Do I Have To Tithe On My Alimony?

The author discusses the legal separation process and the responsibility of tithing on their income. They discuss the concept of alimony, which is part of their income, and child support from their ex-husband. The author questions whether they should tithe on alimony or child support from their ex-husband, as they are both part of their income.

The author emphasizes the importance of being generous in calculating tithing and considering other sources of income, such as insurance settlements, social security, alimony, and child support. They also discuss the question of whether a believer should secretly tithe their income if their unbelieving spouse doesn’t agree. The author believes that tithing should not be done in isolation but should be accompanied by a genuine transformation of the heart, reflecting God’s character in our dealings with others.

The author also discusses the concept of alimony as part of their income, but child support belongs to the children and isn’t part of their personal “increase”. The author explains that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not required to pay tithing on anything if they choose not to.

The author believes that alimony is considered income for her, so if she receives an income, she is required to pay tithing on it. If the husband is a tithing payer, the money has already been tithed on. Even if he isn’t, it’s money for essentials.

The author notes that a court is free to treat funds expended for religious tithing as income the obligor has or has chosen to waste for purposes of tithing. They would tithe on the money they receive and she tithe on the money she receives.

In terms of child support, the author mentions that the children usually don’t live with the couple. The author concludes that if they want to tithe on alimony or child support from their ex-husband, they would still tithe on that money.

Why Do Ex-Husbands Have To Pay Alimony?

Alimony, or spousal support, is financial assistance from one ex-spouse to another post-divorce, designed to address significant income disparities and assist the spouse with demonstrated financial need. It is particularly relevant for those who sacrificed their careers for their partner's professional growth. Payment obligations remain even if the paying spouse remarries, as the purpose of alimony is to support the recipient's financial independence and ability to sustain themselves. Non-compliance with alimony payments can result in legal consequences, such as contempt of court, signifying a disregard for a court order.

Judges determine the duration of alimony based on specific criteria, such as the non-earning spouse's potential for employment. Alimony is a binding agreement that provides continuing income to a lower-earning spouse, aiming to alleviate the economic impact of divorce. While it's common for husbands to pay alimony, laws have become more gender-neutral, leading to situations where women may also be required to provide support.

Alimony is not universally granted; a court assesses the recipient's financial dependence during the marriage before awarding it. Ordinarily, its goal is to enable the lower-earning spouse to reach financial self-sufficiency while maintaining their pre-divorce standard of living, bridging the transition to independence following the dissolution of marriage.

Is Tithing Sufficient?

Tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income, is often viewed in Christian circles, but opinions on its necessity vary. It originated in the Old Testament as a requirement for the Israelites to support the temple. However, the New Testament does not mandate tithing, often describing it in the context of past practices or addressing those under the old law. Many Christians believe that freedom in Christ means they can give generously and joyfully without the obligation of tithing.

While the act of tithing can reflect one's recognition of God as the source of their blessings, it should not be confused with a legalistic obligation. Instead, giving should come from the heart, according to 2 Corinthians 9:7, which suggests Christians give voluntarily, not under pressure. Tithing, though portrayed as a minimum standard in the Old Covenant, serves more as a guide than an exact requirement for today's believers.

Ultimately, the essence of giving lies in the spirit of generosity, acknowledging God's provision. Christians are encouraged to support their churches and communities beyond mere percentages, living within their means while avoiding debt for the sake of tithing. The message underscores the importance of heartfelt giving rather than adhering strictly to a 10% rule, emphasizing the significance of faith and trust in God’s generosity.

Will God Still Bless Me If I Don'T Tithe?

Under the new covenant, Christians are not required to tithe, as blessings are received based solely on Jesus' completed work. Therefore, God does not curse those who do not tithe; we are under grace, free from the law's curse. Claims that God will take from non-tithers through unexpected expenses are extreme and lack scriptural backing. Financial struggles may stem from personal habits rather than God's faithfulness.

Malachi 3:6-9, often cited to quantify curses for not tithing, emphasizes God's promises to bless those who give but should be understood in the broader context of grace. The first instance of tithing is found in Genesis 14:20, where Abraham tithed to Melchizedek.

Jesus mentions in Matthew 23:23 the importance of balanced giving but does not diminish the importance of justice, mercy, or faithfulness in relation to tithing. Regardless of whether someone tithes, God's love remains unchanged, and blessings can come through various other means beyond monetary donations. Tithing is viewed as a personal test of faith, and God does not impose punishments for non-tithing but calls for cheerful and voluntary giving. Ultimately, non-tithers may also experience blessings, reinforcing that our relationship with God extends beyond financial giving.

What Income Should You Tithe On?

The decision to tithe from gross income (before taxes) or take-home pay (after taxes) is a personal choice. The essential point is to give 10% of your income, demonstrating generosity and gratitude. Many, including financial advisor Dave Ramsey, prefer tithing from taxable income, while others, like Brother Copeland, view tax payments as contributions to the government rather than part of their income.

Tithing, defined as giving one-tenth of income, is a biblical practice deeply rooted in faith for many Christians and Jews. While the Old Testament mandates this practice, the New Testament encourages proportional giving without a fixed percentage.

Some pastors suggest that members should tithe 10% while others believe contributions should be based on one's ability to give. To determine your tithe, one can calculate from total yearly gross income. Although the Bible does not specify a percentage for New Testament believers, it encourages giving in a manner consistent with one's income.

The discussion often centers around whether to tithe on net or gross income. Tithing from gross income generally aligns with traditional views on honoring God first. However, those struggling financially may find that giving less than 10% can still be generous and meaningful. It's essential to maintain a generous and cheerful heart in giving, recognizing God's provisions in our lives. Ultimately, the focus should be on the attitude behind the giving rather than strictly adhering to a percentage, allowing individuals to rely on and trust God with their finances.

What Does God Say About Tithing When In Debt?

While Christians are not required to tithe 10% of their earnings, the expectation is to be generous givers. In the Old Testament, Israelite farmers and herdsmen were obliged to tithe, irrespective of their debts. A common question is whether to settle debts before tithing. The perspective shared here is that tithing should still be honored, but one should not accrue more debt to make offerings. Acknowledging that God commands tithing based on one's increase, it’s essential to also meet obligations like debt repayment. Psalm 37:21 emphasizes that failing to repay borrowed money is wicked. Thus, while tithing may be viewed as optional under the New Covenant, obligations such as debts remain.

It is acceptable to pause tithing if one is focused on clearing debt, as God understands individual circumstances and heart intentions. However, continuing to give small amounts while repaying debt can symbolize trust in God for provision. The Bible encourages believers to give generously, with promises of divine blessings mentioned in Malachi 3:10. Tithing also serves to remind believers of God's abundance and encourages a spirit of generosity.

Ultimately, the approach to giving while in debt should be thoughtful, avoiding unnecessary spending and excess. God's guidance through the Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in how individuals navigate their financial stewardship, highlighting an understanding that tithing, while beneficial, should not overshadow the responsibility to fulfill financial commitments.

Should I Pay Tithing On Alimony?

Alimony constitutes income from which a tithe is required, while child support is designated for the children's needs and is not considered part of an individual’s personal income. If you tithe on your gross income, payments made to service providers, who themselves tithe, do not count as double tithing. It is suggested that even if paying tithing means having to seek welfare assistance, individuals should still prioritize tithing. The spouse receiving alimony is not obligated to tithe if the alimony has already been tithed.

Guiding principles indicate that everyone should be generous when calculating tithing. When it comes to child support, opinions differ, but typically it should not be tithed as it is meant for the children's welfare. While some divorced individuals feel compelled to tithe from both alimony and child support, many believe that these funds should solely benefit the children. Individuals should consider personal circumstances, such as debt and necessary living expenses, but the principle remains that tithing reflects one’s commitment to the Church and faith.

Ultimately, child support is intended for child welfare, while alimony is treated as income subject to tithing. It is important to use child support funds responsibly and recognize their intended purpose.

Does Tithing Need To Be Paid Twice?

Tithing, derived from the Old English "teogotha," meaning "tenth," is fundamentally understood as returning one-tenth of one's income to God, often prioritized in a believer's finances. While the Bible does not stipulate a strict schedule for tithing, it's encouraged that individuals create a system that aligns with their financial situation. For instance, many choose to write their tithe check upon receiving their paycheck, which embodies the principle of giving to God first.

The Old Testament outlined tithing as a requirement for Israel, necessitating multiple tithes for various purposes, such as supporting the Levites and aiding the poor. However, New Testament teachings suggest that Christians are not strictly bound by the Mosaic covenant, although some maintain that a ten percent contribution remains a faithful expectation.

Questions arise regarding whether tithes should be calculated on gross or net income, the necessity of giving while facing financial struggles, and whether the full ten percent must go to a church or can be distributed among different Christian endeavors. Ultimately, tithing should not create hardship; individuals are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with church leadership. As long as one can affirm they're a full-tithe payer by year-end, the specific frequency or amount per paycheck can be flexible, thus ensuring that giving remains a meaningful and intentional act.

What Happens If You Don'T Pay Your Tithing?

Tithing, often defined as giving a tenth of one’s income, raises important questions among Christians and is influenced by perceptions of obligation versus grace. As stated in Matthew 6:33, prioritizing God’s kingdom is central, and the concern over curses from not tithing is addressed. Under the New Testament, believers are not under the curse of the Mosaic Law and thus, if they don't tithe, they aren’t necessarily cursed. It is noted that the biblical command to tithe, as found in scriptures like Malachi 3:8, should not be misinterpreted as a strict obligation that leads to divine wrath.

In the context of debt, it's suggested those struggling financially may prioritize paying off debts over tithing, as tithing is portrayed as voluntary rather than mandatory. Conclusively, tithing reflects more of a personal choice influenced by faith rather than a requirement for blessings or salvation. Many also argue that paying tithing out of fear undermines the spirit of giving, which should be done out of faith, not obligation.

The stance on tithing varies, with some claiming that Christians are no longer bound to the tradition, emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness over strict adherence to the law. However, voluntary giving is still encouraged as a form of worship.

In sum, while tithing remains significant for many, it is not universally viewed as essential, and circumstances such as financial hardships are acknowledged as valid reasons for not tithing. The overarching message is that God’s love and acceptance are not contingent on tithing practices.

Why Do We Pay Tithing?

We are freed from legalistic constraints and connect with God through the Spirit. Paying tithes enhances faith, spirituality, and testimony, and provides satisfaction in fulfilling God's will. Instead of accumulating earthly possessions, tithing allows us to store treasures in Heaven. While Christians are not mandated to tithe, the New Testament emphasizes the significance of giving as per one's ability, which may even exceed 10%. Tithing expresses gratitude for God’s blessings and funds church infrastructure, including temples and translation work.

God instructs believers to tithe, marking it as an act of obedience. Critics argue that the Law of Moses, including tithing, is fulfilled by Christ. However, tithing—derived from the term "teogotha," meaning "tenth"—is still relevant as it cultivates trust and remembrance of God’s faithfulness, particularly in challenging times. It is a reminder to rely on God's provision for our needs. Tithing is a demonstration of commitment, a testament of love for God, and mirrors our prioritization of spiritual over material concerns.

It serves the dual purpose of supporting the church and fulfilling a divine commandment with spiritual promises as stated in Malachi 3:10. Though it is rooted in Old Covenant practices for Israel, tithing is viewed by many as a valuable practice in expressing gratitude and reliance on God's provisions.