Giving is central to the teachings of the Bible. The Bible communicates that giving is an expression of God’s nature and a response of gratitude to Him. It doesn’t just refer to financial or material gifts but includes time, talents, and love. It’s about selflessness and a desire to help others. The Bible encourages giving to the needy and sharing with others, reflecting the love and generosity of God. This act isn’t just about obligation; it’s a joyful response to God’s own giving nature.
When we give, it reflects our trust in God and our willingness to be used for the benefit of His kingdom.
Now, are you curious about the various instances and teachings in the Bible that cover giving? Would you like to delve deeper into the various verses and their interpretations about this significant act?
What Does the Bible Say About Giving?
Giving is deeply embedded in the fabric of the teachings of the Bible. It’s considered a reflection of God’s character as the ultimate Giver. God gave humanity the Earth, life, and, ultimately, His son, Jesus, to redeem humanity from sin.
The act of giving in the Bible isn’t confined to tithes and offerings or material possessions. It’s an overarching theme, covering the giving of time, talents, love, and resources. It’s the extension of kindness, love, and compassion to others, especially to those in need. It mirrors God’s unending love and kindness.
The New Testament particularly emphasizes giving with a cheerful heart. It encourages believers to give willingly and joyfully, not out of compulsion or reluctance. This form of giving is not about adhering to a set of rules but about demonstrating love, a love that is reflective of God’s love for us.
Moreover, the Bible’s teachings on giving highlight the essence of sacrifice. It’s not always about what is convenient or surplus but sometimes involves giving from our need. It’s a testament to our trust in God’s provision and faithfulness.
It is important to understand that giving, according to the Bible, is also about reciprocity. It’s not about earning favor or rewards but recognizing that giving opens up avenues for receiving. It brings about blessings and favor, not as a transaction but as a natural consequence of living in harmony with God’s principles.
Bible Verses About Giving
- 2 Corinthians 9:7: This verse emphasizes that “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.” It illustrates the joy and love that should accompany the act of giving, resonating with God’s view on giving.
- Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” This verse conveys the idea that by giving to those in need, we are, in essence, giving to God, and He acknowledges such acts of kindness.
- Acts 20:35: In this verse, it is recorded that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” It underlines the profound joy and blessing in giving, reinforcing the essence of selflessness and love in giving.
- Luke 6:38: “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.” This verse communicates the principle of reciprocity in giving, emphasizing that the generosity we extend will be returned to us.
- Matthew 6:3-4: “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.” This verse shows that giving should be done with humility and without seeking recognition or praise.
- 1 Timothy 6:18-19: This speaks about being “rich in good deeds,” and to be generous and willing to share. This highlights the true wealth in giving and building a foundation for the coming age, aligning ourselves with eternal life.
- Proverbs 22:9: “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” The proverb indicates the blessings that accompany generous giving, especially to those in need.
- Malachi 3:10: “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.” Here, the emphasis is on bringing the tithe to God and the abundant blessing that follows.
- Deuteronomy 15:10: This verse instructs to give generously without a grudging heart, then because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. It stresses the blessings that come when we give freely and generously.
- Matthew 25:35-40: Jesus speaks about giving food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, looking after the sick, and visiting prisoners. He concludes by saying, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This clarifies that in serving and giving to others, especially the least privileged, we are serving and giving to Jesus Himself.