What's the Difference Between a Tithe vs. an Offering?
Cassy Cooper |
April 30, 2024
Tithes & Offerings: What's the Difference?
Sometimes the words tithe and offering can be used interchangeably, but they are very different!
A tithe is a specific amount (10%) of one's income.
Tithing can help reduce financial stress and anxiety and encourage a more generous and grateful spirit. Why? Because you've already decided in advance what percentage to give, and you don't feel the stress of deciding every time you receive income.
An offering is anything extra you give beyond the tithe.
After you've tithed, returning to God your first fruits, and paid all your monthly bills and expenses, you can designate any extra money in your budget to give more.
The Bible explains that tithing is an essential part of the faith journey that we need to be intentional about:
"A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord's, and is holy." Leviticus 27:30 (TLB)
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops." Proverbs 3:9 (NIV)
Fun Fact: The word tithe means tenth in Hebrew!
To learn more about God's heart for giving, watch our series called The Blessed Life.