“Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB)
I am in the middle of writing a book addressing biblical prosperity. I think it’s needed as we enter an era of challenge with both inflation (effecting the poor and middle class) as well as the continual onslaught of Marxism. God’s people need to be positioned spiritually and philosophically on solid ground to navigate these days.
There has always been a debate that has swirled around the New Testament practice of tithing. There are those who think the practice to be obsolete because the transition of Old to New Covenant would make it so; while others (me included) see it as a biblical principal which is maintained as God’s people transition into a new covenant. There are arguments to be made on both sides and my purpose is not to recapitulate the strengths and weaknesses of each position. Rather, I want to zero in on an inference I have heard several times in recent weeks which suggests that tithing is obsolete based on the above reference (2 Corinthians 9:7). It is somewhat novel, in my opinion, and worthy of a specific critique.
The argument is presented out of v.7, stating that the New Testament standard of giving is simply connected to what God (subjectively) puts on the individual’s heart which provides a sense of joy or cheerfulness. The inference continues by maintaining that since tithing is “compulsory” or required, then there is no way a contemporary tithing requirement could be reconciled with what Paul (and in reality the Holy Spirit) was instructing in v.7.
I want to be fair to those who are presenting the “no-tithing required” position because no one likes their views to be presented as “straw men”. That said, their position of 2 Corinthians 9:7, has several flaws, not the least of which is an argument from silence (Latin: argumentum ex silentio) which expresses a conclusion that is based on the absence of concepts in the Scripture or lack of contrary evidence, rather than its presence. In other words, despite no reference to tithing in the passage it must be directed at tithing because tithing is “compulsory” and (de facto) reluctantly practiced by believers.
Sigh…
What makes us think that Paul was even addressing tithing in this passage? Silence very rarely (if at all) communicates agreement or disagreement. With all due respect to the presenters of this argument, this form of interpretation tells us nothing. Only what you wish for it to tell us. I agree with John Wesley who said that Christians must take into account “the whole tenor of Scripture.” There is nothing wrong with asking why the silence is there. The problem is when we believe the silence speaks to something that simply isn’t there. Tithing is simply not connected to these passages. Honestly, the argument feels like a believer seeking to find a loophole in their obedience.
But let us explore this further shall we…
I will encourage those interested in the passage to check out the Greek words for “reluctant” and “compulsory”. For this passage to work as a release from tithing, then the words Paul uses must of necessity point to the expected attitude of tithing. That’s the forced juxtaposition of the passage. In other words, tithing must be happening reluctantly and begrudgingly in order for Paul to release them from it and say, “Just do what’s in your heart”.
Here is the problem…
If you see tithing from that perspective…
You don’t get it…
Tithing is about tangible financial and heart allegiance. It is a covenant mark, so to speak. Remember the verse, “Where a man’s treasure is, there also will be his heart”? (Matthew 6:21) Honestly, your money, and where you spend it, invest it, release it, or give it; indicates a certain priority in your life. It demonstrates a heart connection.
If you tithe reluctantly, begrudgingly, or even with feelings of compulsion (much like most of us pay taxes), you have probably circumvented any spiritual benefit. Every aspect of our walk with Christ is by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Is Faith dutiful? At times, I too confess it feels that way. Ten percent of my increase can be sizable. But my heart and allegiance is set. My faith (which entails a demonstration of allegiance) more often than not produces confidence, hope, and joy. I delight in demonstrating that God really owns it all by returning the first in believing loyalty. And His work in me gives impulse to go far beyond that with offerings.
The Macedonians understood this which is why they gave above and beyond. It’s why Paul marveled at their willingness to give.
It’s a new year…
A new starting line, so to speak…
Take a new look at tithing and see if Gods not in it…
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