Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 2/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was just wondering if tithing should be at the full 10% if this means that the tither will be left with nothing at all. I have 2 children and i want to tithe to the requirements but with the bills that my spouse and i have if we paid the full 10% then that would mean it will be almost impossible for us financially.........what is your opinion on this? Please let me know ASAP.

ANSWER: Cortney,

God bless you sister. I do understand your situation and have had to face this tough choice myself. The principle of tithing is not that God wants to punish you are to see you suffer. Tithing is an opportunity for the Lord to bless us as His children. Tithing and giving to the Lord is not a debt that we owe, but a seed that we sow.

In you situation, with there being no option but to use your tithes to survive, I do have a suggestion. Figure your bills, including your tithes. Pay your bills and buy the things that you need. But keep a tally of the tithes that you did not pay, and pay them as you can. God understands when we have to do this. The important thing is your heart and your commitment to God and the work of the Lord. Perhaps after this season passes, as you pay your tithes, add extra each time to make up the tithes you missed.

Please let me know if this helps or if you have any other questions.

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok so, i get paid today. I am getting $1075 and my rent is $900. How much should i pay? I am getting married to my children's father next week, (don't worry...i have been abstinent from him since i got saved :) ) and he sees it as We can give money to the church in tithes, but that God understands our situation and that we shouldn't be left in need either. I see it as we should have faith, and even if it means giving the last we have we should trust that God will make a way to provide. I know this is probably a repeat of what we have discussed......but i truly believe the rapture is not too far away, and i want to be ready at any means possible. Thanks so much for your thoughts!!! This really strengthens me. :)

ANSWER: Ms Cortney,

Yes you should walk in obedience to the Lord. But postponing your tithes is not the same as not paying them at all. The important thing is not to be legalistic about it. If you only have $1075 to work with, then give something. Even if it is far short of your tithe.  

Also, you need to be walking in agreement with your future husband. I believe that he is probably correct.

Also, the amount of your tithe is based upon your gross income, not your net. Is $1075 before or after taxes? For years my wife and I only paid our tithes on the net. We struggled and struggled financially. we were both living for the Lord, serving i the church, and yet still struggled. When we finial started paying on the gross, things really turned around for us. We now both have the best paying jobs than we've veer had. God is always faithful to bless His children who release their faith and walk in obedience. Like my former paster used to say..."You can't out give God, no matter how you try".

God bless,

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the gross income is about 1275 before taxes, this means i would give $127.50 which would leave me with hardly anything. I understand that you say to give something....that i will most definitely do. But, i think that God is going to look at my heart and realize that i am trying and struggling and wanting to give all i can, but that circumstances are tight....what happens if i postpone it and then i cannot give it back in the future? Should i just give offerings and then pray that God will bless me in a way that i can give the full amount? Thanks so much!!!!!

Answer
Ms Cortney,

Yes, I would give what you can right now, keep a list of the amount that you were unable to pay, then pay it a little at a time until you can catch up.

But please understand that God knows your heart. Do not fall into legalism. And yet at the same time, don't just forget to tithe on what God has given you at a latter time.

God bless,

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1