What the Bible Really Says about Money, Tithing, and Giving
If there’s one topic that can make both Christians and parents squirm, it’s money. How we handle it, what we teach our kids, and—perhaps most fraught of all—what the Church expects from us. Yet Scripture talks about money over and over, not because God needs our cash, but because money is so intimately tied to gratitude, trust, and the state of our hearts.
For generations, Christians have wrestled with guilt-ridden giving, prosperity promises, and confusion around tithing. As parents wanting to model lives of faith and generosity, how do we cut through the noise and pass on biblical, not cultural, perspectives to our children?
That’s exactly what this week’s episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World explores. It’s not about budgets, bargains, or fundraising 101. It’s about setting the record straight—so we (and our children) live out God’s priorities with freedom and joy.
🎙 MEET MY GUEST: CLIFTON PAYNE JR.
I’m thrilled to welcome Clifton Payne Jr.—pastor, Bible scholar, and the award-winning author of What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think. With studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and decades of ministry experience, Clif untangles the complex, often-misunderstood scriptural teaching on giving.
Clif’s clarity and care make him the ideal guide to help us break free from unbiblical traditions and discover God’s real desire for our finances.
🌱 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: CLEARING THE AIR – WHAT THE BIBLE ACTUALLY TEACHES
- 🔎 Three Biblical Tithes, Not One: Forget what you’ve heard about “the tithe.” Clif reveals that the Old Testament law actually prescribed three different tithes, each with a distinct purpose—supporting priests, nurturing family worship, and caring for the poor. And did you know tithing only applied once God’s people were in the Promised Land—not while wandering the wilderness?
- 👨👩👦👦 Who Was Required to Tithe?: Clif explains that tithing was specifically required of the Jews living in the land of Israel. For forty years in the wilderness—and for Jews outside the land—tithing wasn’t a requirement. Gentiles were not commanded to tithe at all. Understanding who this command was for brings relief from unnecessary guilt and clarifies what tithing signals for New Testament believers.
- 🤲 Give Out of the Heart, Not Out of Fear: We dive into the heart of giving: Abraham and Jacob tithed not from command, but from gratitude. The standard is not a rigid rule, but a model of willing, first-and-best, faith-filled generosity.
- 💔 Addressing Mistrust and Church Abuse: Why do so many cringe at the topic of money in church? We tackle head-on stories of manipulation, abuse, and historical corruption—and explain why our faith should never be derailed by the failings of fallen people.
- 👀 Should You Tithe on the Gross or the Net? Jesus was brilliant on this issue… Clif unpacks Christ’s teaching about Caesar and God—explaining why you’re not called to give what isn’t actually yours, and why God looks at your heart, not your ledger.
- 🥜 The Power of Small, Sincere Gifts: A moving story from the African mission field (get your tissues…) shows that what matters most isn’t the amount, but the willingness to give your best, no matter how small or broken it seems.
- 🌍 Giving: The Antidote to Materialism: We talk frankly about the dangers of greed and the freedom that comes when we learn to release our grip on “stuff,” entrusting both our needs and our children’s futures to God’s care.
🎧 DON’T MISS THIS EPISODE!
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re “doing it right,” felt burned by church teachings on money, or longed to cultivate a culture of cheerful, generous giving in your home—this conversation will both equip and liberate you.
👉Listen now to “What the Bible Really Teaches about Money, Tithing, and Giving” on Life Audio:
Or find CP/CW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
💬 A QUOTE TO TAKE WITH YOU
“It’s not the quantity. It’s the quality. Where is your heart? …
God wants your money because He wants your heart.
People always spend money on what they love…
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
~Clifton H. Payne Jr.
🙌 A CALL TO ACTION
- Pray before you give. Ask the Lord what, how, and why He would have you contribute.
- Talk openly with your kids about gratitude, generosity, and the “first fruits” principle. Model making giving a first priority—not the last leftover.
- Are you carrying wounds around money or church giving? Bring them into the light with God. Let Him free you to enjoy giving again, not as a duty, but as an act of faith.
🌟 ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PARENTS
Parents, if money talk stirs up anxiety, guilt, or old wounds—take heart. You are not alone, and you are not behind. Whether you learned generosity early or you’re walking this road for the first time, God delights in every step of trust you (and your children) take. Remember: your giving isn’t about “meeting a quota”—it’s about responding to love.
When you put God’s kingdom first—even in your finances—He is faithful to provide, to surprise you with joy, and to shape your family’s legacy for eternity.
Giving is not about what we lose—but about what Christ has given, and the freedom we gain when our treasure, and our hearts, are truly His.
🎁 Let’s invest in the only treasure that lasts.
Episode Resources:
About the Guest:
Clifton Payne Jr. is the author of What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think, a book that has earned recognition from both the American Bookfest and International Book Awards. Drawing on years of pastoral ministry and biblical scholarship (including studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem), Clifton untangles scripture from tradition, helping listeners return to the heart of God in their finances.
What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think by Clifton H. Payne Jr.
Catherine’s Free Parenting Resources
Other Episodes in This Series:
EPISODE 175: When Leaders Exploit the Flock: A Biblical Response to Scandals ( w/ Clifton Payne Jr.)
EPISODE 174: Finding Financial Freedom: Breaking Free from Debt and Anxiety (w/ Jade Durham)
