By Shawn Newberry

Among the spiritual disciplines God gives His people, few are as formative, or as misunderstood, as tithing. For many, giving feels like a financial transaction. But Scripture consistently frames tithing not as an obligation, but as an invitation: an invitation to trust God, to align our hearts with His mission, and to participate in His work in the world. When we understand the biblical vision, giving becomes less about “paying a bill” and more about joining God in shaping lives for eternity.

For many years, I felt awkward talking about tithing, because I was unfamiliar with how to do it. But, like preaching, it has become more natural and is now just a regular part of the conversation on Sunday mornings.

Over the last five years, I have approached the topic of tithing from multiple angles, because Scripture speaks about giving in many rich and varied ways. Each facet helps the church grow in faith, in mission, and in joyful obedience.

Below are the core biblical teachings I share with our congregation as we grow together in generosity. I usually pick one of these issues and share about it before we take our offering on the last Sunday of the month.

1. Tithing Is Rooted in the Principle of Firstfruits

One of the earliest biblical teachings on giving is the principle of firstfruits. God instructed His people to bring the first and the best of their harvest, not what was left over.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Proverbs 3:9–10

Giving first is an act of faith. It declares that we trust God to continue providing for us. Israel was an agrarian people; their ability to harvest again depended entirely on God’s faithfulness. In the same way, we give today because we believe God will continue to supply every need (Philippians 4:19).

When we tithe first, before we pay bills, plan vacations, or pursue our own wants, we are saying: “Lord, You are my provider. My future is in Your hands.”

2. Giving Reveals the Location of Our Hearts

Jesus’ teaching is unmistakable: giving is deeply spiritual because it exposes what we love most.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

This means tithing is never just about money, it’s about discipleship. How we give shapes how we love. When people invest financially in the church (God’s people), they begin investing relationally as well. They pray more intentionally. They care more deeply. They begin seeing the church not as a place they attend, but as a family they belong to.

Generosity roots believers in community. When we give, our hearts naturally follow our treasure into the mission of God’s people.

3. Tithing Extends Our Influence Around the World

One of the most joyful truths about giving is that it multiplies our impact far beyond our local congregation.

The early church practiced this model, supporting both local needs (Acts 2:44–45) and global mission efforts (Philippians 4:15–17). Paul even describes the giving church as partners in the work:

“You are sharing in my trouble… and no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you.” Philippians 4:14–15

When our congregation gives, they are supporting ministries to children, youth, adults, men, women, widows, and the elderly. But they are also strengthening missionaries across the world, missionaries who see our church members as genuine co-laborers. Our giving reaches hands that we will never shake and touches hearts we will never meet this side of heaven.

This is why we invite missionaries to share updates when they return on furlough. Their testimonies remind us that our obedience is bearing fruit across the globe.

4. Giving Teaches Us to Live by Faith

Scripture repeatedly ties generosity to faith. Faith is not merely believing in God’s existence—faith is trusting Him in every area of life, including our finances.

“The righteous shall live by faith.” Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17

Tithing becomes a regular, practical expression of that faith. It reminds us that God (not a paycheck, not a job, not an economy) is our source and sustainer.

Besides salvation, tithing is one of the most tangible ways believers practice dependence on God.

5. Giving Is the Only Area Where God Invites Us to Test Him

Remarkably, Scripture gives one, and only one, place where God explicitly invites His people to put Him to the test:

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10

God does not invite us to test Him in His patience, His holiness, or His sovereignty. But when it comes to giving, He says: “Watch what I can do.”

This test is not about prosperity or getting rich, it’s about seeing God’s faithfulness in action. When we obey Him in giving, He demonstrates His commitment to care for His people.

6. Tithing Is More Than Money, It Includes Time and Service

Not every believer is in the same financial season. Scripture never shames the poor; instead, it elevates the value of sacrificial giving from the heart.

“They gave according to their means… and beyond their means, of their own accord.” 2 Corinthians 8:3

For those experiencing financial hardship, giving time can be a powerful and faithful form of tithing. Volunteering four hours a week (10% of a full-time work schedule) can bless the church just as much as a financial contribution.

Service is worship. Time is a gift. And God honors both.

7. Giving Should Be Done Quietly and Without Regret

Jesus warns against giving with pride or self-focus.

“But when you give… do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Matthew 6:3

This means giving should be humble and joyful, not calculated with the thought, “I’d be better off if I kept that money.” Instead, believers give with full confidence that their God takes care of His children.

Generosity should be free from guilt, pressure, or resentment. Scripture says:

“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

8. The Church Must Also Equip People to Be Wise Stewards

Generosity is powerful, but so is financial wisdom. Every September, we provide Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University because stewardship is not only about giving, it’s about managing every dollar in a way that honors Christ.

Proverbs teaches:

“The prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.” Proverbs 27:12

Stewardship discipleship helps believers avoid debt, build margin, and practice sustainable generosity.

Teaching Giving from Every Angle

Scripture presents tithing as a multi-dimensional act of worship, an expression of faith, a shaping of the heart, a partnership in mission, and a step of trust. Because of this, I intentionally teach about giving from a different angle each month. Every biblical theme opens a fresh window into God’s generosity and invites His people to respond with gratitude and faith.

Tithing is not about the church getting money, it is about God forming mature disciples. And when believers embrace generosity, the kingdom impact reaches far beyond what any of us can imagine.

Tithing: An Invitation to Trust, Worship, and Gospel Impact