Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 11/10/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Greg

A question about the Tithe.
One of my brothers in our Calvary Chapel Green Valley here in Las Vegas of which we both belong too.

We have different view on which is the Right way to Tithe.
My brother gives his tithe and at the end of the year claims his tithing to the church.

I on the other hand give me tithing and don't claim it at tax time.

My point is this: If one gives his offerings during the year and claims it at tax time. Is it not true that the person is not really giving all to the church. Due to the fact he will be getting money back on his tithings.

What is your view on this matter please brother.

P.S. In additional view of mine. If I'm going to give me offerings and not claim it, then and only then I'm giving without any expectation of getting money back on my tax return of what I gave to my church.

Thank you brother
Ray Monaco

ANSWER: Dear Ray,

Greetings! This is Elder Greg Madden from All Experts.  Earlier this year you asked a question of me in the Assembly of God category. Because of extending circumstances I was removed from this category. Those situations have been resolved, and I am now reinstated in this category. If there is any way that I could be of further assistance to you please let me know.  
Thanks again, and God bless!
Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1


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Hello Ray,

Thanks for your thought provoking questions. To be honest, I have for many years taken advantage of the tax laws in the US and have taken my "charitable donations" (tithe and offerings) off on my taxes, and yet I have never thought of it the way you do. Though I do not believe there is any Scriptural mandate weather to take advantage of the tax laws or not, but let me give you my personal thoughts.

Before I do, let me first say that I 100% believe that tithing is Biblical. I believe it is the will of God for every Believer to have more than enough to meet their needs, to have enough left over to bless others and to give into the work of the Lord. I believe poverty, debt, and lack are a curse. We believe as Christians are obedient in tithing to the local church, sowing financial seeds into ministry, giving of their first fruits, and blessing the needy they will reap a harvest. Provision is having an adequate supply to fulfill the vision (destiny) God has given the Believer, and prosperity is anything more than what meets your needs.

Mal. 3:8-12; Gen. 8:22; Gen 14:20; 1 Kings 17:10-16; Neh. 10:35,37; Prov. 3:9; Lk. 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 6:7; Phip. 4:10 ,14-19

Now as to wether you should claim this on your taxes, I feel that this should be a personal matter between the Believer and His Lord. The Bible does teach us to keep our giving as a personal matter...

Mt. 6:3
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

My understanding is that the right and left hand are symbolic of fellow Believers (two hands apart of the same body, the Body of Christ). That Jesus was teaching us not to be boastfull but to keep our giving between ourselves and teh Lord.

But this does not mean that one cannot take advantage of the law. In my own case, though my donations do help me at tax time, but it does not necessarily do so every year.

I do agree with you that a Believer should not give their tithes simple so that it would benefit them at the end of the year. This is not giving unto as unto the Lord, but of greed.

My view is that if you feel that you should not take your tithes and offerings off on your taxes, then follow your convictions by all means. But on the other hand, if a Christian does take advantage of the law by deducting their tithes and offerings, then I feel the Scriptures do not prohibit this either. The important thing is to obey the Lord in our giving, and to be sensitive to the Spirit's direction about tax deductions.

Ray, please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.

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


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

QUESTION: Hi Greg

First of all I want to Thank You for getting back to me with your reply.

It says somewhere in the Scriptures, and I'm not sure just where so I'll paraphase and hope you get what the LORD says.

" . . . give without any reward in mind. The LORD will reward you in Heaven."
I give not only to the church but to A.A. also with claiming it at tax time.

For me its like someone trying to get-over on the LORD. Example: Someone thinks; O.K. I'll give to the church and the poor but I'll get the reciepts come tax time at least I'll get some of my money back on my donations $ $ $

THAT'S GETTING-OVER as far as I'm concerned.

My motto is: GIVE WITH ONES HEART WITH 'NO' REWARD FOR ONE SELF, LEAVE THAT UP TO THE LORD.

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMLY GREG
RAY MONACO

Answer
Brother Ray,

Greetings, and God bless! Hope that you are well. I do understand you personal feelings toward giving you tithes and monetary gifts without taking them off on your taxes. As I wrote before the important thing is to obey the Lord in our giving, and to be sensitive to the Spirit's direction about tax deductions.

I believe you the Scripture you are referring to is...

Matt. 6:1
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Notice here that Christ did not say it was wrong for others to know about your giving. But that it was wrong to give if you only were giving so that others DID see you. He is placing the emphasis of giving upon our attitude and reason for giving.

Perhaps you are right that many would not give to the church (or the needy) unless they receive some sort of tax deduction. The way the USA is going brother, it may just come to that! But as I wrote before, that if you feel that you should not take your tithes and offerings off on your taxes, then follow your convictions by all means. But on the other hand, if a Christian does take advantage of the law by deducting their tithes and offerings, then I feel the Scriptures do not prohibit this either

Brother Ray, I hope that this helps. Please stay in touch!

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