A tithe is a tenth of one’s income set apart for God’s work (Leviticus 27:30). An offering is any gift given freely beyond that, as the heart is moved (2 Corinthians 9:7). Presbyterians teach that giving is a response to grace, never a way to buy God’s favour or to “sow” for wealth. Many treat the tithe as a good starting point and offerings as generosity beyond it.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Two envelopes, two terms, and a lot of confusion. What is the difference between a tithe and an offering, and how should a Christian think about giving? Here is a plain, grace-centred answer.
What Is a Tithe?
“Tithe” simply means a tenth. It appears long before the Law of Moses, when Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) and Jacob promised a tenth (Genesis 28:22). The Law then set it out for Israel: “A tithe of everything from the land… belongs to the Lord” (Leviticus 27:30). It supported the Levites and the worship of God.
What Is an Offering?
An offering is a freewill gift beyond the tithe, given from the heart. When Israel built the tabernacle, Moses asked for gifts only “from everyone whose heart prompts them to give” (Exodus 25:2). Paul describes the same spirit to the Corinthians: not “reluctantly or under compulsion,” but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). Offerings include special collections, thanksgiving, building funds and help for people in need.
Do Christians Still Tithe?
Christians hold different views, and a good minister will tell you so. Some teach that the tithe is still the right standard. Others say the New Testament sets no fixed percentage, but a pattern of generosity that if anything goes further: Jesus told the Pharisees to keep justice, mercy and faithfulness “without neglecting the former,” meaning tithing (Matthew 23:23), and Paul praises the Macedonians who gave “beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3). A practical Presbyterian approach is to treat the tithe as a healthy starting point and to ask your church leaders if you are unsure.
What Giving Is Not
This is where the doctrine matters most. Presbyterians hold that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). So:
- Giving does not earn salvation or a place in God’s love.
- Giving is not a seed that guarantees riches. That is the prosperity gospel, which Scripture does not teach, and Jesus warns, “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24).
- Giving is not for showing off (Matthew 6:1-4).
Malachi 3:10 (“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse”) was addressed to Israel about the temple’s support. The principle that carries over is trust: God is faithful, and his people can be generous. It is not a financial formula.
Giving That Looks Like Grace
- Give first, not last: set aside the gift when you are paid, not from what is left.
- Give regularly and in proportion: Paul told the Corinthians to set aside gifts “on the first day of every week… in keeping with your income” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
- Give with a plan, and without debt: do not borrow to give.
- Give time and talent too. See Time, Talent, Treasure.
Many parishioners give by M-Pesa, envelope or standing order; use whichever channel your own parish provides, and keep a record so that your giving is deliberate.
Where Does the Money Go?
In a healthy church, giving supports the minister and church workers, upkeep of buildings, mission and outreach, and care for people in need. In our Presbytery, for example, Lang’ata’s Session committed 10% of its total budget to mission work. Read about it in Beyond the Parish Walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tithe and offering?
A tithe is a tenth of income set apart for God’s work. An offering is any freewill gift given beyond that.
Is tithing compulsory for Presbyterians?
Salvation never depends on giving. Many Presbyterians treat the tithe as a good standard, and your minister or Session can advise you.
Should I tithe on gross or net income?
Scripture gives no accounting formula. Choose a principle prayerfully, apply it consistently, and give generously. If in doubt, ask your minister.
Can I give if I am in debt or unemployed?
God looks at the heart (Mark 12:41-44, the widow’s offering). Give what you can, and seek help with your finances too.
Final Thoughts
Whether you count in tenths or in thankfulness, giving is meant to be an act of joy: a response to the God who gave first. Give cheerfully, plan wisely and trust him with the rest.
General devotional content (Genesis 14, 28; Leviticus 27; Exodus 25; Malachi 3; Matthew 6, 23; Mark 12; 1 Corinthians 16; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Ephesians 2). Checked against the PCEA doctrine standard (grace alone; no prosperity-gospel framing). Lang’ata 10% mission resolution is from our published article. Compiled by the Editorial Desk.