Tithing Isn’t Generosity
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:21
Introduction
Tithing is one of the most misunderstood practices in the modern church. Many view it suspiciously, believing it’s simply the church’s way of trying to get money. Others see it as the pinnacle of generosity. But both views miss the biblical heart of tithing.
In reality, tithing isn’t about the church filling its coffers—it’s about obedience and discipleship. It's about training our hearts to trust God over money. It’s the baseline, not the benchmark, for faithful living. And when we fail to cultivate obedience and generosity, greed quickly fills the gap, corrupting both individual hearts and the health of the church body.
Even more sobering: Scripture is clear that greed is not just a personal sin but is grounds for church discipline.
In this blog, we will explore the biblical foundation of tithing, correct misconceptions, expose the dangers of greed, and highlight why both obedience and accountability matter in the life of the church.
The Baseline of Obedience, Not a Cash Grab
One of the most common accusations today is that the church only teaches tithing to get people's money. But this could not be further from the biblical reality.
Tithing, meaning “a tenth,” is first introduced in Genesis 14:18-20 when Abram voluntarily gives a tenth to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. Later, God commands Israel to tithe as an act of worship and dependence—not because He needs their money, but because it trains their hearts to recognize everything belongs to Him (see Leviticus 27:30-32, Deuteronomy 14:22-23).
Jesus addresses the heart behind tithing in Matthew 23:23, rebuking the Pharisees for their mechanical, legalistic approach. He makes it clear that obedience without love and justice misses the point entirely.
Tithing is not the church’s tool for gaining wealth—it’s God’s tool for shaping worshipers.
The truth is, tithing isn’t generosity. It’s simply the starting point. It's the minimum obedience God calls His people to as they steward His resources. True generosity begins after the tithe, when believers willingly give above and beyond, moved by love, not obligation.
The Deceptive Power of Greed
Where tithing trains us in trust, greed does the opposite. It is a disease of the heart that quietly undermines our faith in God’s provision.
Colossians 3:5 explicitly calls greed idolatry. It places money, possessions, and self-sufficiency above God. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 that:
“Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
While the church may be quick to address more visible sins, greed often goes unchecked. It’s socially acceptable, easy to hide, and rarely confronted. But Jesus didn’t tolerate greed—He famously flipped tables in the temple when profit-making desecrated God’s house (see John 2:13-17).
Unchecked greed leads to:
Hoarding wealth instead of building God’s kingdom.
Self-preservation instead of sacrificial giving.
Leaders mismanaging resources to serve personal interests.
Members justifying their reluctance to give by accusing the church of greed, when in reality, it reveals their own.
Greed Is Grounds for Church Discipline
Many churches shy away from the uncomfortable topic of discipline. But Scripture commands us to deal seriously with sin, including greed.
In 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, Paul names greed right alongside sexual immorality and drunkenness as reasons for church discipline:
“But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed...not even to eat with such a one.”
Greed may not be as visible as other sins, but it is just as destructive—both for the individual’s soul and the church’s witness.
Discipline isn’t about shame or punishment; it’s about restoration, purity, and love. If unrepentant greed takes root, it must be lovingly confronted. A church that refuses to address greed allows idolatry to fester unchecked.
“The Church Just Wants My Money”
It’s understandable why people might feel skeptical. We've seen abuses—prosperity preachers exploiting people, or churches mishandling finances.
But here's the truth:
Tithing is not about the church's need for money; it’s about your need for obedience.
God doesn’t need your money. The church doesn’t ultimately rely on your income—it relies on God. Tithing is a spiritual discipline that helps you grow in dependence on Him, steward His blessings well, and fight the natural pull toward greed and self-reliance.
A healthy, biblical church teaches tithing not to guilt or manipulate but to invite believers into deeper trust and freedom.
The Call to Obedience, Generosity, and Accountability
As followers of Christ, we are called to:
Practice tithing as the baseline of obedience.
It’s not legalism; it’s training. It’s a starting place for trusting God’s provision.Cultivate radical generosity beyond the tithe.
Generosity is the fruit of a surrendered, joyful heart.Confront greed as sin.
It’s not optional. Greed is destructive, and Scripture commands us to address it, including church discipline when needed.Ensure transparency and integrity in church leadership.
Churches should steward resources with accountability, transparency, and gospel purpose.
Tithing isn’t about money—it’s about obedience. It’s not the finish line; it’s the baseline. It’s the means by which God calls us to loosen our grip on material things and trust Him fully.
At the same time, greed is a silent killer. Left unchecked, it will choke out spiritual growth, corrupt church culture, and damage the witness of Christ’s body. The Bible commands us not only to tithe, but to discipline ourselves and one another in love when greed takes root.
Let’s be a people who obey, give joyfully, and call each other to deeper holiness—for the sake of the gospel, not personal gain.
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 14:18-20
Leviticus 27:30-32
Matthew 6:21, 6:24, 23:23
1 Timothy 6:9-10
Colossians 3:5
1 Corinthians 5:11-13
John 2:13-17
2 Corinthians 9:7
Matthew 18:15-17
