Giving Globally

By Dana Ford

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Those considered Christian devote their hearts to Jesus Christ according to what the Bible may tell them to do. In many ways they do this, among one is tithing.

To tithe is to give a piece of one’s heart to God in exchange for his blessings. This piece of one’s heart is a financial gift to God in order to satisfy his wishes he expresses in the Old Testament. “Tithe” is a Greek word meaning “tenth.” Therefore the basic meaning of tithing means to give 10 percent of everything one owns to God.

Those who do not tithe are considered robbers of God’s blessings.

In Amos 4:4 it says, God commands Israel to bring back the tithe and reiterates the curse that is upon them if they don’t.

Several other religions practice tithing as well.

For example, Jews give 10% of their earnings to different charities, Jewish or non Jewish.

In the religion of Islam, a tithe of two and a half percent of their income is given to charities. This is called zakat. This tithe can be in the form of wealth, production or animals. It is the duty of Muslims according to their culture to collect zakat and distribute it fairly.

In other places such as Austria or Denmark, a church tax must be paid. These taxes are paid to help keep places of worship running properly and to show dedication toward a specific religion.

World religions follow these rules of the tithe every day. Sometimes it’s hard to give more than what we can afford, especially at a young age. But Christians say, give what your heart can manage.

And in Matthew 6:27, 31, 33 it says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Have you ever thought about tithing?

Tags: Christian, Giving, Global, god, Jesus, tithing