A question on tithing

[Mule 11]

Would giving money or spending money on a neighbor or family member count? Do you get to choose where the money you are giving away goes is my question?

[Lloyd Smale]

id say neighbor yes family no. Familys is your responsibility. But it sure doesnt have to go through any church.

[Graybeard]

Depends on who you are wanting credit for it from. If the IRS then it has to be a registered charitable organization I believe. If you are only concerned with GOD giving you credit then I believe helping a neighbor or a family member you are not responsible for would indeed be chalked up as a good deed in your favor.

[gene_225]

I'm sure some will disagree, but I believe I would take the position that if you are doing good (especially if your right hand doesn't know what your left hand is doing) it is a gift to God. For my personal giving, I take the position that 10% (which is the minimum tithe) needs to go to the operation and maintenance of God's earthly ministry. Other giving is more up to me.

[Dee]

Depends on who you are wanting credit for it from. If the IRS then it has to be a registered charitable organization I believe. If you are only concerned with GOD giving you credit then I believe helping a neighbor or a family member you are not responsible for would indeed be chalked up as a good deed in your favor.

The word "tithe" is an old English word meaning "10%". The English  translation of scripture inserted  the word  "tithe" into  the  Bible and  churces ran with  it. No where in scripture does God mention giving 10% of your money to your church,  or Himself.
In regards to "money", God says render unto Ceasar what is  Ceasar, and is specifically talking about money.

[mcbammer]

  Hebrews 7:2 Context

1For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

[Dee]

  Hebrews 7:2 Context

1For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

Livestock, and crops. Not money.

[ironglow]

  The OT suggests 10%, but nowhere in the New Covenant, does it prescribe a given amount.  Close as it*% comes is (1 Cor 9:7).

  " So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."

   As i see it, let your conscience be your guide.  I contribute about 10%.  I also give to other things which are related, say something to help poor kids get a backpack for school, or a visiting missionary etc...and those are just cash..no special credit..

  However, that is just how I do it, not necessarily right for anyone else...  Just my $ .02..take it or trash it !

[JoeG52]

My understanding is that tithing is actually against the Gospel. Galatians chapter 5 uses circumcision as an example of the law but I believe that tithing is part of the law. If tithing is part of the law then the first 4 verses of chapter 5 are pretty clear. I give more than 10% but don't consider any of it a tithe.

Galatians 5:1-4 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

[Lloyd Smale]

we put money in the collection at church but not 10 percent of our income. When we put the envelope in the collect we use the building fund envelopes so its stays in our own parish. The catholic church has plenty of money without mine. The wife gives money to st. Jude's and i give money to tunnels to towers and donate money to the DAV and the american legion clubs locally every year. We also give money to St Vineys and the food bank. Id rather control where my money goes then give it to the church where i dont know where it goes. Wife will also buy a 50lb bag of dog food every month when she shops and donates it to the local animal shelter. Does it all add up to 10 percent? I dont have a clue and doubt God keeps books on it.

[ironglow]

  I don't know what anyone but myself gives, and it makes no difference to me.   Surely though, our people must be providing well,
  since there is a large 6 figure amount in the bank, beyond the building & maintenance, missions and other funds.

  So, we are looking for missions to support. Just sent off a few thousand to a couple churches that were damaged in the latest Florida
 storm.

  I have been with this small, country church for about 25 years, and neither the preacher for the first 15 years, nor the present preacher, ever spoke of donations or tithing.

     I believe that if the Bible is being preached, and the people are "being fed" the gospel truth..they will "feed back"..

   We have weekly food give aways, which are donated by food retailers.  We also have monthly community dinners, where anyone can walk in an eat a good meal, while throughout the year we will have special dinners available to everyone..members or not..

  Naturally, there is never a charge for any of these dinners..  because we never "sell" anything..

  Being an independent church...we don't have to 'feed' or maintain any hierarchy or costly institutional structures, which leaves more
  to do the real work of the church.