What does biblical tithing actually mean and how do I develop a giving plan based on biblical principles?

Ralph Estep Jr.:
00:00

Have you ever wondered if you're giving enough to your church? Or maybe you're struggling to balance your finances while still honoring God with your money? Well, stay tuned today as we dive into the biblical principles of tithing and develop a giving plan that aligns with your faith and your financial goals. Imagine standing before God proudly presenting your tithe check, only to hear Him say, "Is that all?" Ouch. But don't worry, folks. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of what biblical tithing really means and how to grow in your giving journey.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
00:41

Welcome, friends, to another spiritual Sunday edition of the Ask Ralph Show. I'm your host, Ralph, and I'm thrilled that you've joined me today as we tackle a topic that's close to many of our hearts and wallets. Before we dive in, I want to thank each and every one of you for tuning in. Your support truly means the world to me, and I'm honored to be a part of your financial and spiritual growth journey.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
01:02

Yesterday, we covered the eight homeowners insurance policies you need to consider. If you missed it, go check it out at escrowpodcast.com.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
01:14

Now let's kick things off with a message from one of our faithful listeners. This comes to us from Teresa from Oklahoma. She writes this:

Ralph Estep Jr.:
01:21

Dear Ralph, I've been struggling with the concept of tithing. I want to honor God with my finances, but I'm barely making ends meet as it is. How can I tithe when I can barely pay my bills? And how do I know if I'm giving enough? I feel so guilty every time the offering plate comes around. Please help me.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
01:42

Well, Teresa, I want you to know that you're not alone in this struggle. Many Christians grapple with these same questions, and I'm grateful you've reached out to me. Today's episode is dedicated to you and anyone else who's wrestling with the concept of biblical tithing and sacrificial giving.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
02:04

But before we address Teresa's concerns, let's turn to the Word of God for guidance. In the book of Malachi, chapter 3, verse 10, we read this: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there won't be room enough to store it."

Ralph Estep Jr.:
02:30

Wow, that's a powerful promise from our Lord. But what does it really mean to bring the whole tithe? And how can we apply this principle in our modern lives?

Ralph Estep Jr.:
02:43

Well, let's break it down. First things first—what is biblical tithing? The word "tithe" literally means "tenth" in Hebrew.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
02:51

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their crops and livestock to support the Levites, who were responsible for the religious duties of the nation. I can almost hear some of you saying, "But Ralph, that's Old Testament stuff. We're under grace now." Right? And you're absolutely correct. We are indeed under grace.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
03:12

However, the principle of giving generously to support God's work and to help those in need is woven throughout the entire Bible, including the New Testament. In fact, Jesus Himself spoke about giving. In the book of Luke, chapter 11, verse 42, He says, "Woe to you Pharisees because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone." Here's the kicker: Jesus wasn't criticizing the act of tithing itself. He was pointing out that the Pharisees were missing the heart behind it. They were so focused on the letter of the law that they forgot about the spirit of generosity and the love that should motivate our giving.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
04:00

So you might ask, what does this mean for us today? Well, I truly believe that tithing isn't just about hitting a magical 10% mark. It's about cultivating a heart of generosity and trust in God's provisions. It's about recognizing that everything we have comes from Him, and returning a portion is an act of worship and gratitude.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
04:22

Now let's address Teresa's specific situation. Teresa, you're struggling to make ends meet. The last thing I want is for you to feel guilty or burdened by the concept of tithing. Remember this: God looks at the heart, not just the amount. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 9, verse 7, Paul writes, "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."

Ralph Estep Jr.:
04:50

So Teresa, here's what I suggest: start where you are. If you can't give 10% right now, that's okay. Start with 1% or 2% or whatever you can manage without putting yourself in financial jeopardy. The key is to make giving a priority and to do it consistently. So here's a practical tip: create a separate giving fund in your budget. Treat it like any other essential expense, like rent or groceries—you may even want to put it first. This way, you're intentionally setting aside money for giving, even if it's a small amount at first.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
05:24

Now let's talk about growing in our giving. This is where faith really comes into play. As you begin to give consistently, you might find that God begins to stretch your faith and your finances in ways you never expected.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
05:37

I got this email from a listener the other day, and this is what they said: "I remember when my wife and I first started tithing. We were newlyweds, barely scraping by on entry-level salaries. The idea of giving away 10% of our income seemed absolutely impossible. But we decided to step out in faith and try it for just three months. Let me tell you, those three months were tough. We had to cut back on some things.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
06:00

We had to get creative with our meal planning and say no to some social invitations. But you know what? We made it through. And not only did we make it through, we also experienced a peace and joy in our finances that we'd never had before." They go on to say, "As time went on, we found ourselves able to give more and more. It wasn't because we suddenly got rich—though I wouldn't have complained if that happened. It was because we learned to trust God more fully with our finances. We became more intentional about our spending, more grateful for what we had, and more aware of opportunities to be generous." I appreciate you sending that note. So the next question is, how can you grow in your sacrificial giving and increase your faith? Here are a few practical steps:

Ralph Estep Jr.:
06:45

Number one: start where you are. Whether it's 1% or 10%, begin giving consistently. Number two: pray for a generous heart. Ask God to help you see your resources as tools for His Kingdom. Number three: look for opportunities to give beyond money. Can you volunteer your time or skills? I know my home church would really love some volunteers, and this will be just as valuable as a monetary donation. Number four: gradually increase your giving. Try bumping up your percentage by 1% every few months. Be cheerful in the process, and don't feel like you have to reach that 10% right away. In fact, I personally feel like 10% is just the start. I have many friends who reach the 20 to 25% mark. That's true sacrificial giving, and to me, that's the real destination we're trying to get to. Number five: share your giving journey with a trusted friend or mentor. Accountability can be a powerful motivator. This can be a way of understanding some methods others may be using to reach their giving goals. I know I don't have all the answers, folks. But this will definitely help.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
07:53

And overall, remember this: growing in generosity is a journey. It's not about reaching a certain dollar amount or percentage. It's about allowing God to transform your heart and your relationship with money. I know some of you might be thinking, "But Ralph, what about debt? Shouldn't I pay that off before I start giving?" That's a great question. It's one I hear all the time.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
08:15

So here's my take: giving and getting out of debt aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, I've found that cultivating a generous heart often leads to better overall financial management. That's sort of the whole point of my show—balancing your faith and finances. That said, if you're in a serious debt situation, it's okay to start small with your giving while you work on a debt repayment plan. The key is to keep giving as a part of your financial life, even if it's just a few dollars a week.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
08:44

So let's recap what we've covered today. Biblical tithing is more than just a 10% rule. It's about cultivating a generous heart. So start where you are. Any amount given cheerfully and consistently is honoring to God. Create a separate giving fund in your budget to prioritize generosity. Grow your giving gradually, allowing God to stretch your faith. Look for opportunities to give beyond just money. Use your time, use your skills. Remember, it's about the heart behind the giving, not just the amount.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
09:23

So as we wrap up, I want to remind you that tomorrow's episode we'll be tackling another hot topic: "What are five things I can do right away to rebuild my credit without getting scammed by those online promise sites?" It's one you don't want to miss.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
09:37

So before we close, let's pray together. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your incredible generosity towards us. You gave your only Son for our salvation, and you continue to bless us daily. Lord, help us to cultivate generous hearts. Give us wisdom in our finances and faith to trust you more fully. For those struggling to make ends meet, we pray for your provision and guidance. Help us to be good stewards of all you've given us, using your resources to further your Kingdom and bless others. I ask this in Jesus' name, amen.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
10:12

Well, if today's episode has been helpful to you, I'd love to hear from you about it. Send your questions and comments to Ralph at askralph.com. Your questions truly shape the show, so keep them coming. And hey, if you haven't already, head over to askralphpodcast.com and join our email list. Not only will you stay up to date with all of our latest episodes, you'll also get a free copy of my book, Mastering Your Finances. It's a $10 value on Amazon, absolutely free just for joining our community. And don't forget to share this episode with someone who might be wrestling with the same questions about tithing and giving. You never know how God might use it to encourage and challenge them. So until next time, as I always say, stay financially savvy. And God bless you on this Sunday.