Pastor Vitale,

On a totally different subject. A tithing question which was brought forth from the email about the monthly gift to tithers. I am glad you put it as you did when you said those who tithe out of their "gross"-- we have always tithed out of our take-home pay. So as I was praying over this I believe the Lord was telling me that the taxes that the government takes out are like a bill and I would not pay all my bills then tithe from the left-over...if you can understand my thinking, you can read minds because I am not sure I really explained it :) (in other words, what you said bore witness)

[Pastor Vitale's Response:]  yes. This is correct

 

Anyway, I did have another question along this line...are we to tithe our tax return/refund?

[Pastor Vitale's Response:] when you tithe on your gross income, you do not tithe on your tax refund, because you have already tithed on the money before it was deducted as a tax.

If you did not tithe on your gross income, then the money refunded was never tithed on, so you should tithe on it.

 

I know this question will come up from others too so I am interested now though it is a ways away...I have a feeling the Lord will lead us to even if it is not "the law".

[Pastor Vitale's Response:] Remember that getting your finances in order before the Lord makes you eligible for the prosperity that comes from the Kingdom of Heaven, rather than one’s own efforts in this world. I cannot make you any promises as to how fast or in what way this will come to pass, but I know that the Lord is faithful. He will meet all of your needs according to His riches and glory when you are obedient. Sometimes we have to sweat it out a bit :-) but He is never late.

 

Much Love and appreciation for all the time you have taken out to disciple us,

XXX

[Pastor Vitale's Response:] you are very welcome.

 

God bless you.

Love, Pastor Vitale