Giving is an important part of the Christian life.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible teaches that offerings are an act of worship, a way to honor God, and a means to bless others.
But what exactly does Scripture say about offerings?
Are they required, and if so, how much should we give?
Let’s dive into the Word and explore what the Bible reveals about offerings and their significance in our relationship with God.
What Is an Offering in the Bible?
An offering is a gift given to God as an act of worship.
It can be money, food, or even an act of service.
Offerings are different from tithes, which are a set percentage (traditionally 10%) of one’s income.
While tithing is a specific obligation, offerings are given freely from the heart.
Throughout Scripture, offerings have taken many forms.
In the Old Testament, people brought grain, animals, and firstfruits of their harvest to honor God.
In the New Testament, believers gave financial gifts to support the work of the church and help those in need.
The key theme throughout is that offerings are meant to be given with a willing and cheerful heart.
The First Offering in the Bible
The first recorded offering in the Bible comes from the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4.
Both brothers brought offerings to the Lord—Cain brought fruits of the ground, and Abel brought the best of his flock.
However, God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s.
Genesis 4:4-5 says:
The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
Why did God reject Cain’s offering?
It wasn’t because of what he gave but how he gave it.
Abel offered the best he had, while Cain merely gave something.
This story teaches us an important lesson—God cares more about our hearts than the amount we give.
Why Does God Ask Us to Give Offerings?
God doesn’t need our money, food, or sacrifices.
He is all-powerful and owns everything in the world.
Psalm 50:10-12 says:
For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills… If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
So why does God ask us to give?
Offerings are not for His benefit but for ours.
They teach us to trust God, to be generous, and to keep our hearts from becoming greedy.
Giving also allows us to participate in God’s work and be a blessing to others.
The Different Types of Offerings in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, there are several types of offerings, each with a specific purpose.
Understanding these offerings helps us see the different ways people honored God.
Burnt Offerings
Burnt offerings were completely consumed by fire and symbolized total devotion to God.
Leviticus 1:9 says:
It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.
This type of offering showed surrender and commitment to God.
Grain Offerings
Grain offerings were made from flour, oil, and incense.
These were given as an act of thanksgiving.
Leviticus 2:1 describes it:
When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour.
This offering recognized God’s provision and expressed gratitude.
Peace Offerings
Peace offerings, also called fellowship offerings, were given to express joy and thankfulness.
Part of the offering was burned, and the rest was eaten as a meal.
Leviticus 3:1 says:
If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present it before the Lord.
It was a way to celebrate and enjoy God’s blessings.
Sin Offerings
Sin offerings were made to atone for sins.
These foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who died for our sins.
Leviticus 4:20 says:
And the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven.
This offering reminded the people that sin requires a price but that God provides a way for forgiveness.
Freewill Offerings
Freewill offerings were voluntary gifts given out of love for God.
They were not required but were encouraged as acts of devotion.
Deuteronomy 16:10 says:
Then celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you.
God loves a cheerful giver who gives not out of duty but out of gratitude.
How Did Jesus View Offerings?
Jesus talked a lot about giving, but His focus was always on the heart behind it.
One of the most powerful examples is found in Mark 12:41-44, where Jesus watches people put money into the temple treasury.
Wealthy people gave large amounts, but then a poor widow came and put in two small coins.
Jesus told His disciples:
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.
This moment shows that God values offerings given with faith and sacrifice more than large sums given with no real devotion.
Giving With the Right Heart
Paul gives a clear instruction about how we should give in 2 Corinthians 9:7:
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.
This verse reminds us that giving should be done with joy, not out of obligation.
When we give willingly, it strengthens our trust in God and brings us closer to Him.
How Offerings Bless Others
Offerings are not just about worship—they also help those in need.
In the early church, believers shared what they had so that no one was in need.
Acts 4:34-35 says:
There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales, and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
Giving is one of the most practical ways we can show God’s love to others.
When we give to churches, charities, or individuals in need, we become part of God’s plan to care for His people.
The Blessings of Giving
God promises that those who give will be blessed.
Proverbs 11:25 says:
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
This doesn’t always mean financial blessings.
Sometimes, God’s blessings come in the form of peace, joy, or spiritual growth.
Malachi 3:10 contains one of the greatest promises about giving:
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.
God challenges His people to trust Him by giving.
When we give with faith, He provides for our needs.
Final Thoughts
Offerings are more than just giving money—they are acts of worship, gratitude, and trust in God.
From the sacrifices of the Old Testament to the generosity of the early church, the Bible shows that giving is part of following God.
God doesn’t ask us to give because He needs our resources.
He asks us to give because it changes our hearts and allows us to participate in His work.
When we give with a joyful and willing spirit, we honor God, bless others, and grow in faith.
So the next time you give an offering, remember—it’s not just about what you’re giving, but about the heart behind it.