Giving is an act of worship and trust in God’s provision. The Bible teaches us to give generously, cheerfully, and with the right heart. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about donations and how they honor God and bless others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Hygiene
What Does The Bible Say About Donations
Matthew 6:3-4
“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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving with a pure heart and without seeking recognition or praise from others. It encourages believers to give selflessly and generously, knowing that God sees their acts of kindness and will reward them accordingly.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse teaches that those who generously give to others will themselves receive blessings and refreshment. It highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, reminding believers that their generosity will result in abundance and satisfaction in their own lives.
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.”
Here, believers are encouraged to give willingly and with a joyful attitude. It emphasizes the importance of giving from a place of love and generosity rather than out of obligation or pressure. God values the cheerful heart of a giver and blesses them accordingly.
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 believers of the words of Jesus, stating that it brings greater blessing to give than to receive. It encourages believers to work hard to assist the less fortunate, recognizing the profound impact that giving can have on both the giver and the recipient.
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 emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in giving. It encourages believers to give generously, promising that whatever measure they use in giving, it will be returned to them in abundance. God’s blessings will overflow in the lives of those who give generously.
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 idea that when we extend kindness and generosity towards the poor and needy, it is considered a loan to the Lord. God promises to reward those who are compassionate and generous towards the less fortunate, recognizing their acts as acts of service to Him.
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 willing heart, free from resentment or reluctance. It promises that when we give generously and cheerfully, God will bless our endeavors and the work of our hands, leading to overall prosperity in our lives.
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 encourages believers to engage in acts of goodness, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share with others. It highlights that such actions lay a solid foundation for the future and lead to a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.
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 emphasizes the blessings that come from giving to the poor and the consequences of neglecting their needs. It reminds believers that when they open their hearts and hands to help those in need, God ensures that they lack nothing. Conversely, those who turn a blind eye to the poor face unfavorable consequences.
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 believers not to neglect doing good to others and generously sharing what they have. It reminds them that such acts of sacrificial giving please God and align with His heart of compassion and love for humanity.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse reminds believers of the importance of supporting one another and bearing each other’s burdens. It encourages a spirit of generosity and compassion, emphasizing that by doing so, they fulfill the commandment of Christ.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse exhorts believers to actively share with fellow believers who are in need. It encourages them to cultivate a spirit of hospitality, welcoming others into their lives and meeting their needs as an expression of love and unity within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse highlights the connection between generosity and blessings, particularly concerning sharing with the poor. It illustrates that those who willingly provide for the needs of others, including sharing food, will experience God’s favor and abundant blessings in their own lives.
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.”
This verse reminds believers that it is the willingness to give that matters most, rather than the amount or size of the gift. God values a sincere and heartfelt offering, regardless of its magnitude. It encourages believers to give according to their means, knowing that their willingness pleases God.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse draws attention to the sinfulness of despising or neglecting one’s neighbor, particularly those in need. It affirms the blessing and righteousness that comes from showing kindness and compassion to the needy, emphasizing the importance of treating others with love and respect.
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.”
This verse challenges believers to prioritize eternal investments by generously giving to the poor and those in need. It encourages a radical shift in perspective, recognizing that storing up treasures in heaven through selfless giving surpasses any temporal possessions that can be lost or destroyed.
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 praises the actions of those who freely give to the poor, emphasizing that their righteousness will endure forever. It assures that God will honor and exalt those who generously distribute their wealth to help the less fortunate.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
This verse encourages believers to be open-handed when approached by those in need. It teaches the importance of meeting the requests for assistance, without turning away or refusing help when it is within one’s ability to provide.
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 condemns exploiting the poor for personal gain and highlights that ill-gotten wealth will ultimately be transferred to someone kind and compassionate towards the poor. It serves as a reminder that God avenges the injustice faced by the less fortunate.
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.'”
This verse conveys the profound truth that when believers extend their help to the needy and marginalized, they are serving Christ Himself. It highlights the sacredness of acts of service and compassion towards others, especially those who are in desperate need.
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well-fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
This verse underscores the importance of taking tangible action to address the material needs of others. Mere words of comfort or good wishes are insufficient if they are not accompanied by practical help and provision. It challenges believers to be actively involved in meeting the physical needs of their brothers and sisters.
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 highlights the vital connection between expressing compassion and possessing the love of God. It reminds believers that if they have the means to help those in need but withhold their assistance, they fail to demonstrate God’s love that should be dwelling within them.
Luke 3:11
“John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
This verse echoes the exhortation of John the Baptist, urging believers to share their resources with those who lack basic necessities. It encourages a spirit of generosity and selflessness, compelling believers to meet the essential needs of others.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse defines acceptable religion in the eyes of God. It emphasizes the need to care for the vulnerable and marginalized, such as orphans and widows, and to maintain personal purity in a corrupt world. It points to true piety being demonstrated through acts of compassion and service to the needy.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This verse highlights the principle of reaping what one sows in the context of giving. It teaches that those who give sparingly will receive sparingly, while those who give generously will reap abundant blessings. It encourages believers to give with a generous heart, knowing that their acts of kindness will be rewarded accordingly.