Paying tithe shouldn’t be forced – Cleric

Pastor Sampson Amoateng, the General Overseer, House of Miracles Ministries, has advised churches to follow scriptural practice of making tithe payment a freewill and not by force.Amoateng, who made the call in a statement on Wednesday, explained that tithing was a biblical practice of giving a portion of one's income to support religious institutions and the community.According to him, tithing and offering are scriptural practice that are meant to be freewill and not by force.'The concept of tithe is rooted in the biblical teachings of the Old and New Testaments, as recorded in Deut. 14, Matt. 6 and Malachi 3:10.'I am against pastors or churches forcing people to document their tithe cards, saying, 'my money is mine.'It is carnal to document tithe cards. Tithing is a spiritual discipline that requires faith, trust, and obedience,' he said.Amoateng said tithing demonstrates our gratitude for God's blessings and provision, and also express our trust in His ability to provide for our needs.'Tithin g has practical advantages; it helps to support the church and ministries, enabling the spread of the gospel and the care of the poor and needy,'' he said.Amoateng said that tithing fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among believers, as they work together to support the work of the church.He said that in recent times, people who do not go to church give money to people in need as their way of tithing, adding that, this was the way to go and not forced.'Tithe is a vital aspect of religious practice that demonstrates our gratitude, obedience, and trust in God.'It is a spiritual discipline that requires faith and commitment, but yields rich rewards in terms of spiritual growth and financial responsibility.'As we consider our relationship with God and our role in supporting the church, may we embrace the practice of tithe with joy and generosity,' he said.He said doing so, people would not only honor God but also contribute to the building of His kingdom on earth.Amoateng who ba sed in Accra, Ghana urged people to be committed to God's work and abide by His teachings.Source: News Agency of Nigeria