The Heart of Giving
Giving is a foundational principle within the Bible, mirroring the generosity and love God has for us. Biblical giving is rooted in gratitude, trust, and obedience, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider of all things. It moves beyond mere obligation; it becomes an expression of worship and love.
In this article, we’ll explore key biblical verses related to giving, offering a thorough understanding of its profound importance. We will examine the motivations behind giving, the methods it takes, and the rewards it brings.
Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of biblical generosity and its transformative impact on individuals and communities. Let’s explore some of the most important giving verses in the Bible to consider.
What is Biblical giving?
When you think about giving in the Bible, what comes to mind? Is it writing a check on Sunday morning? Is it donating to a charity that shares your values? Here’s a closer look at what the Bible has to say about giving.
More than just the tithe
Giving in the Bible means more than just tithing. It’s about being generous and acting as a steward of what God has given to you. The Old Testament talks a lot about tithing, but the New Testament focuses more on giving cheerfully and giving until it hurts. Biblical giving can include money, time, skills, or whatever you have to offer to people in need.
A key part of Biblical giving is the idea that everything we have belongs to God. We’re supposed to manage our resources wisely and use them to honor God and bless other people.
Giving from the heart
The Bible says that giving should come from a place of love and compassion, and from a desire to please God.
The Apostle Paul said, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Jesus taught that giving should be a private matter, not something you do to get attention or praise (Matthew 6:2-4).
Key Biblical Principles of Giving
The Bible offers a lot of guidance on giving. Here are some key principles:
- Give cheerfully. A cheerful gift shows that you’re grateful. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” You should want to give, not feel forced to out of guilt or obligation.
- Give sacrificially. Sacrificial giving shows your love for God and other people. Remember the story in Mark 12:42-44? Jesus said the poor widow gave more than anyone else because she gave all she had. Of course, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of sacrificial giving.
- Give generously. Luke 6:38 promises, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Proverbs 3:9-10 says honoring God with your wealth will lead to prosperity.
- Give to everyone. Generosity shouldn’t be limited to certain people. Luke 6:30 tells us to give to everyone who asks. Deuteronomy 15:11 suggests we should strive to eliminate poverty.
Biblical examples of giving
The Bible contains countless examples of people giving—sometimes sacrificially—to God and to their neighbors.
Old Testament examples
The Old Testament describes Abraham giving a tenth of everything he owned to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). In this way, Abraham honored God with the first and best of what he had.
In Exodus 35, the Israelites willingly gave valuable items so that the tabernacle could be built. Their generosity showed their commitment to God’s purposes.
New Testament examples
Jesus watched as people put their offerings in the temple treasury. He noted that a poor widow put in only two small copper coins, yet Jesus said she had given more than all the others (Mark 12:41-44). The wealthy people gave out of their abundance, but the widow gave all she had; her gift was a greater sacrifice.
When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, he was so moved that he pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:1-10). Zacchaeus’s transformation shows how generosity can spring from a relationship with Jesus.
The early church is another example of generosity. In Acts 4:32-35, believers shared everything and made sure that everyone’s needs were met. They even sold their possessions to give to anyone who was in need.
Tithing in the Old and New Testaments
The Bible discusses giving in both the Old and New Testaments, but there are important differences.
Old Testament: A Command for Provision
In the Old Testament, God commanded people to tithe, which meant giving 10 percent of their income to the temple. This money supported the Levites, who didn’t have land to farm, as well as the temple’s operations. The book of Malachi says that those who tithe fully will be blessed.
New Testament: A Principle of Generosity
While the New Testament doesn’t explicitly command tithing, it emphasizes the importance of generosity. Instead of a set percentage, the New Testament encourages people to give willingly and cheerfully from the heart. Tithing is not a requirement under the New Covenant, but it’s an example of the kind of generosity Christians are encouraged to show.
Common mistakes in teaching about giving
Teaching about giving can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Making it only about the money. Giving shouldn’t only be about the financial transaction. It should be about the heart and our relationship with God. Instead of focusing on what people owe to the church, focus on God’s purpose for generosity.
- Presenting it as a fundraiser. Framing giving as a fundraising campaign can make it feel transactional instead of spiritual. Giving isn’t about dues or pressure. It’s about gratitude, trust, and obedience.
- Neglecting to explain the “why.” People are more likely to give when they understand the impact of their contributions. Show how giving impacts hearts, homes, and communities.
- Treating it as a routine. The offering shouldn’t feel like a perfunctory part of the service. It should feel sacred and meaningful. Ground your teaching in Scripture.
How should we give?
The Bible offers a lot of direction on how to approach giving. Here are a few key principles:
- Give cheerfully and willingly. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving shouldn’t feel like a chore.
- Give sacrificially. Be prepared to give even when it means you have to go without. Sacrificial giving shows true commitment.
- Give generously. Give as much as you can, remembering that God supplies everything you need.
- Give to those in need. Look for opportunities to help those who are less fortunate than you. Helping those in need is an act of love and compassion.
- Give in secret. Don’t give so that other people will praise you. The Bible encourages quiet generosity, not flashy displays.
Ultimately, giving is about reflecting God’s love and generosity in our own lives.
Putting It All Together
Biblical giving goes beyond simply writing a check; it’s a reflection of your heart and your relationship with God. When you give, you honor God, help build the kingdom, and demonstrate your love for God and your fellow human beings.
Framing the conversation about money in the church can be tricky, but the goal is to foster trust and inspire action instead of causing discomfort. Remind people that giving is a way to honor God, to build the kingdom, and to love God and others.
When you embrace the principles of generosity found in the Bible, you’ll likely experience the blessings and joy that come with giving. The Bible suggests that generosity leads to increased blessings and a deep sense of inner peace (2 Corinthians 9:11; Proverbs 11:25).
So, let’s all strive to live lives characterized by generosity, reflecting the love and grace of God.