Tithing vs. Generosity vs. Monetary Gifts– What’s the Difference?
When it comes to giving as a Christian, the Bible provides valuable insights— but it can get a little confusing when terms like tithing, generosity, and monetary gifts are used interchangeably. Are these just different words for the same thing, or do they serve unique purposes? Let’s explore the biblical meaning and practical roles of each type of giving, how they fit into a church’s needs, and how they reflect our faith.
What Is Tithing?
The word tithe means “one-tenth,” referring to the Old Testament practice where God’s people gave 10% of their income or produce to support the priests, care for the poor, and maintain religious festivals (Leviticus 27:30). Tithing was both an act of worship and trust—a reminder that everything ultimately belongs to God (Malachi 3:10).
Today, tithing plays a vital role in the financial health of many churches. Tithes usually go into the general fund, which covers the church’s day-to-day operations. Here are just a few examples of some of these expenses:
Pastoral salaries and staff compensation
Utilities and building maintenance
Programs like children’s ministry and community outreach
Worship services and events
Tithing provides the church with undesignated funds that can be used wherever they’re needed most, meaning they do not have to be used for something specific. Whereas, with designated funds, if the person that gave, was giving to a specific cause, ministry, or another area, the funds must be used for that specific thing. Without regular tithing, churches might struggle to meet these basic expenses and continue their mission effectively.
What Are Designated Gifts and Monetary Gifts?
Designated gifts (also called restricted gifts) are contributions earmarked by the donor for a specific project or purpose, such as a building fund, mission trip, or disaster relief effort. Unlike tithes, these gifts come with conditions: the church has to use them according to the donor’s intent. While they can provide significant support for specific ministries, they also limit how funds can be spent. Mishandling designated gifts can lead to trust issues with donors and even legal problems!
Church leaders usually encourage tithing alongside these designated gifts. If all contributions were restricted, churches might not have enough unrestricted resources to meet their regular operational needs. Tithing to the general fund ensures financial stability, while designated gifts provide opportunities for growth, outreach, and special projects. While tithing supports the general fund and ensures financial stability, gifts are additional offerings given as the Spirit leads you to support specific causes or initiatives, outside of your tithe. This way, the church can thrive in both its everyday mission and special outreach projects.
So how do you know what you should be giving to? Stay in the know with your church's finances! A lot of churches, like us here at Starnes Cove, are open about all of our finances, and we put out regular financial reports for anyone who wants to look over them. If you need help understanding the church's financial reports, feel free to reach out to your church's financial secretary, and they will go over it with you!
What Is Generosity?
Generosity goes beyond the practice of tithing or giving specific gifts. It’s about living with an open hand— sharing your time, money, and resources freely out of love for God and others. The New Testament focuses on the heart behind giving rather than a specific percentage. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds believers:"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."
Generosity reflects God’s grace in our lives, encouraging believers to go beyond the tithe and give as we are able— whether that’s helping a neighbor, supporting a missionary, or donating time and skills to serve the church.
Key Differences Between Tithing, Generosity, and Designated Gifts
Aspect | Tithing | Generosity | Designated Gifts |
Definition | Giving 10% of income regularly | Joyful giving from the heart | Earmarked for specific needs |
Use | Supports general church operations | Can include money, time, and acts of service | Restricted to the donor’s intent |
Motivation | Obedience and worship | Love, grace, and gratitude | Responding to specific needs |
Do Christians Have to Tithe Today?
While the New Testament doesn’t command Christians to tithe, it certainly encourages sacrificial giving. Many believers use the tithe as a starting point for their financial stewardship. Jesus emphasized the importance of giving with the right heart in Matthew 23:23:"You give a tenth of your spices— mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law— justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."
The takeaway? It’s not just about the amount—it’s about honoring God through our giving and reflecting His justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
How Tithing, Generosity, and Designated Gifts Work Together
Rather than viewing these forms of giving as separate, think of them as complementary:
Tithing provides a stable foundation for the church’s general needs so it can continue to grow and carry out its mission and vision.
Generosity allows believers to go beyond the tithe and respond to God’s leading in their everyday lives.
Designated gifts support special projects or ministries, enabling the church to grow and reach more people.
For example, you might tithe regularly to your church’s general fund, give generously by helping a family in need, and make a designated gift toward a missions trip.
Practical Steps for Giving
Pray for Wisdom: Ask God to guide your giving decisions.
Set a Tithe or Giving Goal: Use the tithe as a baseline if it helps you stay consistent.
Look for Ways to Be Generous: Give freely in everyday situations— whether through money, time, or service.
Support Designated Projects: Contribute to special projects or missions as God prompts you.
Trust God with Your Finances: Giving is an act of faith, trusting that God will provide for your needs (Philippians 4:19).
Don't Put Giving On Autopilot: With the rise in online giving platforms that a lot of churches are using in the modern day, makes giving almost effortless— you can even set your tithe to auto-draft. While that can be helpful, it's important to remember to be intentional with your giving. You should spend time prior praying and discerning how much you should give, and what areas you should give to, and ask God to use that money to further His kingdom. When we choose the "set it and forget it" route, it makes our giving unintentional and impersonal, and it removes that opportunity for us to have 1:1 time with God, where He could be working in our hearts and revealing things to us.
Final Thoughts: Giving with a Heart of Worship
Whether it’s through tithing, generosity, or designated gifts, giving is ultimately about worshiping God and reflecting His love to others. What matters most is the condition of your heart, not the exact amount or type of gift.
By practicing tithing, living generously, and contributing to designated funds, we can honor God, support our church, and make an impact in the lives of others. As 2 Corinthians 8:12 says:"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have."
So whether you start with a tithe, go beyond with generosity, or give to a specific cause, do it all with a heart that seeks to glorify God.
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