I have often heard people say that since we are not living under the Law of Moses, the Old Covenant, that we are not under obligation to tithe. They say that tithing was something that was for "that time" but we are in the New Covenant and we are to "give" as the Lord leads us. We must understand that tithing was done before the Law was ever given to Moses. It was incorporated into the Law for Israel, but men like Abraham and others tithed before that Law was in effect. It was a way of recognizing that what you possessed came from God and belonged to Him. The tithe, ten percent, was freely given.
When I hear people today say that tithing was "Old Covenant" and we are only to give as we are lead, I want to remind them of what the Bible records as an example of New Covenant giving. In Acts 4:34-35, it says that "Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."
The next time we start to complain about tithing, remember this act of "New Covenant" giving. These people sold their houses and lands and gave the money to the work of the Lord! Ten percent of our income won't seem so bad after all! Have a great week.
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