Should I Tithe on My Stimulus Check?

			Prayer Times & Directions Member Login Contact Give Online
HomeOur Frontpage Get To Know Uswho we are & what we are about New To Southeast Times & Directions Meet the Pastor & First Lady Leadership Team Mission & Vision Our History Our Beliefs Ministriesfind ways to get involved Youth Adult Women's Ministry Men's MInistry Sensational Seniors Sabbath School (Bible Study) Family Life Worship Mirage Production Drama Music Ministry Outreach Community Food Giveaway Deaf Ministry City Mission Outreach Ministry Media Ministry Community Outreach Message To Go Ministry Visitation Ministry Social Committee Give $5 to Keep Ministry Alive Evangelism News & Eventscalendar, newsletters, announcements Calendar Newsletter (Southeast iMpact) Latest Announcements Event Registration E-Bulletin Listen to Worship Service by Phone Media & Resourcessermon archives, bible search, galleries Watch Live Sermons Photo Gallery Church Blog Bible Search Contribution Statements Policies and Procedures Church Service Online - Facebook Live! YouTube Live! ROKU Live! Southeast's Mobile App

(0 votes)

sh photo copy Greetings Southeast Family!

I saw a video yesterday of a pastor asking his members to give their stimulus checks to the church. While the commentary on his video was more interesting than the video itself, I found value in the conversation. Don’t worry. I’m not going to ask you for your stimulus check.

The real question is whether you and I are to tithe on everything, no matter the purpose of the funds. For those who have wondered about this, read on.

28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: Deuteronomy 14:28

This verse provides the universal definition of the source of tithe. The literal meaning of the word “tithe” is “tenth”. In that context, God requires a tenth of our increase. Whether tithe comes from gross or net increase is for a later discussion. For now, let’s talk about stimulus checks and income of that nature.

The obvious consideration is whether or not a stimulus check (child support, social security, inheritance, etc.) is increase. There was a time when I needed a vehicle and a relative provided a used van that wasn’t in use. When we arrived at the DMV, he marked the transaction as a gift. He called it a gift because he didn’t want me to be penalized while I was in need. As a result of his “gift”, there were no taxes involved in transferring ownership from my benefactor to me.

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11

Does an increase in income and a gift operate under the same principle? A better way to ask is “Where do I believe my resources ultimately come from?” Life certainly has hills and valleys and I will never ask a parent to take food out of their children’s mouths for fear of being cursed. God honors a cheerful giver. So, how we respond to the question of tithing on gifts solely depends on our relationship with God. If it was healthy prior to the pandemic, this entire discussion is meaningless. There is no debate, your tithe check is most likely prepared (or whatever method you use). However, if you’ve struggled with the concept of investing into the spreading of the gospel, it may be complicated.

If it’s complicated, read on.

All situations aren’t the same. I have a roof over my head and a warm bed. I have a job. Tithing on an unexpected gift is not a strain for me. Would I feel the same if I’d lost my job and was on the verge of getting evicted? What if there was no food in the refrigerator? For me, the answer most likely would still be yes. But others aren’t required to live by my views. As mentioned above, the purpose of a gift is to uncomplicate a situation. It is intended to bring joy and lighten a load. Fortunately for those who are going through a valley, Deuteronomy 14 doesn’t always require a weekly tithe. When reading verse 28 closely, notice that the receiver of an increase is not required to bring the “tenth” until three years after the initial labor. God is gracious. Know that His love for you is not dependent upon a certain amount of money. He is invested in your wellbeing. How often you and I acknowledge His provisions is a very personal matter. Only you know whether you are on a mountain top or in a valley. My counsel to you is to act accordingly.

I enjoyed spending this time with you. Be safe and I will talk with you soon!

Pastor Hood

Content Navigation