The dictionary defines the word “tithe” as “a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment.” It was a common practice in the Old Testament and was required of members of the nation of Israel.

In the Old Testament, tithing was an important part of the worship of God’s people, and God promised to bless them if they obeyed His command to tithe. The Bible says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse … and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for ...

If we misuse it, as did the man who buried his talent, it brings upon us the severest judgment of God. The tithe is the Lord’s. If you use it for yourself, you are robbing God. We are to take the tithe as a standard, but to go beyond the tithe is an indication of our gratefulness for God’s gifts to …

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham. At least two things happen when we give. First, when we give with the right attitude, God reminds us that what we have isn’t really ours.

Would it surprise you to learn that I don’t think people should be “talked into” giving money to God’s work either?

I don’t know your situation, of course—but I can’t help but wonder how you think God ought to go about solving your financial problems.

We are to be stewards of our money. When it is invested and shared for the glory of God, it can be a boon and a blessing. I know a businessman in Detroit, Michigan, who made a promise to God that he would tithe his entire income to the work of the Lord. He said his business had tripled, and that God had more than fulfilled His end of the bargain.

Yes, Mary and Joseph were quite poor, even by the standards of their day. For example, when they brought Jesus into the Temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Him according to the ancient Jewish Law, they could only afford two doves for their sacrifice—the amount allowed only for the poor (see Leviticus 12:8).

Yes, the whole Bible is God’s Word, and every part of it has lessons to teach us. The Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Yes, it certainly does; the Bible repeatedly warns us about the dangers of debt and urges us not to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by it, particularly when we have no realistic way to pay the money back.