The subject of New Testament giving generates a surprising amount of sincere debate among Bible believers. Personal experience suggests that there are four common models, each of which has staunch advocates. These four models could be labeled and described as such:
Strict Tithe – giving 10% of your income
Above Tithing – giving more than 10% of your income
Sacrificial Giving – giving to a degree that personal loss is felt (for example, cutting back on groceries, less money to spend on hobbies and other enjoyments, etc.)
Faith Promise Giving – committing by faith to give a selected amount in advance of having the income in-hand
Although most would stop short of snubbing a fellow believer for holding a different view, every Bible believer feels that his or her model is “best” (and therefore most biblical). This is in large part because we all recognize the value of giving, even if we do not all give in the same way, and if we are honest, each model listed above is arguably an acceptable approach to New Testament giving. How can this be the case? Let’s examine the plain statements made in Scripture.
The clear New Testament directives given in Scripture are found in I Corinthians 16:2 and II Corinthians 9:7. They state:
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. - I Corinthians 16:2
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. - II Corinthians 9:7
Together, these two passages give us clear direction on the time, the amount, the attitude, and the purpose for giving.
Time: upon the first day of the week
Amount: as God hath prospered you, and as you purpose in your heart
Attitude: not grudgingly, but cheerfully
Purpose: God loves a cheerful giver
As is plainly seen, the directive ultimately becomes a matter of the heart rather than a matter of accounting. Let’s consider each more fully.
Regarding the time, we are not restricted to only giving on the first day of the week; that is merely a recommended means of participating in this God-pleasing activity regularly. Scripture also implies that this recommended pattern avoids unnecessary hassle when a need within the church arises because there is already a regular flow of money each week. The amount is based upon how much God has prospered you, which could suggest a Strict Tithe or Above Tithing, but it is also based upon what you purpose in your heart, which could be any of the methods of tithing mentioned above. The real key to New Testament giving is the attitude based on your understanding of the purpose: whatever you give, based on whatever abundance God has graciously given, should be such that you can give it cheerfully. It makes little difference to God whether you give 10% or 110% if it is done grudgingly. God loves a cheerful giver, and so giving becomes more about pleasing the Lord and developing ever-greater fellowship with Him.
The Strict Tithe is popular, of course, because it was practiced by God’s people in the Old Testament (some by choice, like Abraham, and others by command, like the Israelites). But it is important to keep in mind that the Strict Tithe was an Old Testament institution; while it is not counter-commanded in the New Testament, we are also liberty to be far more heartfelt in our giving in the New Testament. For some this means Above Tithing, Sacrificial Giving, or Faith Promise Giving; indeed, we see each of these methods directly or indirectly endorsed by the examples provided in the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles.
What then is the conclusion of the matter? While each of the models listed above are fine patterns for giving, the debate over which is “correct” is perhaps misplaced. Just as there are many parts of the body with different abilities contributing to the whole (I Corinthians 12:12-27), so each one of us may hold a different model of giving and still contribute to the whole. Scripturally, the bottom line is this: God daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19); the Church has real, daily needs; God expects us to help meet those needs with whatever He has given us; and He loves it when we do so cheerfully. Therein is the New Testament model for giving.
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