I have one last question about tithing. Do you feel it is right to write off one’s tithes or offerings on one’s taxes? I never had before because I felt like that was in some way a violation of letting the left hand know what the right was doing or receiving some kind of earthly reward or acknowledgment. I seem to be the only person that feels that way. What is your take on the matter?
Donations to recognized non-profit organizations may be taken as deductions on your tax return and could possibly reduce your tax liability. They’re lumped together into one sum so that no one knows how much you gave to any one charity, but you could say that the reduction of your tax liability is a form of reward for contributing.
For this reason, some people don’t claim these deductions for fear of risking their heavenly reward. (Matt. 6:2-4) You have to be guided by the Holy Spirit in these matters. If you feel His prompting to keep these matters secret, then by all means do it, regardless of what others say. As Paul wrote in Colossians 2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. He might have added, “Or how you file your tax returns.”