Should Christians ti the on miscellaneous income, such as inheritance, gifts, legal settlements, winnings, tax refunds, etc.?

Under the Law of Grace, we are not restricted to ti the out of compulsion, but should give generously and cheerfully. We are, therefore, wise to give not just out of our normal income, but out of all that God has given us, just as the widow did in Mark 12:41-44.

what does the bible say?

Many Christians today think that the ti the is mandatory, but in reality, it was part of the Mosaic Law, exclusively meant for the Israelites to follow (Leviticus 27:30). Because Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) and successfully did so through His work on the cross, we are no longer restricted to rigid rules about giving certain percentages of our income. Instead, we can take after the example of the Corinthians, who were told to give regularly and at the same time of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), giving not governed by rules but by the heart (2 Corinthians 9). If our heart is in tune with God, we will give cheerfully and not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Perhaps the best example of giving what we have to God with great generosity is the widow in Mark 12:41-44. Jesus knew that while others gave more money than her, He saw that she contributed a far greater gift because she had given all that she owned whereas others had given out of their surplus. Clearly, God looks at our heart, not our outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

from the old testament

In the Mosaic Law, Jews were commanded to give ten percent of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle/Temple (Leviticus 27:30). In fact, the law required multiple tithes, which totaled about 23.3 percent.
The Bible is clear that the requirement in the Mosaic Law to ti the was for the nation of Israel, not for all godly people. When we give, we should remember that God “… looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7) rather than on outward appearances, so we should be giving with the right intentions.
Through the prophet Micah, God challenged the Israelites to give without neglecting the heart condition that undergirded the sacrifices: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 8:6). The same principle should guide Christian giving.

from the new testament

Christ came to fulfill the old law (Matthew 5:17), so Christians are not constrained to obey it. Jesus’ requirement is much harder than tithing.
The amount or percentage we give is unimportant, but the intentions with which we give matter (Mark 12:41-44).
First Corinthians 16:1-2 specifically addresses giving: “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” The Greek word translated “as he may prosper” is a passive verb which also could be translated “as he may be prospered.” The implication is that God is doing the prospering, and this prospering includes all that God has provided: house, belongings, wages, inheritances, gifts, winnings, tax refunds, legal settlements, and so on.
The Corinthians apparently didn’t fully underst and the principle here, so Paul again addressed the issue of giving in 2 Corinthians 9. Verses 6 and 7 say, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This is not a “give to get” scheme as some Word-of-Faith preachers say. Rather, it is recognizing that God gives us everything we have, so we should have an open heart and h and when it comes to His kingdom.

implications for today

While Christians are not constrained to ti the certain percentages of our income, we should give based on all that God has provided to us, which includes miscellaneous income, inheritance, gifts, winnings, tax refunds, legal settlements, and so on. As we should do in all areas of our lives, we must seek wisdom from God concerning the disposition of our resources, and He has promised to give His wisdom generously (James 1:5). Everything we have belongs to God, not just a portion (1 Timothy 6:7; Psalms 24:1; Haggai 2:8) Our task is to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us. Ultimately, we can apply to our life Paul’s instruction to Christians in 1 Timothy 6:18-19: “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” To put it simply, our “wealth” should be displayed in our godliness, not in our material possessions.

Recap

understand

Christians are no longer subject to Old Testament Mosaic Laws regarding tithing.
When giving, believers should keep in mind that everything they have comes from God, including money beyond work income.
God wants us to give generously and cheerfully.

reflect

What guides you in your giving?
What helps you decide what Christian causes beyond your local church you should give to?
Besides money, in what other ways do you give to God?

engage

What are some common misconceptions about giving, even among Christians?
How is spiritual strength manifested by one’s attitude toward giving?
How is giving connected to trust in God?