Yves Gashugi 
The word "TITHE" written in wooden letterpress type.
“Tithing”
When you hear the word “tithing” in religious discussions, what immediately comes to mind? You may have mixed thoughts—some might tell you it is essential to give, while others may argue it is not necessary.
The debate about whether tithing is mandatory or voluntary remains a contentious issue in certain religious circles. If I claimed tithing is a law, I could be challenged to explain who commanded Abraham to give Melchizedek a tenth, as this happened before the law of tithing was instituted. The Scriptures say, “And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand. Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:20).
If I said tithing isn’t a law, I’d be contradicting Scriptures that say, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year” (Deuteronomy 14:22). I will refrain from adding to the ongoing debate that remains unresolved, instead sharing what God personally taught me about tithing. But I must clarify that tithing should not be viewed as a law for true believers but rather as an act of revelation—recognizing that giving brings more blessings than receiving!
I Told God I Would Stop Tithing
In 2019, on a Friday evening around 8 PM, I was attending a Pentecostal university fellowship meeting (CEP). During the meeting, I was wrestling internally with whether I should continue tithing from the university allowance we received, known as bourse (Living Allowance). After much internal conflict, I decided I would no longer tithe from that money.
Later, like the prodigal son (Luke 15:12-32), I began to second-guess my decision. I wondered if I had made the wrong choice and prayed to hear God’s voice regarding my resolution. My situation felt like someone buying a flight ticket, packing their bags, and then praying to ask God whether the journey was the right one to take.
Was it wise to buy the ticket before asking God for direction? Or did the person pray simply to seek validation for a decision they had already made? I, too, was troubling God with a question I had already answered for myself.
While sitting in the fellowship meeting, I heard a voice telling me there was no issue with my decision to stop tithing because tithing isn’t what gives eternal life. I felt relieved—briefly. A moment later, however, I heard the same voice say, “Even though you’ve chosen to stop tithing, I’m concerned that the same reason you stopped might lead you to abandon other sacred practices, eventually putting your soul at risk.”
From that moment, I realized that the motive behind an action is more important than the action itself. Even though refraining from tithing may not necessarily be a sin, the mindset or reasoning behind it could lead someone to justify other harmful actions.
Conclusion
Dear reader, as you reflect on this story, I want to remind you that the reasons behind your choices matter more than the choices themselves. For example, the motive for altering your speech, appearance, or behavior [please note I’m using external disciplines as examples purely for clarity, not out of religiosity] could lead you down a path that causes destruction.
One of the greatest pitfalls for Christians is the misuse of their “rights.” Some people justify their actions by claiming they have the right to do as they please. Be cautious, as what you call a “right” may become the avenue through which Satan entices you into destruction.
