Tithing while in debt

[Fern]

All this talk that "God requires you to tithe 10%" or that "if you don't tithe, your'e not showing your appreciation" is really ridiculous. Perhaps other people, eg, church leaders have said this, but God never did.

If the God you worship is a loving and caring God, then I'm sure he would understand if times are tight and he would want you to have the ability to take care of yourself and your family.

I think that making monetary donations to any group should be entirely voluntary, not mandated, and that there shouldn't be all this pressure to make it an ongoing, weekly ritual.

[Ima saver]

I agree with you Fern. I like to help out individuals that I know truly need my help.

[Aleta]

Tithing is always a matter of conscience. I've often wondered if when tithing originated, it was because the people lived within a community and the support was for a lot of people including the ones in charge. (Priests) I also have read in the Bible that God loves a cheerful giver. So, if you're giving and begrudging it at the same time, I don't think that God honors it. If you feel forced, that's not good either. I heard one minister say that he liked to start some people with just $5. at a time, and up it to 1% of their salary and then incrementally raise it. It's hard to give at the same time, when you're in debt. But by the same token, you can stop the spending or maybe sell some of the stuff to get you out.

[PrincessPerky]

Well I don't know too many people who are not in debt.....at least a house and prolly a car if not a target card, and master card and student loans, and ect.

Should they tithe when delinquint....eh, sorry but if you can't pay your bills you have bigger fish to fry than just what particular portion is supposed to go to God.

IMO, sell off some junk, cut the pizza out, and cut up the card, pay your imediate debts, then come on back to the question and see if you want to give money away. If you would rather eat pizza, than be honest and admit it, and go eat the pizza. I have. and I have also given...(and that is the least of my recent sins!)

[JoyJoy]

It is my belief that God wants us to give what we can to spread his Word and to teach others of His love and kindness. There are many in this world who are like the widow who is spoken about in the Bible books of Mark and Luke who gave two mites (Roman coins):

Jesus said: "Truly I tell you this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had."

Our aim is to please Jesus who knows our situation and our heart, more than man.

[Gruntina]

I find it really hard to believe one will continue to tithe in a consistent manner if they are not consistent with paying off their debts. Many do not like the idea of tithing when they can use that money for themselves. Many would complain that they don’t even make or earn enough money to tithe.

If your in a situation where you "wake up" and finally realized that you hit a turning point where you need to get a grip on your financial debts, I can see then you would need to figure out how to get things organized and get your head above water and that would mean not paying tithe until you are on a path to financial recovery.

If we were perfect characters of what ever faith you believe in, we would not have debts in the first place if we followed our doctrines. We are human after all.

My personal faith I follow: I see tithing as "bringing" not "giving" God back a portion of his money that He provided for us to begin with. For me this has been a great training system of setting aside money for church and I do the same for savings and retirement. This evolved to a better character of financial decisions for me and I find I somehow am always taken care of.

I am sure there are practical views of this as well as philosophic views. A better question is to ask in my opinion, do you want to trust God and follow his many many advice on financial matters biblically (or of other faith teachings), do you want to trust yourself with your own personal knowledge, do you want to trust other financial whiz knowledge?

[PrincessPerky]

My personal faith I follow: I see tithing as "bringing" not "giving" God back a portion of his money that He provided for us to begin with. For me this has been a great training system of setting aside money for church and I do the same for savings and retirement. This evolved to a better character of financial decisions for me and I find I somehow am always taken care of.

I think that whole 'training' point is one of the reasons it is specific..tithe (one tenth) not 'some' people need trained (I sure do!)

[JoyJoy]

11 years ago I was a single mother and living paycheck to paycheck and had only $11.00 in the bank for about 5 years. That was my emergency fund! I could not give 10% of my income to the church but I gave an offering and I thanked God for being able to give what I did. My bills were paid on time most of the time, but sometimes I was late. I kept believing that God would make a way for me and He did. I remarried, relocated and financially things got better and better for me. My son is doing well and has a good job and a nice apartment too! I was told my situation would change for the better if I would give 10% of my income. I didn't have it!!!

Now I believe in allocating a certain amount of my income to helping others. My husband and I "religiously" care for three foster children. I donate to a ministry monthly where I get my spiritual nourishment and have for years. I just pray for direction and I don't worry about the %.

[tabbycat31]

MY religious beliefs (ok lack thereof) do not support tithing, but I will chime in from a financial standpoint.

First of all what is the debt from...... is it consumer debt (ie credit card) or other debt (student loans, mortgage, medical, etc)

If it's credit card debt, Visa might be supporting your gift to the church, not yourself. If the debt is medical, that's another ballgame.

Another thing to consider. Is there any other way to give besides your $$$....... ie can you tithe with your time instead? Or donate other items to your church? Do you have a service that could be of value to them (ie if you are handy).

[Bluezy]

I was told my situation would change for the better if I would give 10% of my income. I didn't have it!!!

Now I believe in allocating a certain amount of my income to helping others. My husband and I "religiously" care for three foster children. I donate to a ministry monthly where I get my spiritual nourishment and have for years. I just pray for direction and I don't worry about the %.

Hi JoyJoy! Titheing includes the desire to even when we cannot. Some poor people get caught up in the hope of "wealth through titheing", and lose sight of what it is. You deserve the rich blessings you have and will receive, my friend.

As far as titheing while reducing debt, it must be within the individual's means. I recall the Bible mentions to those who follow God to "owe no man nothing...", meaning we shouldn't be in debt anyway! So those who need to get out of debt should do so accordingly, and keep from getting into debt, if at all possible.

[DebbieL]

Let me put it this way. If someone owes me $1000, says they can't afford to repay me, but are giving money to their probably rich church, would I be pissed off? You better believe I would. It is no different if it's a business or not, a debt was a promise to repay.

[Gailete]

Obviously, this is a sensitive issue between both those who believe in tithing and those who don't and then also those who believe in tithing while being in debt and those who don't. Tithing has always been a part of my life whether I was paying on debt or not. This was my personal choice (and no, I was never behind in paying on my bills). But, as one of the people who worked behind the scenes counting the churches money and then seeing the lifestyles of those who gave and those who didn't, it was a real eye-opener.

Those who tithe should study their Bible and know why they are tithing and be content in their own mind that they are doing what is right. Part of that is also being sure that they are living a financially responsible lifestyle. The Bible never addresses the fact of whether you should tithe or not while having a Visa card with $1000 owed. It does say owe no man.

I have found that as I get and keep my financial life in order, that it is a joyous experience to give my share, and also to see how God provides. Each day I thank Him for the roof over my head and the food He has provided and His amazing ways of providing such.

Gail

[PrincessPerky]

the whole idea of tithing doesn't make sense to me...what are we trying to do, buy our way into heaven?

nope can't be done..each person who gives does so for their own reason.

Me personally I tend to have selfish reasons...I like the 'services' offered by my church..so I support them....If all stopped giving to churches, the ligths would go off, and the sunday school classrooms would lack crayons....

Not that I always agree with what the church does with my money, but I agree enough to continue to support them. (and I occassionally sneak in my opinion when I disagree...)

Heck I agree a lot more with how my church spends money than I do with how my government spends it! wish I could get out of supporting the govt

[Gailete]

No we are not trying to buy our way into heaven. Those of us who feel it is important to do are trying to follow the scripture in this matter. This is part of our religious faith and worship so if you do not follow in this faith, of course, it would not make sense to you. Which is why it is a sensitive issue and would only apply to those whose faith advocate the giving of tithes.

Unfortunately discussing belief systems and politics will almost always cause a disagreement of some type especially in a public forum such as this.

Gail

[b4freedom]

True story:

LDS parents get divorced. Husband was priesthood holder. Wife paid all the bills. During divorce, money comes up, debt and cc comes up. Husband says, “We couldn't pay our cc on time and other bills, yet she still gave 10% of our money to charity.” Court held it against her.

Ask yourself, if you were in bankruptcy court, where would the judge tell you to put that 10%? And what will happen if you don't?