Giving to the church is an act of worship and support for the ministry of Christ. The Bible contains verses that provide guidance on the principles of giving and generosity. Join us as we look into these scriptures and gain a deeper understanding of the biblical perspective on tithing and offerings.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being A Servant
Bible Verses About Giving 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 teaches us the principle of tithing, which is giving a portion of our income or resources to support the work of the church. By bringing our tithes to the storehouse, which represents the church, we are trusting God to provide for us and to bless our finances abundantly.
God invites us to test Him in this area, to see if He will not pour out blessings upon us when we are faithful in giving. It is through our obedience and generosity that God opens the floodgates of heaven and pours out His blessings upon us.
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.”
This verse emphasizes that giving should come from a willing heart, not out of obligation or compulsion. We are called to give with joy and cheerfulness, understanding that our giving is a reflection of our love for God and our gratitude for His provision in our lives.
When we give with a cheerful heart, our giving becomes an act of worship and an opportunity to trust God with our finances. God desires our voluntary and joyful giving, as it demonstrates our faith and reliance on Him.
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse reminds us that our giving is a reflection of what we value and prioritize in our lives. If we invest our resources and treasures in the work of the church, it reveals that our hearts are aligned with God’s purposes and kingdom.
By giving to the church, we demonstrate our love for God and our commitment to His mission. Our financial support enables the church to carry out its ministry and impact the lives of others, both within the church community and beyond. Our giving is an opportunity to align our hearts and our resources with God’s purposes.
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 honor God with our wealth by offering Him the firstfruits of our income or resources. By prioritizing God in our finances, we acknowledge His provision and sovereignty over our lives.
When we faithfully give to God, He promises to bless us abundantly. Our obedience in honoring God with our wealth leads to overflowing blessings in our lives. God desires to pour out His goodness and provision upon us as we trust Him with our finances.
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 teaches the principle of sowing and reaping in our giving. When we give generously and cheerfully, God promises to bless us abundantly in return. Our generosity towards others becomes a seed that God multiplies and returns to us in various forms.
The measure in which we give will determine the measure in which we receive. When we give with an open hand, God pours out His blessings with a full and overflowing measure. Our giving is not in vain, but rather it becomes a means through which God blesses us beyond our expectations.
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.”
This verse highlights the principle of generosity and its impact on our lives. When we give freely and generously, trusting in God’s provision, He blesses us with even more. Our generosity becomes a pathway to prosperity and abundance in various areas of our lives.
On the other hand, when we withhold and hoard what we have, we limit ourselves and experience the poverty of heart and spirit. God calls us to be generous and to refresh others through our giving, as He promises to refresh and bless us in return.
1 Chronicles 29:14
“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.”
This verse humbles us and reminds us that everything we have comes from God’s hand. Our ability to give generously is a result of His provision in our lives. We are merely stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us.
When we recognize that God is the ultimate source of all we have, it changes our perspective on giving. We become grateful for His blessings and are motivated to give back to Him and His work. Our generosity flows from a heart of gratitude and an acknowledgment that all we have belongs to God.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse highlights the importance of caring for the poor and the marginalized. When we show kindness and generosity towards those in need, we are lending to the Lord Himself. Our acts of compassion and generosity towards the less fortunate are considered as offerings to God.
God promises to reward us for our acts of kindness and compassion. Our giving towards the poor and needy is not in vain but has eternal significance. God blesses us when we bless others, and He is pleased when we extend His love and provision to those who are in need.
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 the words of Jesus, who emphasized the blessing that comes from giving. While the world often values receiving, Jesus taught that true happiness and fulfillment are found in giving to others.
When we give, we are not only benefiting the recipients but also experiencing the joy and blessing that comes from a generous heart. Giving cultivates a spirit of compassion, empathy, and selflessness within us, aligning our hearts with the heart of God.
1 Timothy 6:18-19
“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.”
This verse urges us to be generous, to use our resources to do good, and to be willing to share with others. By doing so, we lay up treasures for ourselves in the eternal kingdom of God. Our acts of generosity and kindness serve as a firm foundation for our lives both in the present age and in the age to come.
True and abundant life is not found in pursuing material wealth or possessions, but rather in using what we have been entrusted with to bless others and glorify God. Our giving and generosity have eternal implications and enable us to experience the true richness of a life that is deeply connected to God’s purposes.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse encourages us to be mindful of doing good and sharing with others. Our acts of kindness and generosity are seen by God as sacrifices that please Him. When we prioritize helping and supporting others, we align ourselves with God’s heart and His desire for us to love our neighbors.
God delights in our selfless acts of giving and serving others. Our sacrifices in giving to the church and being generous towards others bring joy to the heart of God and demonstrate our devotion to Him.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse reminds us that generosity leads to blessings in our lives. When we share our resources with those in need, God blesses us in return. Our willingness to help and provide for others, especially the poor and hungry, is a reflection of God’s heart of compassion.
As we open our hands and our hearts to give, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings. The act of sharing our food and resources with the poor not only meets their physical needs but also invites the abundant blessings of God into our lives.
Acts 4:32-35
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
This passage highlights the early church’s practice of communal living and sharing of resources. The believers recognized that their possessions were not their own, but rather they belonged to the community of believers. They willingly sold their property and possessions to meet the needs of others, resulting in a community where no one was in need.
This model of communal sharing emphasizes the importance of looking out for one another and meeting the needs within the church family. It challenges us to be generous and willing to sacrifice for the well-being of others, trusting that God will provide for our own needs as we give to meet the needs of the community.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
This verse highlights the consequences of our actions concerning the poor. When we give to those in need, God ensures that we lack nothing. However, when we ignore or overlook the poor, we bring curses upon ourselves.
God calls us to be compassionate and generous towards the poor and marginalized. In doing so, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and protection. Our giving towards the poor is not only an act of obedience but also a way to invite God’s favor and goodness into our lives.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse contrasts the actions of those who despise their neighbors with those who are generous towards the poor. Despising or disregarding our neighbors is considered a sinful behavior, while generosity towards the poor is seen as a blessing.
God calls us to love and care for our neighbors, including those who are less fortunate. When we extend generosity and compassion to the poor, we align ourselves with God’s heart and bring blessings upon our lives. Our generosity becomes a testimony of our faith and an expression of God’s love to those around us.
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
This verse points to the ultimate example of generosity, Jesus Christ Himself. Though He was rich in glory, He willingly became poor for our sake – taking on human form and sacrificing Himself on the cross. Through His poverty, we have received the richness of salvation and eternal life.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to imitate His generosity and sacrificial love. Our giving to the church and to others is an extension of the grace and blessings we have received through Christ. We become vessels through which God’s abundance flows to bless and impact the lives of others.
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
This verse speaks to the importance of honest labor and using our resources to bless others. Instead of stealing, we are called to work diligently and earn our own living. This allows us to have something to share with those in need.
God desires that we be proactive in meeting the needs of others, particularly those who are less fortunate. By working diligently and sharing what we have, we participate in God’s redemptive work in the world and reflect His heart of compassion and provision.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse reiterates the promise that those who are generous will experience prosperity and refreshing in their own lives. By refreshing others through our generosity and acts of kindness, we create a positive cycle of blessings.
When we give freely and refresh others, whether through our finances, time, or resources, God sees our actions and provides refreshing in return. Our generosity becomes a conduit through which God pours out His blessings upon us.
Proverbs 3:27-28
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.”
This verse reminds us not to withhold good from those who deserve it or are in need. When we are capable of helping others, we are called to act without delay or hesitation.
Our generosity should not be postponed or postponed to a later date, but rather we should seize the opportunity to do good when it presents itself. God calls us to be responsive and attentive to the needs of others, and to extend our help and resources when we are able.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving with a generous and willing heart. God desires that our giving be done willingly and cheerfully, without any trace of grudging or reluctance.
When we give in this manner, God promises to bless us in all our work and endeavors. Our generosity becomes a channel through which God’s blessings flow, benefiting every aspect of our lives. It is through our open-handedness that we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant blessings and favor.
Proverbs 11:26
“People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.”
This verse highlights the contrast between hoarding and selling. Those who hoard their resources and refuse to share are seen negatively by others, whereas those who are willing to sell or share their resources are blessed.
God calls us to be generous and willing to share what we have without being selfish or greedy. When we hold tightly to our possessions, we hinder God’s blessings in our lives and miss out on the opportunity to be a blessing to others.
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 and taking advantage of the poor in order to increase wealth. Such actions are ultimately in vain, as the wealth amassed through unjust means will be transferred to someone else who is kind and generous towards the poor.
God is concerned about how we accumulate wealth and how we treat the less fortunate. He expects us to be just and compassionate in our dealings with others, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
Proverbs 19:6
“Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.”
This verse highlights the tendency of people to seek the favor and friendship of those who give gifts. However, it also implies that true and lasting friendships are not built solely on the basis of material gifts.
While giving can create temporary goodwill, genuine relationships are meant to be built on love, trust, and mutual respect. Our giving should not be driven by a desire for personal gain, but rather by a sincere desire to bless others and honor God with our resources.
2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
This verse assures us that as we generously give, we will be enriched in every aspect of our lives. This enrichment is not solely for our own benefit but enables us to be generous on every occasion.
When we give, our generosity becomes a testimony of God’s provision and blessing. It leads others to offer thanksgiving and praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Our giving becomes an opportunity for God’s name to be glorified and recognized.
Acts 9:36
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.”
This verse introduces us to an exemplary disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), who was known for her consistent acts of kindness and her commitment to helping the poor.
Tabitha’s life serves as an inspiration and challenge for us to actively engage in doing good and assisting those in need. It is through our consistent acts of kindness and our active involvement in serving others that we leave a lasting impact and bear witness to the love and compassion of Christ.
Overall, these Bible verses highlight the importance and significance of giving to the church and to those in need. God calls us to be generous and willing to share our resources, recognizing that all we have comes from Him. Our giving is an expression of worship, gratitude, and love for God and serves as a means to bless others and impact the world for His glory.
As we give joyfully and faithfully, God promises to bless us abundantly and to use our generosity to further His kingdom. Let us strive to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us and to cultivate a spirit of generosity and compassion in our lives.
What Does the Bible Say About Giving to the Church?
In the Bible, we are encouraged to give to the church and to support the work of the ministry. The apostle Paul speaks about the importance of giving to support the church in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “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, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
Moreover, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul emphasizes the attitude with which we should give, saying, “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.” This verse teaches us that giving to the church should come from a willing and cheerful heart, not from a sense of obligation.
Additionally, in Malachi 3:10, we are challenged to test God’s faithfulness in giving: “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.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to be generous and to support the work of the church through our giving. This not only helps to further the ministry and mission of the church but also reflects our faith and trust in God’s provision. Therefore, giving to the church is not only a practical means of supporting the church’s needs but also a spiritual act of obedience and trust in God’s faithfulness.