Christians often hear the terms tithes, offerings, and mission giving used interchangeably. While all three involve generosity and obedience to God, they are not the same thing. Each has a distinct biblical foundation, purpose, and role in the life of a believer and the church.
Understanding these differences helps Christians give with clarity, confidence, and joy—not out of confusion or pressure, but out of informed faith. Whether you are new to Christianity or have followed Christ for many years, gaining biblical insight into these forms of giving can deepen your spiritual walk and strengthen your stewardship.
Why Biblical Giving Matters
Giving is not merely a financial activity in Scripture—it is a spiritual one. From Genesis to Revelation, God consistently calls His people to trust Him with their resources. Jesus spoke about money more than almost any other topic, not because wealth itself is evil, but because it reveals the condition of the heart.
Biblical giving teaches dependence on God, cultivates generosity, and aligns believers with God’s purposes. But to practice it faithfully, it’s important to understand how Scripture defines different forms of giving.
What Is a Tithe?
The Biblical Definition of a Tithe
The word tithe literally means “a tenth.” In the Old Testament, a tithe referred to giving ten percent of one’s income or produce back to God.
One of the earliest examples appears in Genesis 14:18–20, when Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. Later, under the Mosaic Law, Israel was commanded to give tithes to support the Levites, who served in the temple and had no land inheritance.
Malachi 3:10 famously states:
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Purpose of the Tithe
In biblical times, the tithe served several purposes:
- Supporting priests and temple operations
- Providing for religious festivals
- Caring for widows, orphans, and foreigners
The tithe was structured, regular, and expected under the Law.
Is Tithing Required for Christians Today?
The New Testament does not command Christians to tithe in the same legal sense as Israel under the Law. However, Jesus affirmed the principle of generosity and faithfulness in giving (Matthew 23:23).
Many churches today teach tithing as a helpful guideline rather than a rigid rule. The emphasis shifts from obligation to willing, joyful obedience rooted in gratitude.
What Are Offerings?
How Offerings Differ from Tithes
Offerings are voluntary gifts given above and beyond the tithe. Unlike tithes, offerings are not defined by a specific percentage. They are given freely, often in response to a specific need, opportunity, or prompting from God.
In Scripture, offerings were presented for various reasons:
- Thanksgiving
- Worship
- Support of special projects
- Aid for the poor
Biblical Examples of Offerings
In Exodus 35, the Israelites gave freewill offerings to build the Tabernacle. Scripture notes that the people gave so generously that Moses had to ask them to stop.
In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The Heart Behind Offerings
Offerings reflect the heart of worship. They are often spontaneous, Spirit-led, and sacrificial. While tithes establish consistency, offerings demonstrate responsiveness and generosity beyond obligation.
What Is Mission Giving?
Defining Mission Giving
Mission giving refers to financial support directed specifically toward spreading the Gospel, supporting missionaries, funding evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and humanitarian outreach rooted in Christian ministry.
Unlike tithes (which traditionally support the local church), mission giving often extends beyond one’s immediate congregation to global or cross-cultural ministry efforts.
Biblical Foundations for Mission Giving
Mission giving is deeply rooted in Scripture:
- Romans 10:14–15 emphasizes the necessity of sending those who preach the Gospel.
- Philippians 4:15–16 highlights the church’s financial support of Paul’s missionary work.
- Acts 13 shows the early church sending missionaries through prayer and provision.
Mission giving enables believers to participate in the Great Commission, even if they are not physically traveling.
Is Mission Giving Separate from Tithes and Offerings?
This is where confusion often arises. Biblically, mission giving is not explicitly categorized as separate from offerings, but practically, many believers treat it as a distinct form of generosity.
Some Christians give missions as:
- Part of their offering
- Above their tithe
- Through designated mission funds
There is no single biblical formula. Scripture emphasizes willingness, faith, and obedience rather than rigid categories.
Comparing the Three Forms of Giving
| Type of Giving | Purpose | Structure | Biblical Emphasis |
| Tithe | Support of God’s work through the local church | Structured (10% principle) | Faithfulness & obedience |
| Offering | Worship and generosity beyond obligation | Voluntary | Cheerful, heartfelt giving |
| Mission Giving | Advancing the Gospel beyond local context | Purpose-driven | Participation in the Great Commission |
Each form plays a unique role in the life of the believer and the Church as a whole.
What Does the New Testament Emphasize Most?
Rather than focusing on percentages or categories, the New Testament consistently emphasizes:
- The condition of the heart
- Willingness rather than compulsion
- Sacrificial generosity
- Trust in God’s provision
Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins—not because of the amount, but because of her sacrifice (Mark 12:41–44).
How Should Christians Approach Giving Today?
Biblical giving is not about checking boxes. It’s about stewardship—recognizing that everything belongs to God.
Healthy Christian giving includes:
- Prayerful decision-making
- Consistency and discipline
- Generosity beyond comfort
- Alignment with God’s purposes
Some believers may feel led to prioritize local church support. Others may feel a strong calling toward missions. Scripture allows for flexibility, guided by faith and wisdom.
Common Misunderstandings About Giving
Myth: If I tithe, I don’t need to give anything else.
Truth: Scripture encourages generosity beyond minimums.
Myth: God needs my money.
Truth: God desires obedience, trust, and a surrendered heart.
Myth: Giving guarantees material blessing.
Truth: While God promises provision, giving is not a transaction—it’s worship.
Giving as an Act of Worship
At its core, all biblical giving—whether tithes, offerings, or mission support—is an act of worship. It reflects trust in God’s sovereignty and gratitude for His grace.
When believers give with understanding, generosity becomes joyful rather than burdensome. Instead of asking, “How much do I have to give?”, the better question becomes, “How can I faithfully steward what God has entrusted to me?”
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between tithes, offerings, and mission giving brings clarity and freedom. Each serves a purpose in God’s design for His Church, and each invites believers into deeper trust and participation in His work.
Rather than viewing giving as a duty, Scripture invites Christians to see it as a privilege—an opportunity to reflect God’s generosity and participate in His redemptive plan for the world.