Tithing

Question: "What does the Bible say about Christian tithing?” Is it mandatory?
The first thing we as Christians need to understand is that the Lord Jesus released us from the "letter of the Law", which no man or woman could possibly have kept entirely. No Jew could fully keep the Old Laws. If they broke even one they were worse off in the world of "damnation" then before. Christ freed us from the shackles of this Old Testament Law. A Christian has complete freedom in Jesus; because of what Jesus did.

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Tithing is an issue that many Christians struggle with. In many churches tithing is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortation in regards to making offerings to the Lord.

Tithing or giving is intended to be a joy, or a blessing.

We know we are not saved by "works" and gifts such as "tithing"!

Scripture is adamant that you can never buy your way to heaven this way. We are only saved by the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And, we can't get to first base to receive this grace without Faith. We are therefore justified by Faith alone. We need a relationship with the Lord Jesus our Savior.
Speak to Him constantly from your heart to His.

A person who is "in the ball game" will exhibit fruits of the Holy Spirit which most likely will include giving to the poor and helping others. If they are not financially capable of giving they will help other in other ways. Perhaps they'll help others with their time or with their caring...

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were give 10% of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle / Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites of the sacrificial system.

Nowhere in the New Testament is there either a command or recommendation that Christians submit to a legalistic tithing system, or even a mandatory day of worship (like Saturday) for that matter.

Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

1 Corinthians 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

The New Testament nowhere assigns a certain percentage of income to set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Christian church has essentially taken the 10% figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although the New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They should give as they are able, in keeping with his income, or as Paul says; "as God hath prospered him". Sometimes that means giving more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how much he or she should give (James 1:5). “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

2 Corinthians 9 6-7:

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.