Jesus and the apostles never taught anyone to give 10% of their income to the church (or Temple). But they did have a lot to say about money and how to be good stewards of the resources God has given us.

For example, here are thirteen principles of grace giving. I explain each in chapter 3 of my book, The Myth of Tithing and the Joy of Grace Giving. However, simply reading the passages will give you a good idea of how to handle money in a way that glorifies God.

1. Give where you’re fed (Galatians 6:6)
2. Give what you can (2 Corinthians 8:1-6)
3. Give according to your prosperity (1 Corinthians 16:2)
4. Give to the poor (Galatians 2:9-10)
5. Give to promote equality (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
6. Give carefully (2 Corinthians 8:16-20)
7. Give thoughtfully (2 Corinthians 8:19-21)
8. Give generously to reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:3-6)
9. Give to inspire others in their giving (2 Corinthians 9:1-2)
10. Give to inspire thanks to God (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)
11. Give to everyone who asks (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 6:30-31)
12. Give without expecting repayment (Luke 6:34-35)
13. Give secretly (Matthew 6:1-4)

We can also consider other factors when giving. We should develop the virtue of generosity and avoid the vice of greed. Also, the promise of heavenly treasure should affect our view of earthly wealth. I cover those topics in the book.

The NT teaches, in general, that giving is an act of deliberate discipleship. Christian giving takes self-reflection, planning, long-term thinking, and a concern for the well-being of the ekklesia. It is a profoundly moral act that throwing money into the offering plate does not do justice to.

Most of all, Christian giving ought to be motivated by how God first gave to us. Freely we receive eternal life, and so, freely we give.

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Send your questions or comments to shawn@freegrace.in.

Read his latest book, The Myth of Tithing and the Joy of Grace Giving by buying it from us, or from Amazon.