I read your Q&A on tithing but I have yet to find “tithing” in the New Testament. I’m not saying we shouldn’t give but I believe people should know the truth. Tithing is an Old Testament law that is not mentioned anywhere in the New Testament. Pastors refer to the Old Testament to guilt New Testament believers into giving more. Again, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t give as the Lord leads us, but where does the New Testament command us to tithe?
I don’t mean to sound unkind, but I think you missed the point of my studies on this subject. It boils down to this. The New Testament says the Lord loves a generous giver and that the measure we use in giving will determine the measure of blessing we receive (2 Cor. 9:6-7, Luke 6:38). So how do we know what’s generous? Well through out the Bible the standard has been 10%, so any thing below that would not be considered generous.
It’s like tipping in a restaurant. There’s no law, but 15% has become the standard. Many people give more when they feel the service they received has been deserving. They’re called generous tippers. But those who routinely tip less than the standard are never thought of as generous tippers.
Most people who argue against tithing are trying to justify their current level of giving. They don’t realize the Lord doesn’t need our money and no one else cares how much we give.
But we should take the church and the clergy out of the equation. They are not the reason to give, nor are they the only proper recipients of our gifts.
Our giving is meant to demonstrate the gratitude we feel for what the Lord has done for us and we can help support any ministry function the Lord calls to our attention. If you think what you’re giving is a reasonable demonstration of your gratitude and are happy with the blessing you’re receiving, that’s all that matters.