WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT GIVING? “Since you excel in so many ways—you have so much faith, such enthusiasm, and such love for us—now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)
“The one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT)
One of the greatest ways we can honor God and demonstrate our commitment to Christ is by generously giving our hard-earned money. Our money reflects our life! When we give money, we are giving our life! This is true worship! Worship is more than just singing and praying—it is a whole-hearted commitment to Jesus Christ that includes giving!
"They (the Macedonians) begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them." 2 Corinthians 8:4-5
"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10
The term "firstfruit" is the firstfruit produced in a field or on the vine. In an agricultural setting, God is honored when a farmer gives the first fruits to God. In the same way, God is honored when we give the first of what we earn. From the very beginning of the Bible, people gave a tithe (literally, a tenth or ten percent) from what they earned to honor God. When the habit of planned sacrificial giving is neglected, God is dishonored.
“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!” Malachi 3:8-10
The tithe is a good place to start for many of us who God has given financial prosperity. The Holy Spirit may wish us to give even more than the tithe.
You never lose when you trust God by giving generously! "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." Deuteronomy 15:10
"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24-25
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8