Tithing is not a heaven and hell issue or a black and white issue and therefore it is open to some differences of interpretation. The problem though, is that some people believe the topic is clearly black and white and are adamant that it is or is not part of the New Covenant. Now it’s fine to have strong convictions. But that doesn’t make you mature. What makes you mature is how you handle people who hold an equally strong yet opposing conviction to you. Calling someone a legalist or still under the law because they believe in tithing is in my opinion on par with having a childish tantrum in order to manipulate. Equally so, calling someone licentious or stingy or robbing God because they don’t believe in tithing is the same thing.

We need to be big enough to accept that when it comes to tithing there are people on both sides who hold very strong convictions that they both claim are based on Scripture. We can still walk in love and unity as long as we walk in honour. If your pastor believes in tithing and teaches it in the church but you don’t believe in it (or vice-versa), you just need to live free and by your own convictions, but don’t go around the church undermining the pastor and spreading division over the issue. Don’t get on a cause to “awaken the church to the truth”. Don’t attack the leader as a legalist or mock him because “he doesn’t have a clear revelation of grace like you do”. Rather be free to live by your convictions, walk in love and keep your words honourable when the issue of tithing is raised.

Do we all have to agree?

We don’t have to all agree on tithing. But we do need to celebrate each others faith to either tithe out of conviction or not tithe out of equal conviction. If you want to debate it do it in an honourable way. Don’t be vicious and don’t be a jerk. Don’t use intimidation, manipulation, mockery, superiority or any means like that. Just be humble. Present your convictions that are based on Scripture and let the chips land where they land. You can’t bully people into faith. You can only teach the Word and let the eyes of people’s hearts be enlightened to produce faith in them that leads to corresponding actions.

By Ryan Rufus.

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Tithing Series:

#1: Tithing shouldn’t divide us!
#2: What I don’t believe about tithing.
#3: Why we can’t dismiss Abraham’s tithe.
#4: Six pictures of New Covenant tithing from Abraham.
#5: New Covenant scriptures on tithing.

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