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Moral LifeEssentials

Do I tithe 10 percent of my gross or net income?

Moral Life

The short answer

Neither is required. The tithe bound only the Jews under the Mosaic law, which Jesus fulfilled. Christians are obliged to support the Church, but no percentage is set: decide how much to give and give it freely and cheerfully.

The tithe was for Israel

The obligation to give 10 percent of gross income bound only the Jews. Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic law (Matthew 5:17), so even Jews are no longer bound by it.

We must still support the Church

That doesn't remove our obligation to support the Church — it remains — but there is no fixed percentage.

How Scripture says to give

Paul told the Corinthians to set something aside each week as they prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2), and that whoever sows sparingly reaps sparingly; each should give as he has decided, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Decide what to give, and give it in the true spirit of a gift.