9 Biblical Principles of Giving

WHY DOES THE PASTOR ALWAYS WANT MY MONEY!

That’s a common question you hear in church. You might wonder about the Biblical Principles of Giving since you always listen to them asking for money.

Imagine you are sitting in church, listening to a sermon about giving. The pastor shares a story of a struggling family in your community who received unexpected financial assistance from a generous donor.

Since joining the church, I have learned that God expects me to be a giver. I gave in a lot of different ways.

I gave my money. I gave of myself. I gave off my resources.

One major area in which I had to give in was Transport.

As the Youth Leader in my church, I would have to pick up youths and drop them back home after Youth Group.

I did it for years, and I still do it sometimes.

God wants more than your money, but he wants your life.

The best thing you can give to God is to live for God.

As you hear my story, you can’t help but wonder: what are the biblical principles behind giving? How does giving align with your faith, and how does it impact your life?

In this discussion, we will explore these questions and delve into the timeless wisdom found in the Bible regarding the principles of giving.

Prepare to uncover a deeper understanding of the significance of giving in the context of your spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways

• Giving reflects our hearts and our relationship with God.
• Generosity is a key principle of giving.
• Giving should be done in proportion to one’s resources.
• Giving sacrificially requires a heart of generosity.

Introduction

Giving is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, and it’s important to understand the principles that guide our actions in this area.

The Bible teaches us that giving isn’t just about material possessions but a reflection of our hearts and our relationship with God. It’s a way to express gratitude, trust, and obedience to Him.

One of the key principles of giving is generosity. God calls us to be generous with what we’ve been given, whether our time, talents, or resources.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, it says, ‘Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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 come from a joyful and willing heart, not out of obligation or pressure.

Another principle is stewardship.

As Christians, we’re entrusted with God’s resources, and it’s our responsibility to manage them wisely. This means being good stewards of our finances, time, and talents and using them in a way that honors God and blesses others.

In Luke 16:10, Jesus says, ‘Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.’

This verse reminds us that our faithfulness in small matters reflects our character and trustworthiness in handling greater things.

Why Should Christians Give

Giving is a vital expression of faith and obedience for Christians. It isn’t just a mere act of charity; it reflects our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom. So, why should Christians give? Here are four compelling reasons:

1. To follow the example of Jesus: Jesus Himself gave sacrificially, not only His time and energy but also His very life. As His followers, we’re called to imitate His selfless love by giving generously.
2. To support the church’s work: Giving enables the church to carry out its mission of spreading the gospel, meeting the needs of others, and building up the body of Christ. By giving, we actively participate in God’s work in the world.
3. To cultivate a heart of gratitude: Giving reminds us of all God has blessed us with and encourages us to have a grateful heart. It helps us acknowledge that everything we have comes from God’s grace.
4. To experience the joy of giving: Giving benefits the recipient and brings joy and fulfillment to the giver. Jesus Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35). When we give with a cheerful heart, we experience the joy of blessing others.

Biblical Principles of Giving

Now let’s talk about the biblical principles of giving.

According to Barna, Two in Five Practicing Christians Give At Least 10% of Their Annual Income as a Tithe.

When it comes to giving, there are several important points to remember.

First, giving should be a priority in your life.

Second, it should be done proportionally, based on what you have been blessed with.

And third, giving should be a sacrifice, a genuine act of giving up something of value.

1. Giving must be a priority

When it comes to giving, making it a priority is essential for living out Biblical principles. Here are four reasons why giving should be at the top of your list:

1. It reflects your heart: Prioritizing giving shows that you place value on generosity and selflessness. It demonstrates your willingness to put others’ needs before your own.
2. It aligns with God’s priorities: Giving is a central theme in the Bible, and God desires for His children to be generous.
3. It fosters gratitude: When prioritizing giving, you cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Recognizing the blessings in your life and sharing them with others brings joy and contentment.
4. It brings eternal rewards: The Bible teaches that giving with a generous heart will result in eternal rewards.

2. Giving must be done proportionally

It’s important to ensure that giving is done proportionately to your resources. The Bible teaches that giving shouldn’t be burdensome or detrimental to your well-being. Instead, it should be a joyful act that reflects your gratitude and obedience to God.

Giving proportionally means giving according to what you have been blessed with.

It means considering your income, assets, and expenses and giving a reasonable and sustainable portion. This principle encourages fairness and prevents favoritism or inequality. It reminds us that God values our hearts and intentions more than the amount we give.

3. Giving must be a sacrifice

Biblical giving must also involve sacrifice. Giving sacrificially means giving up something of value to you to meet the needs of others. Here are four important aspects to consider when it comes to sacrificial giving:

1. Giving sacrificially requires a heart of generosity: It isn’t just about giving out of our excess, but about giving sacrificially, even when it may impact our comfort or desires.
2. Sacrificial giving reflects the heart of God: God gave His only Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for us. When we give sacrificially, we imitate God’s selfless love.
3. Sacrificial giving involves faith: It requires trusting that God will provide for our needs as we prioritize giving to others.
4. Sacrificial giving brings blessings: When we give sacrificially, we experience the joy and fulfillment that come from obeying God’s commands and blessing others in need.

4. Giving must be done cheerfully

Give cheerfully, with a joyful heart, knowing that your generosity reflects the love and goodness of God. When you approach giving with a cheerful attitude, it not only pleases God but also brings joy and fulfillment to your own life.

The Bible tells us 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 emphasizes the importance of giving with a cheerful heart, willingly and without any sense of obligation.

When you give cheerfully, you demonstrate your trust in God’s provision and acknowledge that all that you have comes from Him. So, let your giving be marked by joy and gratitude, knowing that through your cheerful generosity, you’re reflecting the love and goodness of God to others.

5. Giving demonstrates your love for God

When you give, you show your devotion and commitment to God, acknowledging that everything you have comes from Him. Here are four ways in which giving demonstrates your love for God:

1. Trust: Giving generously demonstrates your trust in God’s provision and ability to meet all your needs.
2. Obedience: Giving is an act of obedience to God’s commandments. It shows that you’re willing to follow His instructions and prioritize His kingdom.
3. Gratitude: Giving is an expression of thankfulness for God’s blessings in your life. It’s a way of acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness.
4. Worship: Giving is an act of worship, recognizing that God deserves your best and that He’s worthy of your praise and adoration.

6. Giving demonstrates your faith

When you give, you demonstrate your love for God and your unwavering faith in His provision and ability to meet all your needs.

It shows that you have confidence in His word and believe that He’s faithful to fulfill His promises.

By giving, you step out in faith, knowing that God will provide for you and bless you abundantly. It’s a tangible way to show your belief in God’s ability to provide for you, even in times of uncertainty or lack.

7. Giving plenty results in receiving plenty

By giving generously, you open yourself to receiving abundant blessings in return. It may seem counterintuitive, but the principle of giving plenty resulting in receiving plenty is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Here are four reasons why this principle holds:

1. The law of sowing and reaping: Just as a farmer who sows generously reaps a bountiful harvest, you create a fertile ground for blessings to flow back to you when you give abundantly.
2. God’s faithfulness: Scripture assures us that God is faithful to His promises. When you give with a cheerful heart, God honors your faithfulness and blesses you abundantly.
3. Generosity begets generosity: When you give freely, you inspire others also to give. This cycle of generosity not only blesses you but also creates a ripple effect of blessings in your community.
4. A shift in perspective: Giving plenty helps you cultivate a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. This mindset opens your heart to the limitless possibilities of God’s provision.

8. Giving must be done secretly

It’s important to practice the biblical principle of giving in secret. When you give secretly, you eliminate the temptation to seek recognition or praise from others.

Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

The act of giving shouldn’t be about receiving accolades or boosting your ego but rather about selflessly helping those in need. By keeping your giving private, you allow God to be the only witness to your generosity, and He’ll reward you accordingly.

It shouldn’t be a picture of you giving a person money on your Facebook feed so that the world can see you are a big giver.

This principle teaches you to focus on the needs of others and to give without expecting anything in return. Remember, true giving comes from a genuine desire to bless others, not from a desire for personal gain or recognition.

9. Giving shows a willingness to work

Giving demonstrates a willingness to work and contribute to the needs of others. It reflects a proactive mindset that goes beyond mere words or intentions. When you give, you show that you’re willing to put in the effort and take action to make a positive difference in someone else’s life.

Here are four ways in which giving displays a willingness to work:

1. You invest your time and energy in identifying the needs of others.
2. You actively seek opportunities to contribute and make a meaningful impact.
3. You prioritize the well-being of others and are willing to sacrifice for their benefit.
4. You take responsibility for your role in meeting the needs of those around you.

Conclusion

Being a giver leads to a transformed perspective on generosity and a deeper understanding of its impact. By following these principles, you aren’t only participating in fulfilling God’s commandments but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving selflessly.

You will begin to see that generosity goes beyond material possessions. It becomes a way of life, reflecting your love for others and your trust in God’s provision.

You understand that the biblical principles of giving aren’t just about meeting the needs of others but also about fostering relationships and building a community that’s based on love and compassion.

Giving helps you to shift your focus from acquiring wealth to using it for the greater good. It reminds you that you’re merely a steward of the resources that God has entrusted you and that your ultimate purpose is to use them to bring glory to Him.

After hearing all of this, how do you plan to give as a Christian?

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Money Should Christians Give?

You should give according to your convictions and abilities. It’s important to consider the needs of others and be generous, but ultimately the decision of how much money to give is between you and God.

Is It Acceptable to Give Non-Monetary Donations Instead of Money?

Yes, it is acceptable to give non-monetary donations instead of money. Giving can take many forms, and the important thing is the heart behind the giving. Whether it’s time, talent, or resources, your generosity matters.

Are Christians Expected to Tithe 10% of Their Income?

Yes, according to biblical teachings, Christians are encouraged to give a tithe of 10% to acknowledge God’s provision and support the church’s work.

Can Christians Choose Where Their Giving Goes, or Should It Always Be Given to the Church?

As a Christian, you can choose where your giving goes. However, I believe one of the key places to sow is in your local church. It doesn’t always have to be given to the church. However, it is important to consider biblical principles of giving and be intentional in your decisions.

How Can Christians Ensure Their Giving Is Being Used Wisely and Effectively?

To ensure your giving is used wisely and effectively, research the organization you plan to donate to, review their financial transparency, and see if their values align with yours. Ask for reports on how funds are used to make an informed decision.