tithing is an expression of worship, but is no longer commanded for New Testament Christians.
Give what he allows you to, if that is nothing, and he controls the money, than you are not going to be held responsible for that. The key to tithes and offerings in the NT is the attitude, you need to be placing your dependance upon God, the amount is not a significant factor, especially when in the God-given authority structure of your life, you are unable to give a specific amount! If your church is preaching the tithe as a specific necessity, than they really need to get back to scripture and evaluate what the Word really says. On the other hand, If you rebel against the wishes of your husband, who has been placed by God in a position of authority, in spite of his equality to you in essense, and you will be held accountable if you do not submit to him. The Bible even indicates that your obedience and respect may eventually cause him to see the difference in your heart and accept Christ for himself. Explain to him why giving is important to you, and even request that you are able to give from what money you control, and show him that you respect his leadership, even when it is not in line with what a Christian husband would reasonably do. The attitude that you have wanting to give indicates that your heart is right, and that is the important thing when it comes to giving. The amount is secondary.
Thoughts on the tithe
- Real "tithe" for the OT saints was probably around 30%, not a measly 10 (10% is a good start)
- OT saints were in a theocracy, they were supporting a government system, and a religious system, a portion of their "tithes" went to non-religious activities (although much more difficult to separate in a theocracy), similar to our Taxes
- Paul spoke volumes about the attitudes to have when we give, not the specific amount.
- Tithing is an expression of worship, a declaration of our dependence on God, the amount should reflect our lack of devotion and dependence on our own means, but obviously, we are to be able to provide for our families, its not an unreasonable standard!