In the journey of faith, giving holds a transformative power not only in the lives of those who receive but also in the hearts of those who give.
The practice of giving, as taught in the Scriptures, transcends mere acts of charity, embedding itself deeply within the spiritual disciplines of believers.
“3 Principles for Biblical Giving” uncovers the foundational truths that guide Christians in how to give in a manner that aligns with God’s Word and reflects His boundless generosity.
From the quiet, heartfelt offering of a widow to the abundant gifts laid at the apostles’ feet, the Bible is replete with teachings and examples that illuminate the path to godly stewardship.
3 Principles for Biblical Giving
The principles for biblical giving include generosity, cheerful giving, giving sacrificially, giving with a willing heart, giving in proportion to what one has, and giving with faith and trust in God’s provision.
These principles are outlined in various passages throughout the Bible, including 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and Luke 6:38.
The following are elaborate principles for giving biblically:
Principle 1: Give Willingly and Cheerfully
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV): “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.”
The essence of giving, as envisioned in the Bible, transcends mere transactional exchanges. It’s deeply rooted in the joy and willingness that emanate from an understanding and appreciation of God’s generosity towards us.
This principle underscores a form of giving that is not driven by obligation or guilt but is an expression of the profound joy and gratitude we feel for the abundance we have received from God.
Joyful giving reflects the character of God Himself—a being who delights in generosity and whose gifts are motivated by love and abundance, not compulsion. When we give out of joy, we mirror this divine characteristic, bringing pleasure not only to ourselves but also to God.
It’s about letting our giving be an overflow of the blessings we’ve received, thereby participating in the cycle of generosity that defines the kingdom of God.
Developing a heart that gives willingly and cheerfully is a transformative process, deeply connected to our spiritual growth and understanding of God’s nature.
The journey begins with gratitude. Recognizing the manifold gifts we’ve received from God, particularly the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, naturally inclines our hearts toward generosity.
This acknowledgement fosters a sense of overflowing thankfulness that seeks expression through giving.
Trust is another cornerstone of a willing heart. It’s about believing in God’s provision—that as we give, God will continue to provide for our needs.
This trust isn’t naive; it’s grounded in the countless scriptural promises of God’s faithfulness to those who are generous. It’s an acknowledgement that our resources are not our own but are given by God to be stewarded for His purposes.
Practical Steps to Cultivate This Attitude
i. Regular Reflection: Spend time reflecting on God’s gifts in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a practical way to cultivate a heart of thankfulness.
ii. Prayer: Engage in prayer, asking God to help you see your finances and resources through His eyes and to give you a joyful heart willing to share generously.
iii. Incremental Giving: Start small if you need to. The size of the gift is less important than the heart behind it. As you experience the joy and trust in God’s provision through small acts of giving, your willingness to give more freely and cheerfully will grow.
Principle 2: Give According to Your Ability
1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV): “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.”
Biblical giving embraces the diversity of our financial situations and personal capabilities. It’s a call to give not out of abundance or scarcity but in proportion to what one has been blessed with.
This principle underscores that the value of the gift lies not in its monetary worth but in the heart and sacrifice behind it.
The story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44) beautifully illustrates this, showing that a small but all-encompassing gift from someone with little can be more valuable in God’s eyes than larger gifts from those with much.
Proportional giving ensures that the act of giving reflects a genuine sacrifice—a willingness to trust God and prioritize His kingdom over our material wealth.
It respects personal circumstances, encouraging everyone to participate in the joy of giving, regardless of their financial state.
Set Your Giving Goals
i. Prayerful Consideration: The process begins with prayer, inviting God into your financial decisions, and asking for wisdom on how to allocate your resources in a way that honors Him. This is a personal journey between you and God, where you seek His guidance on what sacrificial giving looks like in your unique situation.
ii. Considering Your Circumstances: Take an honest look at your income, expenses, and financial obligations. The goal is not to give so much that you put yourself in financial jeopardy but to give in a way that requires faith and possibly reshapes your priorities.
iii. The Role of Sacrifice: Sacrificial giving means that your giving should cost you something. This could mean foregoing certain luxuries or conveniences to support God’s work. The sacrifice involved in giving is a crucial aspect that transforms it from a routine transaction to an act of worship.
Practical Steps to Implement Proportional Giving
i. Assess Your Finances: Regularly review your budget to determine how you can give in a way that is sustainable and reflects your financial reality.
ii. Set a Percentage: While not legalistic, setting a guideline percentage of your income to give can be a helpful starting point. Adjust this as your financial situation changes, always seeking to grow in generosity.
iii. Be Flexible and Responsive: Be open to adjusting your giving as your financial situation changes, whether that means increasing your giving as you are blessed or temporarily reducing the amount during financially tight periods, always maintaining a heart willing to give.
Principle 3: Give for the Right Reasons
Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV): “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others.
Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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.”
The directive from Jesus to give in such a way that even your left hand is unaware of what your right hand is doing is profound in its call for humility and discretion in charity.
This teaching, found in Matthew 6:3-4, places the focus squarely on the intention behind giving, urging believers to seek God’s approval rather than human recognition. The essence of this principle is to cultivate a heart that gives purely out of love for God and compassion for those in need, devoid of any desire for accolades or acknowledgement.
The call to give in secret challenges us to introspect our motivations for giving. It beckons us to ensure our acts of kindness are not tainted by a desire for social capital but are offerings made in genuine love and obedience to God.
When we give with the right intentions, our giving becomes an act of worship, a silent prayer, and a discreet service that honours the Father who sees all that is done in secret.
Emphasizing impact over applause shifts our focus from the rewards of public acknowledgment to the profound difference our contributions can make in the lives of individuals and communities.
This perspective encourages us to consider the broader, eternal implications of our giving—supporting not just the immediate, tangible needs but also contributing to the spiritual and emotional well-being of others.
When our giving is guided by a desire to do God’s will, we approach charity with humility and grace.
This means being responsive to the Holy Spirit’s leading on where and how to give, whether it be supporting the local church, aiding missionary efforts, or assisting a neighbor in distress.
The act of giving thus becomes a reflection of God’s love and mercy, aimed at glorifying Him rather than elevating ourselves.
True generosity is marked by actions taken in the quiet corners of life, where the only witness is God Himself. This form of giving—unseen by many, but known to God—embodies the faith and trust we place in Him.
It reassures us that our rewards are not of this world but are stored up in the heavenly realms, where they hold eternal value.
Implementing Biblical Giving in Modern Life
In a world where materialism often overshadows spirituality, implementing biblical principles of giving in modern life can be a profound declaration of faith and trust in God’s provision.
This section provides actionable steps to integrate these timeless principles into everyday living, ensuring that our giving not only aligns with God’s word but also reflects His love and generosity in the world around us.
Create a Giving Plan
i. Evaluate Your Financial Health: Begin by assessing your finances to understand your ability to give. This includes reviewing income, expenses, debts, and savings. The goal is to identify what you can realistically offer without compromising your financial stability.
ii. Prayerful Consideration: Seek God’s guidance in prayer when deciding where and how much to give. Remember, the focus is on the heart behind the giving, not just the amount.
iii. Set Aside for Regular Giving: Consistency in giving can be achieved by setting aside a specific portion of your income for tithes and offerings. This could be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your income schedule.
iv. Be Open to Spontaneous Giving: While regular giving is important, also remain open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings to give as needs arise unexpectedly. This spontaneous giving is a beautiful reflection of God’s immediate provision through His people.
Frequently Asked Question
1. How much should I give according to the Bible?
The Bible does not prescribe a fixed percentage for everyone when it comes to giving. In the Old Testament, the concept of tithing, which means giving a tenth of one’s income, was practiced (Leviticus 27:30). However, the New Testament focuses more on the heart and willingness to give rather than a specific amount.
For instance, 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages believers to give what they have decided in their hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This suggests that the amount is less important than the attitude with which it is given. The key is to give in proportion to what God has blessed you with, prayerfully and according to your ability.
2. Can I give my time and talents instead of money?
Yes, giving in the Bible encompasses more than just financial contributions. Romans 12:6-8 speaks of differing gifts according to the grace given to us, indicating that our service to God and the church can include sharing our time, talents, and spiritual gifts.
Whether it’s volunteering in community service, participating in church ministry, or using your professional skills for the benefit of others, these forms of giving are highly valued. The principle of stewardship applies to all resources, including time and talents, not just money.
3. What does it mean to give sacrificially?
Sacrificial giving means offering to God and others in a way that goes beyond what is comfortable or convenient, reflecting a deep commitment and trust in God’s provision.
Mark 12:41-44 tells the story of the widow’s mite, where Jesus commends the poor widow for giving all she had to live on, highlighting her sacrifice over the larger amounts given by the wealthy.
Sacrificial giving is characterized by generosity that costs the giver, showing prioritization of God’s kingdom and trust in Him to meet personal needs. It’s a heart posture that values God’s purposes above personal comfort or security.
Conclusion
The principles of biblical giving are not just guidelines for financial stewardship but are profound expressions of our faith and love for God and neighbor.
In embracing the teachings of giving willingly and cheerfully, according to our ability, and for the right reasons, we embark on a journey that transforms our understanding of wealth, possessions, and what it truly means to live generously.
As we integrate these principles into our lives, we discover the joy and freedom that come from giving as God gives—freely, abundantly, and with great love. This journey of giving is not a solitary path but one that we walk together as a community of believers, supporting one another and the world around us in tangible expressions of God’s love.
