Tithing is important. It is one way that we worship God. What happens though when you’re working on paying down debt, between jobs, or on a fixed income with increasing expenses? Maybe you start to wonder if you can give of your time instead of your money. Is it ever okay to switch out giving your time instead of your money?

That isn’t an easy question, but there’s another question to consider: Can you give your time in addition to your tithe? Absolutely! Giving your time shows your love to others and honors God. However, the Bible doesn’t offer an alternative to tithing-it encourages both!

Dave Ramsey puts it rather succinctly:

Tithing is really a baseline for giving each month. The Bible actually encourages us to give generously far beyond the tithe. But that’s not possible for a lot of people when they’re digging out of debt or going through a rough financial season. In this case (and really, in any case), giving your time is an excellent way to give a little extra. At the end of the day, though, serving doesn’t replace the tithe.

Matthew 6:24 says that you can’t have two masters; you can’t serve God and money. On the other hand, when you serve, you worship God by stewarding your time and your talents for Him. And Matthew 25:40 tells us that whatever we do to serve others in need, we do for Him. Serving is an awesome form of generosity!

God will not condemn you if you don’t tithe. God doesn’t need your money. Tithing certainly isn’t a salvation deal-breaker either. God wants your heart , and tithing is a way for you to give your heart over to God; reminding yourself that your faith is strong.

During the time of so many new year resolutions, find your resolve to give in the form that reminds yourself that your faith is strong.