Giving in Retirement: A Biblical Perspective on Generosity

Jesus talked a lot about money—not just about how we earn it but how we steward it. He challenged people to think beyond legalistic requirements and instead focus on the heart behind their giving. As a Jew who followed the Law, Jesus would have tithed. Yet, He also made it clear that generosity is not about percentages but about faith, trust, and obedience to God.

Jesus and the Tithe

Under the Mosaic Law, tithing was an established practice, and Jesus affirmed its importance—while also pointing out that it should not overshadow the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17), showing us what it means to live in full obedience to God. In Luke 11:42, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting love and justice, emphasizing that the heart behind giving matters more than the percentage itself.

For many of you, tithing has been a foundational practice. But what happens when you retire, you may be asking, and your income shifts from wages to Social Security, pensions, IRA distributions, and investments? How should giving be approached when there's no longer a paycheck to calculate 10% from?

A Shift in Perspective: Giving from Wealth, Not Just Income

During our working years, our giving and our tithing is often calculated based on earned income. But in retirement, our resources come from assets accumulated over time. This shift invites a broader perspective on biblical generosity—one that aligns more closely with Jesus’ teachings on stewardship.

Rather than focusing solely on a percentage of income, retirees can consider:

• Giving as a percentage of withdrawals – If you are withdrawing from savings, IRA distributions, or other investments, consider setting aside a portion of those withdrawals for giving.

• Giving based on net worth – If God has blessed you with accumulated wealth, consider giving proportionally from that blessing, not just from what you withdraw each year.

• Giving as a Spirit-led commitment – Jesus often called people to radical generosity (Luke 12:33, Mark 10:21). Rather than adhering to a fixed number, seek God’s guidance on how much to give in this season of life.

Faithful Stewardship Beyond the Tithe

Jesus' teachings push us beyond mere obligation toward a life of open-handed generosity. In Luke 21:1-4, He praised the widow who gave all she had—not because of the amount, but because of her faith. Her giving was radical; she gave out of her poverty, trusting that God would provide. Similarly, Paul encouraged believers to give cheerfully and not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). The heart of giving in retirement should reflect these principles: gratitude, trust, and a desire to honor God with all He has entrusted to us.

How to Determine Your Giving in Retirement

If you're struggling with how to continue giving in retirement, here are a few questions to consider:

1. What has God provided for me to live on? Your Social Security, pensions, and investment income are all part of His provision.

2. What are my needs versus my wants? Jesus often warned against storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Is there room in your budget to be even more generous?

3. What impact do I want to make? Giving isn’t just about fulfilling a rule—it’s about partnering with God’s work. Where is God calling you to invest in His kingdom?

Conclusion: Generosity as a Way of Life

Jesus calls us to a life of generosity, not just a habit of tithing. Whether we are working or are in retirement, the question may not be "Am I giving my 10%?" but rather, "Am I faithfully stewarding all that God has entrusted to me?" Whether that means giving from income, withdrawals, or accumulated wealth, the focus should be on trusting God and living out His call to generosity.

Rather than being bound by a rigid formula, let’s embrace a heart of joyful giving, recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. Retirement is not the end of giving—it’s an opportunity to give more intentionally, guided by faith rather than legalism.