The subject of tithes and offerings has been one of the most debated topics in churches today. Nigerian Christians often ask whether paying tithes is still necessary or if it was a commandment limited to Old Testament times. Many wonder if refusing to tithe attracts God’s punishment or if offerings alone are enough. Others believe that since Jesus came to fulfill the law, tithing may no longer be required.
This question is more than a religious debate. It touches on how believers in Nigeria relate with God, the church, and money. Lagos, Abuja, and other Nigerian cities are filled with vibrant churches where pastors preach passionately on giving. Some speak about blessings linked to tithing, while others encourage freewill giving inspired by the Spirit.
The heart of the issue is not just about money. It is about faith, obedience, love, and understanding what God truly desires from His children. Many Christians want clarity. They do not want to give out of fear. They want to give with joy, knowing they are doing the right thing.
This article will look at different Bible verses and arguments around tithing and offerings. It will answer questions about whether Jesus canceled tithing, whether Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 9:7 was about tithing, and whether giving to the poor can replace giving to the church. The goal is to help Nigerian Christians understand how to live out their faith with peace and assurance.
If you have been confused about this subject, you are not alone. Many believers are asking the same questions. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer picture of how to approach giving as a follower of Christ in Nigeria today.
Are Christians Required To Tithe Today?
The first question many Nigerian Christians ask is whether tithing is still required today. In the Old Testament, God commanded Israel to give a tenth of their crops and livestock as tithes. These tithes supported the Levites, who had no land of their own and served in the temple.
Today, Christians live under the new covenant of grace, not the old covenant of the law. This raises the concern: does the old rule of tithing still apply? Some churches in Nigeria teach strongly that tithing is still required. They argue that Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek even before the law, showing that tithing was a principle of faith, not just law.
Others believe that under Christ, giving is no longer about a set percentage but about generosity led by the Spirit. They point to the New Testament, where believers sold property and shared everything with one another out of love. The focus was not on a fixed percentage but on meeting needs and showing love.
As a Christian in Nigeria today, the question is not just about obligation. It is about understanding God’s heart. The Bible teaches that God loves a cheerful giver, not one who gives grudgingly. If you choose to tithe, do it with joy. If you choose to give differently, make sure it is led by love and faith. The important thing is that your giving is sincere and honors God.
Is Tithing Still A Requirement Today?
The law of tithing was given to Israel for a specific reason. It helped sustain temple worship and provided for the Levites. The question is whether this law extends to Christians under grace.
Many Nigerian churches still preach tithing as a must. They say it is the key to financial blessings. They often quote Malachi 3:10 about opening the windows of heaven for those who bring tithes into the storehouse.
However, when you look at the New Testament, the emphasis shifts. Paul does not command Christians to tithe. Instead, he speaks of giving willingly and generously. 2 Corinthians 9:7 is often quoted: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give.” This shows that giving is now a matter of the heart, not a legal requirement.
Does this mean Christians should stop tithing? Not at all. It means you are free. If you choose to tithe, it should not be out of fear. It should not be because you are afraid of curses. Instead, do it as an act of love, gratitude, and faith.
Tithing today is not about meeting a legal requirement. It is about honoring God and supporting His work with joy. Nigerian Christians should see it as a choice born out of love, not compulsion.
Is 2 Corinthians 9:7 About Tithing?
One of the most quoted verses about giving in the New Testament is 2 Corinthians 9:7: “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.”
This verse is often used in discussions about tithing. But the truth is, Paul was not speaking about tithing here. He was speaking about a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. The context was generosity, not legal tithing.
For Nigerian Christians, this verse carries deep meaning. It shows that God is more concerned about the state of your heart than the size of your gift. A cheerful gift given out of love pleases Him more than a forced tithe.
Some churches in Nigeria use this verse to encourage members to give above the tithe. They say tithing is the starting point, but offerings should go beyond it. Others say this verse shows that giving is freewill, not forced.
Either way, the message is clear. God values the heart behind the gift. Whether you tithe or give in other ways, the most important thing is that it comes from a willing heart full of love.
Did Jesus Cancel Tithing?
Another question Nigerian Christians often ask is whether Jesus canceled tithing. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for paying tithes but neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. He said, “You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.”
From this, some argue that Jesus affirmed tithing. But we must remember the context. Jesus was speaking to Jews who were still under the law at that time. He had not yet gone to the cross. The new covenant of grace was not yet in place.
After His death and resurrection, there is no clear command from Jesus or His apostles requiring tithing. Instead, the teaching shifted to generosity, love, and meeting needs. The focus was not on a fixed percentage but on the heart of giving.
So, did Jesus cancel tithing? He did not cancel it directly, but His sacrifice fulfilled the law. This means Christians are no longer bound by the old system. Instead, we are guided by the Spirit and by love.
For Nigerian Christians today, this means you are free. You can tithe if you choose. You can give in other ways as well. What matters most is that your giving is an act of love and faith, not fear or pressure.
Can I Give My Tithe To The Poor Instead Of Church Bible Verse?
This is one of the most practical questions Nigerian Christians ask. Many people see needs all around them. They wonder if they can give their tithe directly to the poor instead of the church.
The Bible gives us examples of helping the poor. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.” Jesus also taught about caring for the hungry, the sick, and the needy. This shows that giving to the poor is close to God’s heart.
At the same time, the church is also important. Paul encouraged believers to support those who preach the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14 says, “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
So, what should a Nigerian Christian do? The balance is to give both to the church and to the poor. Your tithe or offering can support the church’s work, while you also set aside something for the needy.
The Bible does not give a strict rule about whether the tithe must go only to the church. The principle is to give with love and to meet needs. If your giving supports God’s work and blesses the poor, you are doing well.
Will God Punish Me For Not Tithing?
This is a fear many Nigerian Christians carry. They hear preachers say that not tithing brings curses. They worry that if they miss a tithe, God will punish them.
The good news is that Jesus took our punishment on the cross. The curse of the law was nailed to the cross. Believers are no longer under fear. Romans 8:1 says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
God is not a harsh taskmaster waiting to strike when you miss a tithe. He is a loving Father who wants you to give out of love. If you fail to tithe, it does not mean God will punish you. What He desires is that you grow in generosity, faith, and love.
That said, refusing to give can close doors of blessing. Not because God is punishing you, but because giving is a principle of sowing and reaping. A generous giver often experiences abundance. A stingy heart misses out on this joy.
So, do not give out of fear. Give out of love. Know that your Father delights in cheerful giving, not forced sacrifices.
Where Should I Pay My Tithe According To The Bible?
The question of where to pay tithe is common in Nigeria. Some people are not sure if they should give only to their local church, to pastors, or to charities.
In the Old Testament, tithes went to the temple and to the Levites. In the New Testament, there is no clear command about where tithes must go. However, the principle of supporting the work of God remains.
Your local church is a good place to give because it is where you are fed spiritually. Your giving helps maintain the church, support pastors, and fund outreach. At the same time, giving to missionaries, ministries, and charities that spread the gospel is also good.
The key is to give where your heart is led by God. Make sure your giving supports kingdom work. Nigerian Christians should not get stuck in arguments. Whether you give in church or to ministries, the important thing is that it honors God and blesses lives.
Should I Still Tithe?
This is the final question many Christians wrestle with. After hearing all the arguments, you may still ask, “Should I still tithe?”
The answer depends on your heart. If you feel peace and joy in tithing, then tithe. If you feel led to give differently, then give in that way. Remember, giving is not about fear or compulsion. It is about love and worship.
For Nigerian Christians, the call is to live generously. Whether through tithes, offerings, or direct help to the poor, the heart of giving should be love. God does not measure your worth by percentages. He looks at your heart.
So yes, you can still tithe if you choose. But do not see it as a burden. See it as an opportunity to honor God and bless others.
Conclusion
The question of whether Nigerian Christians should pay tithes and offerings today is not simple. It is a matter of faith, love, and understanding of the Bible.
Tithing was part of the old covenant, but the new covenant focuses on generosity and cheerful giving. Jesus did not cancel giving. Instead, He showed us that love is the true motivation. Paul encouraged believers to give freely, not by compulsion.
Nigerian Christians should not live in fear of curses. Instead, they should give with joy, supporting the church and helping the poor. Whether you tithe or not, the most important thing is that your giving comes from love.
The call today is not just to tithe but to live generously. Let your giving be an act of worship that blesses others and honors God. When Nigerian Christians give in love, they reflect the heart of Christ and help build a stronger community of faith.
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