Comments on: Should you tithe while trying to get out of debt? http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/ Christian Personal Finance - Financial help blog, debt help and other financial resources Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:22:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Brenda http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-138732 Brenda Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:48:55 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-138732 Hi Bob, I just found your post after searching for answers to the question, "Should I tithe first or pay my bills?". I agree with your post 100 percent. We were doing pretty good ( I say that loosely) and after taking a class at church, my husband and I decided to start tithing. Since then, I have lost my job and my husband has been making less than half of his normal paycheck (he's in sales). This week we are at crunch time. There is definitely not enough to pay tithes, get groceries, gas and even pay one of the bills that are due. We don't have any debt. This is just our living expenses. We feel like we are doing the right thing and to be honest, neither my husband or I have even questioned whether or not to continue paying. But this week..... I am nervous. This comes down to our electricity being turned off. Yikes. If you have any input I would appreciate it. Thanks. Hi Bob,
I just found your post after searching for answers to the question, “Should I tithe first or pay my bills?”. I agree with your post 100 percent. We were doing pretty good ( I say that loosely) and after taking a class at church, my husband and I decided to start tithing. Since then, I have lost my job and my husband has been making less than half of his normal paycheck (he’s in sales). This week we are at crunch time. There is definitely not enough to pay tithes, get groceries, gas and even pay one of the bills that are due. We don’t have any debt. This is just our living expenses. We feel like we are doing the right thing and to be honest, neither my husband or I have even questioned whether or not to continue paying. But this week….. I am nervous. This comes down to our electricity being turned off. Yikes. If you have any input I would appreciate it. Thanks.

]]> By: Tymon http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-130402 Tymon Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:41:46 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-130402 @jana, No, you should not tithe from credit cards - especially from money that is not yours: you would only be sinking further into debt and restlessness. Don't let the issue of tithing or giving in other ways to be a burden on you. God first gives grace, then receives a believer's giving based on what he/she has, and "not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor. 8:2). I pray you find the grace to enjoy a debt-free life - 'And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work' (2 Cor. 9:8). @jana,
No, you should not tithe from credit cards – especially from money that is not yours: you would only be sinking further into debt and restlessness. Don’t let the issue of tithing or giving in other ways to be a burden on you. God first gives grace, then receives a believer’s giving based on what he/she has, and “not according to what he does not have” (2 Cor. 8:2).

I pray you find the grace to enjoy a debt-free life – ‘And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work’ (2 Cor. 9:8).

]]> By: gabby http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-124796 gabby Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:28:48 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-124796 I meant to reply to your comment Angie a while ago. I was struck by the difficulty that you find yourself in. Could it be that maybe there's not a 'one-size-fits-all' solution? Maybe in your circumstance 10% would be too much? I see that It is easier for me to tithe-while-in-debt than you, because I'm definitely paying more than minimum payments on my debts. And I think it would be too easy for people who aren't in your same predicament to give advice. So I do pray that you get some godly and kindly advice regarding your personal situation, and I'm sure you'll do the right thing. May God give you peace. I meant to reply to your comment Angie a while ago. I was struck by the difficulty that you find yourself in. Could it be that maybe there’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution? Maybe in your circumstance 10% would be too much? I see that It is easier for me to tithe-while-in-debt than you, because I’m definitely paying more than minimum payments on my debts. And I think it would be too easy for people who aren’t in your same predicament to give advice. So I do pray that you get some godly and kindly advice regarding your personal situation, and I’m sure you’ll do the right thing. May God give you peace.

]]> By: jana http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-124793 jana Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:17:57 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-124793 I'm so much in debt...no extra money left...only have credit card which isn't my money...its the banks..should I tithe from the credit card? I’m so much in debt…no extra money left…only have credit card which isn’t my money…its the banks..should I tithe from the credit card?

]]> By: JC http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-124723 JC Sun, 07 Aug 2011 06:54:26 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-124723 Some encouragement on tithing: We do not read of God ever giving Abram and Jacob (Gen 28:22) any command to pay tithes, but it seemed to be voluntary on their part, but in each case the giver received a blessing....when the law was given, the tithing system was instituted and placed in the law, as if it was something of importance....while the law was a schoolmaster to bring Israel to Christ (Gal 3:24), and that law was until John (Luke 16:16), and Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness (Rom 10:4) yet it is spoken of as "having a shadow of good things to come" (Heb 10:1) and is acknowledged to typify the gospel or grace dispensation.....The argument here is conclusive. The tithing system was inaugurated before the law came, and was conducted properly....the law was only the type, and "Was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made." (Gal 3:19). Then when the seed came, the plan was to continue after the original order. Christ, our high priest, ..."...forever after the order of Melchisedec,"....the tithing system is not to be adopted because of the commands of the law, but as we have now come to time for perfect order, it is to be practiced because of a connection, through Christ, with the perfect order....During the age of the types they were commanded to pay tithes, but in the beginning of tithe paying, history shows it was only voluntary, but recived the approval of him "of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."...The law says "Thou shalt not kill", but under grace we will not kill. Under the law they were commanded to pay tithes, but under grace we will pay tithes....for perfection is only brought about by glad, free, voluntary service as soon as the requirements are known. Nothing said about Abraham being compelled to pay tithes, but he did it and received the blessing. (these comments taken from The Last Great Conflict by A.J. Tomlinson. The reprinting of this manuscript was Copyrighted 1984 by White Wing Publishing House and Press, Cleveland, TN) Be encouraged, God will bless those who are obedient to his call. Some encouragement on tithing:
We do not read of God ever giving Abram and Jacob (Gen 28:22) any command to pay tithes, but it seemed to be voluntary on their part, but in each case the giver received a blessing….when the law was given, the tithing system was instituted and placed in the law, as if it was something of importance….while the law was a schoolmaster to bring Israel to Christ (Gal 3:24), and that law was until John (Luke 16:16), and Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness (Rom 10:4) yet it is spoken of as “having a shadow of good things to come” (Heb 10:1) and is acknowledged to typify the gospel or grace dispensation…..The argument here is conclusive. The tithing system was inaugurated before the law came, and was conducted properly….the law was only the type, and “Was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” (Gal 3:19). Then when the seed came, the plan was to continue after the original order. Christ, our high priest, …”…forever after the order of Melchisedec,”….the tithing system is not to be adopted because of the commands of the law, but as we have now come to time for perfect order, it is to be practiced because of a connection, through Christ, with the perfect order….During the age of the types they were commanded to pay tithes, but in the beginning of tithe paying, history shows it was only voluntary, but recived the approval of him “of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.”…The law says “Thou shalt not kill”, but under grace we will not kill. Under the law they were commanded to pay tithes, but under grace we will pay tithes….for perfection is only brought about by glad, free, voluntary service as soon as the requirements are known. Nothing said about Abraham being compelled to pay tithes, but he did it and received the blessing. (these comments taken from The Last Great Conflict by A.J. Tomlinson. The reprinting of this manuscript was Copyrighted 1984 by White Wing Publishing House and Press, Cleveland, TN)

Be encouraged, God will bless those who are obedient to his call.

]]> By: angie http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-121424 angie Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:24:12 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-121424 I came across this website because we're really stuggling with this issue. We have given our church over $100,000 while we owe over $115,000 in debt. All i can do while tithing is make minimum payments. Sure, we can stay afloat and tithe but we'll never get that $115,000 paid off while tithing and making minimums. We've been tithing for 10 years and strongly beleive God has blessed us. We're afraid to stop because our pastor so strongly preaches that the tithe is God's money and if you keep it, it's cursed money. But, the math is startig to not make sense as we'll never be able to retire or have any kind of life if we keep carrying this debt. We read Deuteronomy 15:1 and I thought if we're under Old Testament law, why can't all my creditors forgive my debts every 7 years like they did in the OT! I guess we could file bankruptcy and then tithe, we've been thinking that's and option. For now, we're just keeping both up in a holding pattern. I came across this website because we’re really stuggling with this issue. We have given our church over $100,000 while we owe over $115,000 in debt. All i can do while tithing is make minimum payments. Sure, we can stay afloat and tithe but we’ll never get that $115,000 paid off while tithing and making minimums. We’ve been tithing for 10 years and strongly beleive God has blessed us. We’re afraid to stop because our pastor so strongly preaches that the tithe is God’s money and if you keep it, it’s cursed money. But, the math is startig to not make sense as we’ll never be able to retire or have any kind of life if we keep carrying this debt.

We read Deuteronomy 15:1 and I thought if we’re under Old Testament law, why can’t all my creditors forgive my debts every 7 years like they did in the OT! I guess we could file bankruptcy and then tithe, we’ve been thinking that’s and option. For now, we’re just keeping both up in a holding pattern.

]]> By: rob earl http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-120316 rob earl Sat, 11 Jun 2011 06:10:28 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-120316 and how does the church pay these single mothers without your contribution? and how does the church pay these single mothers without your contribution?

]]> By: Tracey http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-114365 Tracey Thu, 19 May 2011 17:52:37 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-114365 Needs and wants are different. I feel like if you pay your tithes which God wants us to do then he will take care of your needs and your debt. It is not up to you to decide how that is done, leave that to God. Needs and wants are different. I feel like if you pay your tithes which God wants us to do then he will take care of your needs and your debt. It is not up to you to decide how that is done, leave that to God.

]]> By: Tracey http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-114364 Tracey Thu, 19 May 2011 17:47:36 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-114364 I love this. I love the part where you always have money to give away when asked. I love this. I love the part where you always have money to give away when asked.

]]> By: GivingTithes.com http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/comment-page-1/#comment-110780 GivingTithes.com Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:17:11 +0000 http://christianpf.com/should-you-tithe-while-trying-to-get-out-of-debt/#comment-110780 @Shane Johnson: "If I make $1,000,000 and I give $100,000, I get to keep $900,000 and live on easy street because my tithe has been paid? This “flat tax” approach is silly." Actually, Christians who tithe are not paying a tax, because the tithes in Scripture are not defined as taxes. I know some theologians may argue to the contrary - but that is because they are ignoring Scripture in order to draw such conclusions. Yes, the idea of a 'flat tax' is quite silly when people interpret tithes in that manner. On the other hand, tithes are connected with at least two things in Scripture: worship and priesthood. Those who desire to express their stewardship through tithing often speak of it in terms of worship; and it strikes me that those who oppose tithing make no reference to worship in this aspect! Many Christians tithe today because they are led by the Spirit to do so - and God has answered faithfully to their faith. That is something that anti-tithers should carefully consider. @Shane Johnson: “If I make $1,000,000 and I give $100,000, I get to keep $900,000 and live on easy street because my tithe has been paid? This “flat tax” approach is silly.”

Actually, Christians who tithe are not paying a tax, because the tithes in Scripture are not defined as taxes. I know some theologians may argue to the contrary – but that is because they are ignoring Scripture in order to draw such conclusions.

Yes, the idea of a ‘flat tax’ is quite silly when people interpret tithes in that manner. On the other hand, tithes are connected with at least two things in Scripture: worship and priesthood. Those who desire to express their stewardship through tithing often speak of it in terms of worship; and it strikes me that those who oppose tithing make no reference to worship in this aspect!

Many Christians tithe today because they are led by the Spirit to do so – and God has answered faithfully to their faith. That is something that anti-tithers should carefully consider.

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