Make it planned. Decide on an amount and set up a regular gift, so giving is the first thing you do rather than the last.
- Give in a small, new way. Buy a coffee for someone, drop a meal to a neighbour or donate to a local need.
- Include the kids. Give children a small "giving jar" and let them choose where it goes.
- Plan the whole budget. Read Biblical Budgeting for Families to fit giving into a simple family plan.
If you are new to Rhythm and want to know how to get involved, our Next Steps page is a great place to start.
A prayer of generosity
Father, thank You for Your amazing generosity to me in Jesus. Everything I have comes from You. Fill my heart with gratitude and joy. Show me how to give with wisdom and cheerfulness, and help me to trust You with my family's needs. Make me generous with my money, my time and my love. In Jesus' name, amen.
Come and visit Rhythm
At Rhythm Church Aura, we love to be generous because God has been so generous to us. Join us any Sunday at 9:30am at the Nirimba State Primary School hall, 100 Park Avenue, Nirimba. We would love to meet you.
Scripture quotations taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Common questions
Do Christians have to tithe?
Christians hold different views. Some see the tithe as a continuing standard, others see New Testament giving as proportional and Spirit-led with no fixed percentage. At Rhythm we encourage the tithe as a helpful, faith-building starting point, given freely from grace rather than as a legal requirement.
Will God bless me if I give?
Scripture says God loves a cheerful giver and is able to make all grace abound toward us. God is generous and faithful, but giving is not a formula for guaranteed financial return.
What if I cannot afford to give right now?
God looks at the heart, not the amount. 2 Corinthians 8:12 says giving is accepted according to what you have. Start small, give time or skills, and let generosity grow as your situation improves.
Murray planted Rhythm Church in 2019 and leads it with his wife Kathy. He is a credentialed Australian Christian Churches pastor with a Master of Leadership from Alphacrucis University and more than 25 years in pastoral care, community development and missions.
