What Does the Bible Say About Giving?
Four Biblical Principles for Generous Living
Today's article is based on the sermon given at Five Mile Church of the Nazarene. View this sermon and other resources here.
Money and giving can be uncomfortable topics, but they're essential parts of our faith journey. Jesus himself said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" - revealing the deep connection between our finances and our spiritual health. Rather than guilt or pressure, let's explore what Scripture teaches about healthy, biblical giving.
Why Does Giving Matter in the Christian Life?
Studies consistently show that giving has the highest correlation to spiritual commitment and growth. This isn't surprising when we consider Jesus' words about treasure and the heart being connected. Giving reflects our level of trust in God and our commitment to His kingdom work.
Being generous isn't just about writing checks - it's about developing a heart that mirrors God's generous nature toward us. When we give, we participate in God's mission and express our spiritual maturity through tangible action.
Principle #1: Give According to What You Have
God Doesn't Expect What You Don't Have
Second Corinthians 8:12 makes this clear: "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." God knows exactly what He's blessed you with, and He expects you to give proportionally.
Whether you receive a small paycheck or a large one, give accordingly. The amount matters less than the heart behind it and the proportion it represents of what God has entrusted to you.
What About Tithing?
While the New Testament doesn't explicitly command tithing, the principle of giving 10% has been a standard throughout church history. Many churches, including the Church of the Nazarene, use this as a baseline for "storehouse giving" - regular contributions to support local church ministry.
Tithing represents an act of trust. We trust God to help us meet our needs with the remaining 90%, demonstrating faith that He will provide for us as we prioritize His kingdom.
Principle #2: Give Regularly and Systematically
Make a Plan and Stick to It
Paul instructed the Corinthians: "On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income" (1 Corinthians 16:2). This establishes the principle of regular, planned giving rather than sporadic, emotional responses.
Regular giving helps churches avoid feast-and-famine cycles and allows for consistent ministry. More importantly, it develops the spiritual discipline of trusting God consistently, not just when we feel like it.
The Concept of First Fruits
The Old Testament principle of first fruits offering teaches us to give first, before we see how the rest of our finances will work out. Rather than waiting to see if we have leftovers, we give from the beginning, trusting God with the remainder.
This requires faith - we don't wait to see if the month will be good financially before we give. We give first and trust God to provide for our needs with what remains.
Principle #3: Give Sacrificially
Biblical Examples of Sacrificial Giving
Scripture provides powerful examples of sacrificial giving. The widow who gave Elijah her last meal trusted God and saw miraculous provision. King David refused to offer sacrifices that cost him nothing, declaring he wouldn't give God something that didn't require sacrifice.
Most memorably, Jesus highlighted the poor widow who gave two small coins - everything she had to live on. While others gave from their abundance without feeling it, she gave sacrificially from her poverty.
When Giving Hurts
True sacrificial giving means it affects how we live. It's easy to give when it doesn't impact our lifestyle or plans, but God calls us to giving that requires trust and sacrifice.
This reflects the broader Christian life - we're called to sacrificial living in all areas, not just finances. Our giving patterns often reveal our level of commitment to this sacrificial lifestyle.
Principle #4: Give Cheerfully and Joyfully
God Loves a Hilarious Giver
Second Corinthians 9:7 tells us "God loves a cheerful giver." The Greek word for cheerful is "hilaron" - the root of our word
"hilarious." God wants us to give with joy, excitement, and gratitude, not reluctance or compulsion.
This joy comes from recognizing God's generosity toward us and being grateful for the opportunity to participate in His work. When we understand how much we've been given, giving becomes a celebration rather than a burden.
Tithes and Offerings: Two Different Things
Scripture distinguishes between regular, systematic giving (tithes) and special opportunities to give above and beyond (offerings). The tithe represents our foundational commitment, while offerings allow us to respond to specific needs and opportunities as they arise.
The Old Testament concept of leaving grain around the field edges teaches us to maintain some flexibility for unexpected opportunities to help others, even after we've given our regular tithe.
Practical Steps for Biblical Giving
If You're Not Currently Tithing
Consider taking a step toward trusting God with your finances. You don't have to start at 10% immediately, but begin somewhere and trust God to help you grow in this area of faith.
If You're Already Tithing
Consider whether God is calling you to view your tithe as a foundation for even greater generosity. As God blesses, He may be inviting you to give beyond the baseline to support additional ministry opportunities.
Pay Attention to God's Promptings
Don't ignore those moments when the Holy Spirit stirs your heart about giving. Whether it's adjusting your regular giving or responding to a special need, these promptings are opportunities to grow in faith and generosity.
Life Application
This week, spend time in prayer asking God to show you how He wants you to give. Whether you're just beginning to consider tithing or you've been giving for years, ask the Lord to reveal if He's calling you to any changes in your giving patterns.
Remember, this isn't about guilt or pressure - it's about faithfulness to what God is asking of you specifically. Your giving should reflect your gratitude for God's generosity toward you and your trust in His continued provision.
Consider these questions as you pray:
- What has God blessed me with, and how does my giving reflect my gratitude?
- Am I giving regularly and systematically, or only when I feel like it?
- Does my giving require any sacrifice, or am I only giving from my abundance?
- Do I give with joy and cheerfulness, or reluctantly?
- How is God calling me to grow in generosity this year?
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let your giving reflect a heart that's fully surrendered to God's generous love.
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Steven E Fairbanks
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