Is it OK to Give to Charities Instead of Tithing?

December is the season when giving is on all our minds — whether we want it to be or not. Year-end appeals fill inboxes and nonprofits make their final push for support. Volunteers brave the cold outside grocery stores in hopes that you’ll rid yourself of some spare change. It’s a time when generosity feels expected, which means many Christians start reconsidering where their money should go. Some begin to wonder: If charities are doing meaningful work, does giving to them count the same a