Tithing FAQ's


When I calculate my tithe, should it be on my net or my gross income?

Proverbs 3:9-10 says that God has asked for our firstfruits, which is the first and best of all that we receive. That means we should tithe from our total income before taxes (gross).


Should I tithe if I am in debt?

As already discussed, the tithe helps us to fear God, which is the beginning of wisdom. If there is anybody in the world who needs God's wisdom in the area of finances, it is a person who is already in debt. If you have a need, sow a seed.


Is it okay to take my tithe money and put it toward Bible college tuition or some other Christian organization?

Malachi 3:8-9 warns that we are actually taking from God if we don't pay an honest tithe to the storehouse of the local church first. As god blesses us, we can also give liberal offerings to other organizations as we are blessed. But, as noble a thing as saving for a Christian education or giving to other ministries might be, the local church should always come first!


Could tithe money be used to support secular organizations?

The tithe is given in the name of the Lord and should be used specifically for His work.


Should I tithe from the profits from the sale of my house?

Any profit made from the sale of a house or any other investment should be tithed upon, because it is, in fact, part of your firstfruits. Even if the profits are to be reinvested in a new home, a tithe should first be given.


Should a person tithe on an inheritance?

Because an inheritance is part of our "increase," we should give a portion of it back to the Lord to honor Him.


What about insurance payments received upon the death of a spouse?

Should a person tithe on the lump sum, or just on the interest earnings? Again, look at the principle of tithing on our "increase." If insurance proceeds are paid in a lump sum distribution, a tithe should first be paid on the entire amount. Afterwards a tithe should be paid on any increase received (interest, dividends) from the investment of those funds. If the proceeds are held in trust and distributed periodically, then a tithe should be paid on each distribution.


If my parents are in great need, can I give a part of my tithe money to help them?

In Matthew 15:5-6 Jesus condemns the Pharisees' practice of consecrating their possessions to God while their parents suffered need. In light of this, if the tithe is the only resource available to help your parents, give it to them. However, be sure you have sacrificed your portion before you decide to give what belongs to God.


Should I tithe on alimony or child support from my ex-husband?

Alimony is part of your income from which a tithe should be given, but child support belongs your children and isn't part of your personal "increase."


Wouldn't you be exempt from tithing if you were on a fixed income (Social Security, pension, annuity) and barely making ends met?

We must remember that God doesn't "need" our money. His desire is to bless His children, and it is for our good that He has instituted the principle of tithing in His Word. Remember the widow who put two "mites" into the treasury? Jesus knew her situation and commended her by saying, "This poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on" Mark 12:43-44. Another famous widow who gave sacrificially in faith was the widow of Zarephath. She was asked by Elijah to “first” made a small cake of bread for him, before providing for her own needs. From that step of faith issued a promise in 1 Kings 17:14 NIV. “For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’”