Giving

While many, even some very close to me, would disagree, I don't believe that God requires a tithe from his children in the Christian Era. My belief is based both on the negative that neither Jesus nor his apostles ever directed anyone to tithe and the positive in which the Spirit gave specific directions on how we are to give. 

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the Spirit says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  Notice He says to give as we decide not a pre-determined 10% and not under compulsion, while the tithe was compulsory. 

I do think 10% is a good bench mark but it does not necessarily match the prosperity level of the giver, which is a qualifier of an acceptable gift according to the Spirit: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income" (1 Cor 16:2).

Is the prosperity level or ability to give the same in two people making the same dollar amount but one having six children and the other single?  10% for one may be a real challenge but for the other hardly noticed.  And, where is the room for one to cheerfully decide how much he can and wants to give in tithing? 

A couple of reasons, by the way, for purposeful and generous giving based on your desire and personal prosperity level are: 1) "whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Cor 9:6) and 2) "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Cor 9:8).

Purposeful and generous giving not only showers you with Gid's blessings but it causes that blessing to overflow upon others, for "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7b).   It is the giving out of a thankful, appreciative heart that moves God, not the dollar amount. Jus' Sayn.