Cheerful Giving vs Compulsory Tithing in Christian Giving
Christian giving is characterized by cheerfulness and willingness, rather than compulsion, as articulated in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver" [1]. This verse highlights the spirit of giving, emphasizing that the attitude of the giver is paramount [7]. The act of giving should stem from a deliberate decision made in one's heart, freely and willingly, rather than under duress or with a sense of sorrow or regret [9, 7].
The concept of cheerful giving contrasts with the Old Testament practice of tithing, which involved a mandated portion of produce or income [5]. While the Mosaic law encouraged charity and prevented destitution through provisions like leaving portions of fields for the poor and sharing tithes with the Levite, stranger, fatherless, and widow, the New Testament emphasizes a different motivation for giving [5, 6]. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians, underscores that giving should not be "grudgingly, or under compulsion" [3]. John Gill interprets this as giving "of his own will and free choice, from his very heart" [9].
The New Testament also presents Jesus' teaching that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35), further reinforcing the positive disposition associated with giving [2]. This benevolent spirit is seen as glorifying God, especially when it involves showing grace to others [4]. Early Christian communities supported their ministry through voluntary offerings, demonstrating a continuation of this principle [8]. Giving is considered a "good deed" that, when done beyond mere commandment, carries a great reward [10]. The emphasis is on the internal disposition and the freedom of the giver, rather than adherence to a fixed, compulsory amount [9].
Sources
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 9:7 (BSB) — Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”
- Acts “Acts 20:35 (Rotherham) — In all things, I gave you to understand, that, thus toiling, it behoves to be helping the weak, also to be keeping in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, that, he himself, said—Happy is it, rather to give than to receive!”
- 2 Corinthians “Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9:7”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Alms — The duty of alms-giving, especially in kind, consisting chiefly in portions to be left designedly from produce of the field, the vineyard and the oliveyard, (Leviticus 19:9,10; 23:22; 15:11; 24:19; 26:2-13; Ruth 2:2) is strictly enjoined by the law. Every third year also, (14:28) each proprietor was directed to share the tithe of his produce with "the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow." The theological estimate of alms-giving among the Jews is indicated in the following passages: (Job 31:17; Proverbs 10:2; 11:4; Esther 9:22; Psalms 112:9; Acts ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Alms — Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, Ps. 41:1; 112:9; Prov. 14:31; Isa. 10:2; Amos 2:7; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:29, would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit. In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mark 10:46; Acts 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings (Matt. 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this d”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 9:7: 9:7 It is the spirit of giving that counts, “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” Cheerfulness in giving is contrasted with giving reluctantly (literally out of sorrow) or in response to pressure.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 9:14: Even so--The only inference to be drawn from this passage is, not that the Christian ministry is of a sacrificial character as the Jewish priesthood, but simply, that as the latter was supported by the contributions of the people, so should the former. The stipends of the clergy were at first from voluntary offerings at the Lord's Supper. At the love-feast preceding it every believer, according to his ability, offered a gift; and when the expense of the table had been defrayed, the bishop laid aside a portion for himself, the presbyters, and dea”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,.... Which is not to be understood of the quantity, or any set sum he has fixed upon in his mind to give; but of the quality or nature of giving; or of the manner in which he is to give: so let him give; of his own will and free choice, from his very heart; not as directed and forced by others, but according to his own counsel and determination: not grudgingly; or not of grief; with pain and uneasiness of mind, grieving at parting with what is given, reflecting on the persons that move him to it, or on the obj”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: Christ without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the Gospel.” What sayest thou? tell me. “If thou preach the Gospel, it is nothing for thee to glory of, but it is, if thou make the Gospel of Christ without charge?” Is this therefore greater than that? By no means; but in another point of view it hath some advantage, inasmuch as the one is a command, but the other is a good deed of my own free-will: for what things are done beyond the commandment, have a great reward in this respect: but such as are in pursuance of a commandment, no”