Is tithing same as offering?

Behind every act of Christian generosity is a narrative story of faith, devotion and tradition.

Tithes and offerings hold more than just monetary value; they are the very essence of spiritual connectivity and service.

Is there a difference between tithes and offerings?

 According to Pastor S Mkhontfo, yes, there is a difference and as a Christian and giver, you should know how to tell them apart. A tithe is the first 10 per cent of your income that God calls you to give to your church each month. Whereas an offering is any money you choose to give above and beyond the tithe.

“Proverbs 3:9 calls us to honour God with the first and the best of our earnings; the first fruits. During this time, Solomon was speaking to farmers, their ‘income’ came from the crops they grew or animals they raised. Today, we measure our increase with money. But the principle still applies: God calls us to bring Him the first of our earnings specifically, the first tenth.

So the tithe, which means ‘tenth,’ is a baseline for giving. It is a tenth of your monthly income, and it goes specifically to the church (Malachi 3:10). It is the first thing you do when you budget for your money; before you pay your debts or fill your car with petrol. Tithing is really a form of worship, because it shows God we trust Him to provide for us, not money,” he said.

 He mentioned that offerings are different. They are given above and beyond the tithe. The Bible does not command us to give offerings, but it does encourage us to give generously and offerings since they are not required reflect the generosity in our hearts.

“Here is the thing about offerings: Unlike tithes, which come out of your budget before anything else, offerings should be given only when you have the financial capability to do so. That means you tithe first and then take care of your own household: Your bills, your debts, groceries, transportation and clothing. After all that is done, and you feel called to give an offering beyond the tithe, feel free.”

God loves a cheerful giver

Now, someone who’s debt-free with lots of extra income every month might not give much beyond the tithe.

They can, but they choose not to. That’s where offerings become a heart issue. God wants us to give with open hands and hearts, to be as generous as we can within our circumstances. In fact, 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) 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.”

Now, you have a lot more freedom as to where you can give your offering than you do with your tithe. Tithes must go to the church, but offerings can really go anywhere; to your church, to a church you have visited or even to a charity with a cause you believe in.

Tithes and offerings are different, but they do have one big thing in common: They both work to build your trust in God as your ultimate provider and decrease your dependence on money. After all, Matthew 6:24 tells us: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” And if you are not giving at all? There’s no time like the present to start.