Mary Beth, a woman with limited income, called in to share her concerns about tithing. She receives $711 per month from disability benefits and pays a tithe of $72, but struggles to cover her basic needs and has no luxuries. She’s also on food stamps and wonders if she should be tithing on that as well by possibly donating a tenth of her food stamps’ value to a food pantry. She worries about the legality and practicality of this approach.
The respondent commended Mary Beth for her faithfulness in tithing from her disability income and noted that all resources are ultimately blessings from God. He suggested that if one were to be legalistic about tithing, they might consider including the value of food stamps. However, he emphasized that God understands her heart and her willingness to give. While it is essential to ensure her basic needs are met, tithing a portion of the food stamps could further glorify God.
He reassured Mary Beth that tithing, even on a small amount like food stamps, is an act of worship and trust in God’s provision.