5Day Reading Plan

The Truth about Tithing

Finances

Creflo Dollar

Most people in the church do not understand the difference between the Law of Moses and the grace of Christ, and are therefore still living under the law. This applies not only to obedience, forgiving others, and loving God, but also to tithing. This misconception is created by religion, which teaches us to mix grace with the law. In the Old Testament, the people were commanded to tithe or be cursed; by comparison, in the New Testament we give out of thanksgiving because God has arranged to take care of our every need. Embracing the new and better way that Jesus ushered in frees us from bondage to the law.

How to Use the Reading Plan:

The Reading Plan is designed to guide you through daily scriptures and reflections, helping you deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith. Simply follow the daily readings provided, meditate on the scripture, and reflect on how it applies to your life. You can revisit previous days or jump ahead to future readings at your own pace. Stay consistent, and watch your spiritual growth unfold as you engage with the Word daily.

About the Author:

Pastor Creflo Dollar is an American televangelist, author, and the founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI), based in College Park, Georgia.

Day 1Faith and Freedom: Living Generously by Grace

Faith is the foundation of the Christian life. It isn’t something we manufacture, but a gift from God. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith; this means that our faith begins and ends with Him, not with our efforts or our performance. When we understand that salvation and righteousness come through the faith of Jesus Christ, not through our own faith, we’re set free from striving and self-reliance.

This same freedom applies to how we give. Under the law, giving was a requirement; under grace, giving becomes a joyful response to God’s goodness. Paul reminded the believers in Rome that they were no longer under the law, but under grace. For us, this means that we’re not cursed for failing to give a certain percentage; instead, God invites us to give from the heart, led by the Spirit.

The early church modeled this beautifully. The believers shared everything they had, not out of obligation, but out of love and unity. Their generosity flowed from their faith in Jesus and their trust in God’s provision. Likewise, God encourages us to give cheerfully, not grudgingly or out of necessity.

Faith and giving are deeply connected. When we trust God fully, we’re free to give generously, knowing He’ll supply all our needs. Jesus, though rich, became poor so that we might be made rich through His grace. Our giving becomes an act of worship, rooted in the righteousness we’ve received through Christ.

No longer do we have to fear God’s wrath for failing to follow Old-Testament rules governing giving. The Holy Spirit has replaced the letter of the law. As we grow in faith, we also grow in generosity—not because we have to, but because we want to.

Scriptures:

Hebrews 12:2

Galatians 2:16

Romans 3:22

Romans 6:14

Acts 2:44, 45

2 Corinthians 9:7

2 Corinthians 8:9

For more on the role of tithing and giving in the lives of believers, see Creflo Dollar’s books, Life Saver Sermon Notes: The Truth about Giving Edition or Foundations for Christian Living: The Giving Edition.

Day 2Giving Freely and with the Proper Motivation

For many people unfamiliar with how the finished works of Jesus affects their finances, the topic of giving can feel heavy. Religion loads us up with a sense of obligation and suggests that we’ll be punished if we don’t follow the rules. Thankfully, under the new covenant of grace, giving is no longer a legal requirement; it’s a joyful response to God’s goodness.

In the Old Testament, tithing was a command under the Law of Moses. People were required to give ten percent, and failure to do so brought a curse. When Jesus came, He changed everything. He fulfilled the law and became a curse for us so that we could live under grace, not legalism.

Now, giving is no longer about percentages, but about our hearts. Everyone gives according to the purpose in their hearts; not grudgingly or out of necessity, because God loves a cheerful giver. New-Testament giving is rooted in gratitude, not obligation.

Abraham and Jacob gave long before the law was established—not because they had to, but because they wanted to honor God. Their giving was a response to His faithfulness, not because of a requirement to earn His favor. They gave generously, out of thanksgiving and worship.

Believers are now all priests, and our giving reflects our trust in God’s provision. The early church understood this quite well. They gave freely, shared everything they had, and supported one another with joy.

Understanding that we’re no longer under the law but under grace turns our giving into an act of worship. It’s not about meeting a quota, but about expressing love and trust in the one who has already given us everything. Internalizing what Jesus did for us on the cross radically changes our mindset about giving and generosity.

Scriptures:

Galatians 4:4, 5

2 Corinthians 9:7

Genesis 14:18–20

Genesis 28:20–22

1 Peter 2:9

Acts 2:44–47

Romans 6:14

Day 3From Obligation to Overflow

For many believers, giving has long been associated with obligation, pressure, or fear. Giving and tithing in church has traditionally inspired mistrust and discomfort. However, under the new covenant of grace, we’re invited to give from a place of identity, freedom, and joy.

Before Jesus, the law governed how people gave. It was rigid and performance-based. Paul wrote to the Romans that being in the flesh caused them to sin, working in them to bring forth fruit leading to spiritual death; he added that they had been delivered from the law and were to serve in newness of spirit. God’s favor on us in the area of giving has changed everything.

We’re no longer outsiders trying to earn favor, but insiders, a chosen and called generation. God’s revelation to His people confirms this when He declares to us that He has made us kings and priests. Our giving should flow from this royal identity, not from religious duty.

Jesus addressed the Pharisees’ obsession with tithing while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith wasn’t condemning giving—He was exposing the heart behind it. Giving under grace isn’t about checking boxes, but about expressing love and trust.

The newly born-again Christians demonstrated what Jesus taught with their generosity, as well as the consequences of deceit. God values honesty and willingness in our giving. Our motives are important; we’re reminded to continue helping the poor, which is a reflection of grace in action.

This marks a huge difference from before. No longer are we trapped in empty works. When we give today, we do so not to earn righteousness, but to reflect it. As God’s people, we give out of gratitude, empowerment, and freedom.

Scriptures:

Romans 7:5, 6

1 Peter 2:9

Revelation 1:6

Revelation 5:10

Mattthew 23:23

Acts 5:1, NLT

Galatians 2:10, NLT

Day 4Giving Under Grace, Not Guilt

Many believers still struggle with the concept of tithing, often mixing Old-Testament law with New-Testament grace. Under the Mosaic Law, tithing was a command tied to obedience and fear of curses. Thankfully, we’re not under the law anymore, but under grace. In Christ, we’re free to give cheerfully, not out of obligation.

The cross changed everything about how we relate to God, including our giving. Through His finished works, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law so that the blessing of Abraham might come through faith. Giving is now a response to God’s goodness, not a requirement to earn His favor. When we understand this, our generosity flows from gratitude, not from guilt.

Paul never taught tithing as a law but strongly emphasized giving from the heart. In a letter to the Corinthians, he wrote to them that they should each decide in their hearts how much to give, because God loves a person who gives cheerfully. This kind of giving invites God into our finances and reflects trust in His provision. It’s not about the amount, but about the motive.

Even in poverty, the churches of Macedonia gave generously. Paul testified that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy abounded to the riches of their liberality; they gave beyond their own power. Their exuberance in giving came from knowing they were participating in God’s work. This is the spirit of New-Testament giving—voluntary, joyful, and faith-filled.

Jesus praised a widow who gave two small coins, saying she gave more than all the others. Her offering wasn’t measured by size but by sacrifice and trust. God sees the heart behind the gift, not just the gift itself. Giving under grace is an act of worship, not a financial transaction.

Scriptures:

Romans 6:14

Galatians 3:13, 14

2 Corinthians 9:7, NLT

2 Corinthians 8:2, 3

Mark 12:41–44

Day 5Pressing Toward the Mark

As believers, we’re called to grow in our understanding of God’s Word and live it out with integrity. We’re urged to study and be eager to do our utmost to present ourselves to God approved and tested by trial, correctly analyzing and skillfully teaching the Word of truth. This isn’t just about head knowledge; it’s about living a life that reflects Christ in every area. Our faith must be rooted in truth and expressed through obedience.

Salvation is the foundation of our walk with God. After Jesus caused an earthquake that freed Paul and Silas from prison, the jailer asked what he needed to do to be saved. The answer was simple yet profound: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” This belief isn’t passive, but a life-changing trust that leads to transformation on a journey to become more like Christ.

God also calls us to honor Him with our resources. The principle of tithing merely reminds us to set aside a portion of our increase to acknowledge God’s provision. Giving shouldn’t be a burden but a joyful act of worship. The early churches exemplified this by giving generously regardless of financial circumstance.

Paul reminded the Philippians that no earthly achievement compares to knowing Christ. Paul counted all things as loss for the sake of gaining Christ and becoming one with Him. This is the heart of discipleship—letting go of what once defined us to embrace our new identity in Jesus. We press on, not because we’ve arrived, but because we’re being perfected in Him.

Jesus’ transfiguration revealed His glory to the disciples. This moment reminds us that He’s not only the suffering servant but also the exalted King. As we follow Him, we’re being transformed from glory to glory. This is how we reflect His light in a dark world.

Scriptures:

2 Timothy 2:15, AMPC

Acts 16:30, 31

Deuteronomy 14:22-24

Philippians 3:4-12, NLT

Luke 9:28-36

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The Truth about Tithing

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