Giving is a vital part of the Christian life. As believers, we are called to be generous with our time, talents, and finances. However, it’s important that our giving aligns with biblical principles. Here are three key principles for biblical giving:
Introduction
Giving should be a joyful act of worship and obedience to God. As Christians, we recognize that all we have comes from God. He is the ultimate owner of everything, and we are simply stewards of His possessions (Psalm 24:1). Giving back a portion of what God has given us is one way we worship Him. As the apostle Paul said, we should set aside money on the first day of the week in accordance with our income so that collections do not have to be made when he arrives (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving is also an act of obedience. We are obeying God’s command to give generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Key Takeaways:
- Giving is an act of worship and recognizing God’s ownership
- Giving demonstrates our obedience to God
- We should give regularly and systematically, not just spontaneously
As we give, it is important that our giving aligns with biblical truths and principles. Here are three key principles for biblical giving:
1. Give Voluntarily, Not Out of Compulsion
The first principle for biblical giving is that it must be voluntary. We should give willingly, not out of compulsion or obligation. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “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.” Giving should flow from the heart as an act of joyful worship. If we give out of guilt, peer pressure, or trying to gain something in return, the gift loses its meaning.
God does not demand a specific amount or percentage for giving. Under the Old Covenant Law, a tithe (10%) was required, but under the New Covenant we are free from the law and give based on the leading of the Spirit. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that each person should decide what amount to give. We are to listen to the Spirit’s guidance and allow Him to shape our heart toward generosity. The important factor is not the amount but the willingness and cheerfulness of the gift.
Bible Verses on Voluntary Giving:
- “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)
- “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12)
- “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)
2. Give Proportionately From Our Income
The second principle for biblical giving is that we should give proportionately from our income. This means giving a percentage of our income rather than a fixed dollar amount. In the Old Testament, the tithe was 10% of one’s earnings, flocks, or crops. While we are not bound to the 10% tithe under grace, the principle of proportional giving holds true. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2:
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up…
Giving a percentage of our income ensures that as God blesses us and our income grows, so does the impact of our giving. Those with larger incomes give more, while those with smaller incomes give less. But each person experiences the spiritual blessing of giving sacrificially from what they have.
The New Testament does not mandate a required percentage for giving. Each believer should prayerfully decide what percentage of income to give in a way that stretches them spiritually. For some, especially in poorer nations, 10% may be too high. For others with greater means, 10% is just a starting point for their giving. As God prospers us, we should raise our percentage given back to Him.
Bible Verses on Proportional Giving
- “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)
- “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
- “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” (Leviticus 27:30)
3. Give Sacrificially With Generosity
The third principle for biblical giving is that we should give sacrificially and generously, not what is left over. Giving does not begin until it costs us something and requires faith. King David understood this principle when he declared in 1 Chronicles 21:24, “I will not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” Sacrificial giving means giving even when it seems like we can’t afford it. It means giving when no one is watching and not in order to gain praise or recognition.
The poor widow in Luke 21:1-4 is a great example of sacrificial giving. Jesus observed rich people putting large amounts of money in the temple treasury. Yet He uplifted the poor widow who gave just two small coins, saying her gift was more significant because it represented all she had. The size of the gift itself is far less important than the sacrifice, faith, and devotion it represents.
As believers, we must guard against selfishness and materialism. We should avoid feeding ourselves first while giving God the leftovers. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” When we give generously off the top of our income rather than what remains, it demonstrates that God has first place in our hearts and lives.
Bible Verses on Sacrificial Giving:
- “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:14)
- “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)
- “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)
Conclusion
Giving generously should be a defining mark of every follower of Jesus. When our giving aligns with biblical truths, it becomes a joyful act of worship and obedience. As we give voluntarily, proportionally, and sacrificially, our hearts become more yielded to God, open to the Spirit’s leading, and oriented toward eternal rewards.
Of course, motives matter greatly when giving. We must guard our hearts against selfishness, greed, and pride. But when we give purely out of love for God and others, it unleashes spiritual fruit in our lives. As Paul wrote, “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). May our giving reflect an eternal perspective and never lack vision for how God can use it for His glory and purposes.
