Giving is an essential part of Christian life, but it’s also a misunderstood topic. Most believers view it as a fundamental act of faith, yet some question certain practices like tithing.
The purpose of today’s post is not to choose a side, but to explore what the Bible says about giving. As we understand God’s heart on generosity, it’ll allow us to give with a pure heart.
So, what can we say about the Bible and giving?
Giving is God’s Nature
One of the first acts the Lord did was give us creation. He granted us the ability to live, breathe, and reproduce. But most importantly, He gave us His Son, Jesus, to redeem us from a life of sin.
God’s nature is generosity, and this compels us to give as well.
Scripture contains numerous passages highlighting the importance of generosity. Here are just a few bible giving verses:
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33-34
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” – Leviticus 27:30
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of these reveals God’s heart. First, God loves those who give. Second, He considers the act of giving as holy. Third, He loves our positive attitudes behind giving.
But why does generosity matter so much to the Lord?
Giving as a form of Worship
It’s strange that an all-powerful deity would desire anything. It’s not as if God needs our wealth. But for whatever reason, He appreciates it when we’re generous, especially when we do it out of love, not obligation.
The first recorded instance of humans giving to God is the story of Cain and Abel. Both brothers offered gifts, but only one was accepted. Why?
I think Abel’s offering was accepted because his heart was in the right place. And perhaps, like David, Abel’s gift cost him significantly. Abel’s heart and the value of his gift showed the Lord how much he treasured their relationship. It became an act of worship.
Giving Brings an Increase
One of the coolest revelations from the Bible on giving is how generosity brings spiritual and physical rewards.
Years ago, when I was the CFO of Bethel Church, I experienced a painful season where we didn’t have enough money to cover payroll. Bill Johnson told me, “Pay the missionaries first. God will provide the rest.”
I prayed the rest of the day, with tears in my eyes. I was desperate, asking God to provide.
I kid you not, right before our doors closed, a man came in with a check that had the exact amount we needed. I was stunned.
Now, this story doesn’t mean we have an equation to follow. But it does reveal: God brings an increase when when we give.
Caring for the Poor
Perhaps the most well-known reason for generosity is that God loves caring for the poor (i.e. widows and orphans). He encourages us to treat the less fortunate. And the best part? When we do, it becomes an act of worship. Jesus illustrates this point:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” — Matthew 25:34-40
Not only does generosity bring eternal rewards, it empowers us to improve the lives of others, fulfilling God’s command to love our neighbors.
Conclusion
Giving is more than just a good idea. It’s a God-inspired concept that mirrors His nature.
In my own life, I’ve seen how God rewards those who give, and while it’s wonderful to be repaid, it should never be the sole reason.
There’s so much more to cover on the Bible and giving. If you want to dive deeper, check out my online master course, Prosperous Soul Online: Advanced. There’s an entire section on generosity, and it breaks down three key questions: 1) how to give, 2) who to give to, and 3) why to give.
Use this code advanced-give during checkout to get 15% OFF the training.