Tithing on Gifts and Material Blessings: A Biblical Perspective

God expects a faithful tithe to be returned from every blessing and gift He bestows, including those received for the birth of a child, as an acknowledgment of His ownership and our stewardshipCS 80.2+1. Every increase, whether through labor or a gift of heaven, is a talent entrusted to us to be used for the advancement of His causeCCh 274.4+2.

The Principle of the Tithe

The tithe is the Lord’s reserved portion and is holy unto Him Leviticus 27:30Echoes June 21, 1905, par. 3+1. It is a specified proportion of all that He gives us, serving as a token of our loyalty and dependence upon HimPC 8.3+1. Returning the tenth is a sacred duty that applies to everyone, regardless of the source of the increaseCS 82.4+1.

• A Proportion of All Increase: We are to regularly examine our income and set apart the tithe as a separate, sacred fundCSW 129.2+1.

• The Firstfruits: God’s portion should be set apart first, honoring Him with the firstfruits of all increase rather than giving Him the remnant after our own desires are satisfied Proverbs 3:9AH 389.1+1.

• Universal Requirement: The rich and the poor, the young and the old, are all included in the call to be faithful stewards of what God has placed in their handsAH 389.1+2.

Gifts and the Birth of Children

Children are themselves a precious gift and a treasure consecrated to God Psalms 127:3AH 160.5+1. When a child is born, parents are encouraged to recognize God as the Giver and to withhold nothing that belongs to HimST October 27, 1881, par. 13+1.

• Example of Hannah: When Hannah received her son, she presented him to the Lord along with gifts for sacrifice and thank-offerings, refusing to withhold from the Giver His ownST October 27, 1881, par. 13.

• Educating Children in Stewardship: Parents should teach their children from their earliest years to bring their gifts and offerings to the One who has given them all things16LtMs, Ms 100, 1901, par. 29. By allowing children to be careless in these matters, parents may inadvertently rob God to the third and fourth generation16LtMs, Ms 100, 1901, par. 29.

• Holiday and Special Gifts: On happy occasions or holidays, we should not let the day pass without bringing thanksgiving and thank-offerings to JesusCS 297.1.

The Purpose and Blessing of Faithfulness

Returning the tithe from our gifts and increase is not for God's enrichment, but for our own benefit and spiritual prosperity8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 32+1.

• Support of the Ministry: The tithe is specifically reserved for the support of gospel laborers and the preaching of the Word Numbers 18:21Echoes June 21, 1905, par. 3+1.

• Testing Character: The tithing system is a living test that develops character and reveals the true state of the heartGW92 268.4+1.

• Promised Blessing: God challenges us to prove Him in this matter, promising that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it Malachi 3:1019MR 376.4+1.

• The Sin of Withholding: To withhold the tithe is described as robbery and a crime against God, which withdraws His blessing and places the soul in peril Malachi 3:8-9RH October 13, 1896, par. 7+1.

If you have received gifts or an increase and find it impossible to return the tithe immediately, you should communicate this to the proper persons and fulfill the debt as soon as possible20LtMs, Ms 44, 1905, par. 4. Ultimately, all we have is a blessing from God, and He asks for our service and gifts to strengthen the spirit of beneficence in our hearts 1 Corinthians 16:2CSW 129.2+1.

All gifts of increase, whether they come in the form of money, material goods, or physical strength, are talents lent by God that require a faithful returnCS 288.1+1. God is the rightful owner of all our possessions, including the productions of the earth and the results of human laborCS 65.4+1.

Material Gifts and Produce

When we receive material blessings such as food or goods, we are to acknowledge God as the Giver of all thingsCS 65.4. The tithing system is comprehensive and covers all forms of increaseEd 44.2.

• Tithe of All Increase: The consecration of a tithe applies to all increase, whether it is from the orchard, the harvest field, the flocks, or the labor of the hand Leviticus 19:35-37Ed 44.2.

• Honoring the Giver: We are to honor the Lord with the firstfruits of all our increase, which includes the food and clothing He places in our possession Proverbs 3:9RH November 10, 1896, par. 6.

• Tangible Service: We are to praise God by tangible service, using the gifts He imparts to us to make known His character to the worldCOL 300.3.

• Avoid Selfishness: Using these gifts solely for selfish gratification without acknowledging God’s claim is considered a misappropriation of His goods9T 246.2+1.

The Value of Time and Physical Strength

Time and physical energy are precious talents lent to us by God, and we are accountable for how they are usedCS 288.1+1.

• Time is Money: Time is a talent that should be used in useful labor to gather means, so that offerings may be made to God and the needy suppliedCS 288.1+1.

• Service as an Offering: God requires the profit of our physical powers to be employed in bringing a revenue to His treasuryRH July 14, 1896, par. 4+1.

• Consecrated Labor: Those who have the health and strength to work should do so with their hands, viewing their physical abilities as talents to be traded upon for the MasterCS 288.1+1.

• Living Sacrifices: We are commanded to present our bodies—including our brain, bone, and muscle—as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God Romans 12:1GC 473.2+1.

Stewardship of Shared Resources

God has made us His stewards, and the property or help we receive from others is an opportunity to practice unselfishnessCSW 136.2+1.

• No Unfair Advantage: In all our dealings, including receiving help or material goods, we must maintain the principles of justice and equity Deuteronomy 25:13-1614LtMs, Ms 164, 1899, par. 3.

• Developing Character: God provides a diversity of conditions to prove and develop our character through how we manage what is entrusted to usPP 535.2.

• Gratitude Offerings: Our gratitude for the blessings of life and the help of others should not end in words but should result in tangible offerings to God's causeEGWSROCHG 7.3+1.

• The Storehouse: All tithes and offerings, regardless of their form, are to be brought into the storehouse so that the work of the gospel can be carried forward Malachi 3:10COL 300.3+1.