Numbers 18:21 *I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting*
*THE EXTREMES* (C)
I am pro tithe. The principle and purposes for which it exist from before the Mosaic law is still in force till date. No devout believer can worship God genuinely without giving to the Lord. I am yet to meet one. In fact, I believe it is a subtle sign of backsliding not to support your local church and ministries serving you financially. Personal opinion though.
Those who do not want to give their tithe or give generously often stand on the popular mantra "where is it in the new testament"? They have forgotten that tithing existed before the law and that the new testament( early church) did not have stingy people like we have today who debate on giving. They gave generously (lavishly) even to the point of selling properties for the Lord's work. That was beyond 10%.
I am not here to annul/cancel tithing. However, the crux of my teaching is to bring some balance to the subject of tithing and how we do it.
*3#.COERCION AND THREAT*
I have heard about some preachers who demanded tithe be paid to them If they pray for people. More like they are using prayer as a bargaining chip to get the tithes from their "customers". The conversation goes like this: "If I pray for you and God answers, you must send tithe to me or else you'll lose your miracle".
This is evil. I have read my bible over and over. I did not see anyone who made such demands and threat. Even the old testament prophets who seems 'weird' in their doings never made such demands from anyone. Doing that is not the way of Christ.
When people are in trouble, their pocket should not be the focus but solution to their challenges. It is not ethical in ministry to demand people's tithes for prayer "services". No it is wrong. That is a preacher in business not one doing ministry. I know a preacher should be honoured by those who benefit from his ministry but he should not coerce people into doing it. Every giving( including tithe) must be done willingly by the giver not under coercion.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ERV) says, *"Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give*".
Even under the law, giving was designed to be willing not by force or coercion. God's pattern has always been to receive from willing hearts and bless them in return. Once force, threat or guilt-tripping is involved, he is not involved.
Ex 35:21 says, *"and everyone who was WILLING and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments*" (NIV).
*Giving should not be by coercion but by the willingness of the giver. Any giving that is done under coercion, threat or feeling of guilt is not acceptable by God*.
I receive wisdom to give willingly and not under coercion in the name of Jesus Christ.