Giving is a core part of the Christian life, but what does the Bible say specifically about giving money to the church? Scripture offers guidance on generosity, tithing, and supporting the work of God’s kingdom. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about financial stewardship and giving to the church.
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What Does The Bible Say About Giving Money To The Church
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving to the church. By bringing the whole tithe, or a tenth of our income, we are not only supporting the work of God but also inviting His blessings into our lives. It challenges us to trust in God’s provision and promises that He will abundantly bless those who are faithful in giving.
Giving to the church is not just a financial transaction; it is an act of faith and obedience. It demonstrates our dependence on God and our willingness to contribute to His work on earth. As we give, we participate in God’s plan to provide for His people and advance His kingdom.
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.”
God desires our giving to be motivated by a joyful heart and a willing spirit. It is not about how much we give, but the attitude with which we give. He wants us to give voluntarily, without pressure or obligation.
When we give with cheerfulness and generosity, it reflects our gratitude for what God has done for us. It is an expression of our love for Him and our desire to partner with Him in His work. Our giving should be a reflection of the joy and love that we have received from God.
Luke 6:38
“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.”
This verse reminds us of the principle of sowing and reaping. When we give generously, God promises to bless us abundantly in return. He uses the imagery of a full measure, pressed down and overflowing, to illustrate the magnitude of His blessings.
As we give, we can trust that God will not only provide for our needs but also exceed our expectations. He is faithful to reward those who are faithful in giving. Our generosity becomes a channel through which God blesses both us and others.
Proverbs 3:9-10
“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.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize honoring God with our finances. We are instructed to give Him the first and best of what we have, acknowledging that all we possess comes from Him. In doing so, we demonstrate our gratitude and trust in His provision.
God promises to bless those who honor Him with their wealth. When we prioritize His kingdom and invest in His work, He faithfully ensures our material needs are met and even provides an abundance beyond what we can imagine.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
In this verse, we see the principle of generosity leading to blessings. When we give freely and generously, God multiplies what we have and blesses us with even more. But when we withhold or hoard our resources, we limit God’s ability to bless us.
God delights in those who have a generous spirit and rewards them with increased abundance, both in material and spiritual blessings. As we refresh others through our giving, God promises to refresh and provide for us.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
This verse reminds us of Jesus’ teaching that giving brings greater blessings than receiving. When we help the weak and support those in need, we align ourselves with Christ’s example and His teachings.
Through our giving, we not only meet tangible needs but also experience the joy and fulfillment that come from selflessness. Giving allows us to participate in God’s work of transforming lives, and in doing so, we are blessed in ways that receiving alone cannot match.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
When we show kindness and compassion to the poor, we are lending to the Lord Himself. Our generosity towards those in need is not wasted but becomes an investment with eternal rewards.
God takes note of our actions and promises to reward us for our kindness. As we give to those less fortunate, we demonstrate God’s love in action and become instruments of His blessings in the lives of others.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
In this verse, Jesus reminds us that when we give to the needy, we are serving Him directly. Our acts of kindness and generosity towards others, especially the less fortunate, reflect our love and devotion to Christ.
By caring for those in need, we have the privilege of ministering to Jesus Himself. Our giving becomes an act of worship and a way to honor and glorify our Savior.
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
God does not measure the acceptability of our giving based on the amount but on the willingness of our hearts. Our offering, regardless of its size, is valuable to Him when given with sincerity and a desire to honor Him.
God recognizes that not everyone can give the same, and He does not expect more than we are able to give. What matters is our attitude of wholeheartedness and the sacrifice we are willing to make for His sake.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
In this verse, we are reminded that our treatment of the poor and needy reflects our attitude towards God. When we extend kindness, compassion, and support to those in need, we demonstrate our reverence for God and acknowledge His sovereignty.
By honoring the needy, we honor the God who created them and cares for them deeply. Our generosity towards the less fortunate is an opportunity to participate in God’s redemptive work and bring glory to His name.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
God promises that those who give to the poor will never lack anything. When we are generous to those in need, we can trust that God will faithfully provide for us and meet our own needs.
However, if we turn a blind eye to the plight of the poor and selfishly withhold our resources, we invite curses upon ourselves. Our generosity is not only an act of compassion but also a demonstration of our faith in God’s provision.
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly possessions. He challenges us to be willing to sacrifice our material wealth and comfort for the sake of meeting the needs of others.
When we give to the poor, we are investing in eternal rewards that are imperishable and unaffected by worldly circumstances. Our acts of generosity store up treasures in heaven that far surpass anything earthly wealth can provide.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Paul advises those who have been blessed with wealth to place their hope in God rather than their riches. He urges them to use their resources to do good, to be generous and willing to share with others.
As we live with an eternal perspective, recognizing the fleeting nature of earthly wealth, we can invest in the true treasure that will last for eternity. Our generosity and good deeds enable us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Generosity is the pathway to receiving blessings in our lives. As we share our resources, particularly food, with those in need, we position ourselves for God’s favor and abundance.
God delights in those who have a generous heart, and He rewards their giving with His blessings. By demonstrating care and compassion through our sharing, we become instruments of His love and kindness in the world.
1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
This verse challenges us to examine our attitude towards those in need. If we have the means to help and yet refuse to show compassion or provide for our brothers and sisters, it calls into question our claim to have God’s love within us.
When we truly grasp the depth of God’s love and the sacrificial nature of His giving, it compels us to extend the same love and generosity towards others. Our response to the needs of those around us is a reflection of the love of God dwelling in us.
Deuteronomy 15:10
“Give generously to them 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.”
God desires our giving to be marked by generosity and a cheerful heart. When we give freely, without any reluctance or bitterness, we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant blessings in all areas of our lives.
Our generosity should not be driven by obligation or the desire for personal gain, but by love for God and a desire to bless others. As we give with the right motives, God promises to bless the work of our hands.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This verse warns against exploiting the poor for personal gain. When we take advantage of the financial hardships of others, by charging them excessive interest or withholding their due, we are at odds with God’s heart for justice and compassion.
God promises to redistribute ill-gotten wealth to those who will use it for the benefit of the poor. It is a reminder that our wealth and resources are entrusted to us by God and should be used responsibly and with consideration for others.
Proverbs 22:16
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”
Both the exploitation of the poor and the pursuit of favor from the rich are condemned in this verse. Those who seek personal gain at the expense of the poor, as well as those who lavish gifts on the wealthy out of a desire for personal gain, will ultimately face poverty.
God calls us to use our resources and influence to uplift and bless those in need, rather than seeking unjust gain or showing favoritism based on wealth. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s heart for equality and justice.
Leviticus 25:35
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you.”
This verse instructs the Israelites to provide assistance and support to their fellow countrymen who are in need. It emphasizes the importance of offering help to those who have fallen on hard times, treating them with kindness and compassion.
As Christians, we are called to extend this same level of care and compassion to the needy in our midst. When we support those facing financial difficulties, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and experience the love of God through our actions.
Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”
In this passage, Jesus encourages us to extend invitations and show hospitality to those who are unable to repay us. He challenges the conventional practice of reciprocity and urges us to give selflessly, without expecting anything in return.
When we open our hearts and homes to the marginalized and overlooked, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings and rewards. Our generosity towards the less fortunate echoes the heart of Christ and reflects His love and compassion.
1 John 3:16-18
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
We are called to demonstrate our love not only through words but also through sacrificial actions. Just as Jesus gave His life for us, we are urged to be willing to give of ourselves, including our material possessions, for the well-being of our brothers and sisters.
When we witness a fellow believer in need and withhold assistance, it reflects a lack of God’s love within us. True love prompts us to respond with compassion, meeting the physical needs of others and tangibly expressing God’s love.
Galatians 6:9-10
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
In this verse, we are encouraged to persevere in doing good, even when it may seem difficult or tiresome. Our acts of kindness and generosity will not go unnoticed or unrecognized by God.
As Christians, we are called to extend compassion and support to all people, but we have a particular responsibility to care for our fellow believers. By faithfully practicing generosity, we plant seeds that will eventually yield a harvest of blessings in our own lives.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
God promises prosperity and refreshment to those who have a generous spirit. When we invest in the well-being of others, particularly through our generosity, we position ourselves to receive the same benefits in return.
Being generous encompasses both our financial resources and our time, attention, and support. As we refresh others, God ensures that we, too, receive refreshing in our lives. Our generosity becomes a catalyst for mutual blessings.
Psalm 112:9
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.”
This verse celebrates the righteous who freely share their resources with the poor. Their acts of generosity and compassion serve as a lasting testimony to their righteousness and integrity.
As we give freely to those in need, we establish a legacy of righteousness and honor. God exalts those who display His character through their generosity, and their selfless acts of giving become a source of inspiration for others.