Tithing is the act of giving at least 10% of your income to your church. The Old Testament offers several references to tithing, the earliest of which is Genesis 28: 20-22.

"Then Jacob made a vow, saying, 'If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth'” (NIV).

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The New Testament also covers tithes and offerings in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-9.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

It is important to note that tithing may start at 10%; it doesn't end there. If God has richly blessed you, it is required that you richly praise him through your tithes and offerings because "...to whom much has been given, much will be required..." (Luke 12:48 AMP).

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An offering can be anything that you give to God above and beyond your tithes. Offerings can take the form of service to others, physical gifts, study time, and monetary donations. Therefore, buying tickets to a church luncheon, helping to decorate the church Christmas tree, cleaning up after the church cookout, shoveling a neighbor's sidewalk, and serving food during our Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter are all offerings to God. 

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