When I first started taking my walk seriously, I just tossed whatever cash was in my wallet into the plate on Sundays. Simple as that. But as my paycheck has grown… I don’t know what is expected from me. Am I supposed to give more?
Say someone pulls in around $60k a year. What’s the right amount to be giving back I’ve heard the 10% figure my whole life, but is that before or after taxes? Do folks here actually stick to that number, or have you landed somewhere different based on where God has led you personally?
The word ‘tithe’ literally translates to ‘tenth’, probably the simplest math God’s ever given us, and yet I still second-guess it. Most people calculate that 10% from their after-tax income.
Ten percent is the traditional number, and that’s what I do personally. My financial life actually got more stable after I started tithing. Give God some money. Pay attention to what happens next. He’ll prove himself trustworthy with it.
Had a conversation with my small group leader about this exact question last week. His take was pretty simple. Just give whatever God tells you to give. Listen and follow through.
I’d also think about the rhythm of it. Money has a way of slipping through our fingers when generosity gets left until the end of the month, tired and accidental.
Setting aside your gift when you get paid feels like planting something first.
Sorry if this is off-topic but please don’t forget about giving your time too. I used to obsess over the percentage until my pastor gently reminded me that showing up to serve or mentor or help someone move house is also giving. It costs you something real.
Money is easy for some of us. Time is the harder sacrifice.
Last spring my uncle passed. He left me a small amount, so I split part of it between the church and a food pantry we use around here. Felt right.
For the regular 60k income I still aim near 10 percent of what comes in before taxes, but I move things around if something big hits (car repairs, that kind of thing). Keeps me from feeling locked into one rigid number every single time.
I think the mindset matters more than the math. 2 Corinthians 9:7 talks about giving cheerfully, not under compulsion.
If you’re calculating 10% pre-tax versus post-tax and stressing about the exact dollar amount, you’re probably missing the point. Start with a percentage that feels like a real sacrifice but doesn’t wreck your budget, and increase it as your faith grows.
I make a giving plan at the start of the year. No more emotional Sunday decisions. For $60k, you could just sketch out a few numbers on paper, like 5%, 7.5%, or 10%, and pray over which one stretches your faith while still letting you cover the bills responsibly.
You can also ask your church for their annual budget or ministry report. Seeing where the money actually goes helps you feel like a real partner in what God is doing. That helped me a lot. The Lord loves forming generous hearts and can guide you step by step.