Giving the First Fruits

A healthier and more biblically correct way to give to the Church is not just to give a fixed amount for a long period, or even to give a little more from time to time. Instead, inspired by the Old Testament concept of tithing, we should think in terms of percentage giving.

The tithe was an amount equal to 10% of all income a person had – from one’s harvest or one’s business, the Jews of old would give the first 10% of what they earned back to God in thanksgiving for providing for them. They would limit themselves to live on 90% of what they earned by honoring the Lord by returning the “first fruits” to Him.

The idea is sound… ask yourself what percentage you probably give now. National studies show Protestants give over 2% on average, and Catholics lag behind at about 1% of their income. Prayerfully, consider how you might change your giving to a percentage approach and think in terms of giving God the first fruits.

Here’s a helpful guide to thinking about giving in ways that honor God: