In Christianity, giving is more than just an obligation—it is a spiritual act of worship and an expression of God’s love. The Bible encourages believers to give generously, not out of compulsion, but from a heart transformed by God’s grace. This guide explores the biblical principles of giving, how to give according to Scripture, and the blessings that come from living a life of generosity.
Why Giving Matters in the Christian Life
Giving is central to the Christian faith because it reflects the nature of God Himself. God, in His generosity, gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. As followers of Christ, we are called to give freely as an expression of our faith and love for God and others.
1. Giving as an Act of Worship
The Bible teaches that giving is an act of worship. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that He is the true source of all blessings. By giving back to Him, we show our gratitude and trust in His provision.
Biblical Reference: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, NIV)
2. Reflecting God’s Generosity
As Christians, we are called to mirror the generosity of God. Just as He gave to us freely, we are to give generously to others, demonstrating His love and grace in action.
Biblical Reference: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)
3. Building the Kingdom of God
Giving supports the work of God’s Kingdom, both in the church and beyond. Through tithes, offerings, and acts of generosity, we contribute to the spread of the Gospel, the care of the poor, and the growth of God’s mission on earth.
Biblical Reference: “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, NIV)
Types of Christian Giving
The Bible speaks of several different ways to give. Each type of giving serves a unique purpose in both our spiritual growth and the advancement of God’s work in the world.
1. Tithes
The tithe, or giving 10% of your income, is a foundational biblical principle. The purpose of the tithe is to honor God with the first portion of our resources and to provide for the needs of the church.
Biblical Reference: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10, NIV)
2. Offerings
Offerings are gifts given beyond the tithe. While the tithe is a set amount, offerings are an expression of our willingness to give above and beyond, often for special causes, missions, or needs within the community.
Biblical Reference: “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV)
3. Alms for the Poor
In the Bible, believers are encouraged to care for the poor and marginalized. Giving alms, or resources specifically designated for those in need, is a way of showing compassion and fulfilling Jesus’ call to love our neighbors.
Biblical Reference: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17, NIV)
4. Sacrificial Giving
Sacrificial giving is giving that requires personal sacrifice. It goes beyond what is comfortable or expected and is often a deep expression of faith and trust in God. It’s the kind of giving that Jesus praised in the story of the widow’s offering.
Biblical Reference: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44, NIV)
How to Give Biblically
Giving is not only about what we give but how we give. The Bible emphasizes the importance of our heart posture when we give, encouraging us to be generous, joyful, and sincere in our giving.
1. Give Cheerfully
God desires that we give out of joy, not obligation. Giving should be a response to His grace, done with a willing heart.
Biblical Reference: “For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV)
2. Give in Faith
Giving is an act of faith. When we give, we are trusting that God will provide for our needs, even as we release some of our resources. By giving in faith, we acknowledge that God is our provider and that He will bless our obedience.
Biblical Reference: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV)
3. Give Generously
Generosity reflects the heart of God. As Christians, we are called to give liberally, knowing that as we give, God will pour His blessings back into our lives.
Biblical Reference: “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.” (Luke 6:38, NIV)
4. Give with Humility
Jesus teaches us to give humbly, without seeking recognition or praise from others. Our giving should be done in secret, trusting that God sees and rewards our generosity.
Biblical Reference: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4, NIV)
The Blessings of Giving
The Bible promises that those who give generously will experience God’s blessings, both spiritually and materially. While we should never give solely for the sake of receiving, Scripture shows that there are divine rewards for living a life of generosity.
1. God’s Provision
When we give, God promises to meet all our needs. He ensures that we have everything we need to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
Biblical Reference: “Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38, NIV)
2. Spiritual Growth
Giving helps us grow spiritually by shifting our focus from material possessions to eternal values. It deepens our trust in God and strengthens our faith.
Biblical Reference: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35, NIV)
3. Joy and Contentment
Those who give generously experience greater joy and contentment. The act of giving reminds us of God’s provision and His faithfulness, leading to a life of gratitude.
Biblical Reference: “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9, NIV)
4. Treasures in Heaven
Jesus reminds us that giving is an investment in eternity. When we give to others, we store up treasures in heaven that cannot be lost or destroyed.
Biblical Reference: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20, NIV)
In Conclusion
Giving is a core expression of the Christian faith and a reflection of God’s love and generosity. By following the biblical principles of giving—whether through tithes, offerings, or acts of kindness—we honour God, strengthen His Kingdom, and bless those around us. Remember, giving isn’t about the amount, but the heart behind it. As you give cheerfully, generously, and in faith, you will experience the joy and blessings that come from living a life of biblical generosity.
