Gift giving is a common practice during celebrations, and the Bible has plenty to say about generosity. From the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus to the many teachings on giving to those in need, scripture highlights the importance of giving from the heart. Let’s explore what the Bible says about the significance of gift-giving and how it reflects God’s generosity to us.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Forcing Religion On Someone
What Does The Bible Say About Gift Giving
Matthew 2:11
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
This verse tells the story of the wise men who came to worship Jesus and presented him with gifts. It teaches us the importance of giving gifts to honor and worship the Lord.
Proverbs 18:16
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”
This verse emphasizes that giving a gift can create opportunities and open doors. It shows that generosity can lead to favor and access to influential people.
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 encourages us to give with a joyful and willing heart. It emphasizes that giving should come from a place of genuine love for God and others, rather than a sense of obligation or duty.
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 sowing and reaping when it comes to giving. It teaches that those who give generously will experience blessings and abundance, while those who are stingy will face lack and poverty.
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 us to give generously, knowing that God will bless us abundantly in return.
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.”
This passage instructs those who have material wealth to use it for good, to be generous and share with others. It reminds us that our hope should not be in riches, but in God who blesses us abundantly.
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.’”
These words of Jesus, quoted by Paul, affirm the greater blessing that comes from giving rather than receiving. It encourages us to prioritize helping and supporting those who are in need.
Romans 12:8
“If it is giving, then give generously.”
This verse reminds us to give generously when we have the opportunity. It challenges us to go above and beyond in our giving, reflecting the abundant grace and generosity of God.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse highlights the blessings that come to those who are generous. It specifically mentions sharing food with the poor as an act of generosity that invites God’s favor and blessing.
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of even small acts of kindness and generosity. It reminds us that simple acts of giving can have eternal rewards.
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 emphasizes that the value of a gift is not determined by its size or quantity, but by the willingness and sincerity behind it. It encourages us to give what we can with a cheerful heart.
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 teaches us to give without hesitation or reluctance, knowing that God will bless us in all areas of our lives when we give with a generous heart.
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
This verse encourages us to honor God with our wealth by giving Him the first and best portion of what we have. It is a reminder to prioritize God in our finances and acknowledge His provision.
Luke 21:1-4
“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'”
This passage highlights the story of the poor widow who gave sacrificially, even though she had very little. It teaches us that the value of a gift is not measured by its size, but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.
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 speaks to the importance of tithing, bringing a portion of our income to the house of God. It promises abundant blessings when we are faithful in honoring God with our finances.
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 concept of giving to the poor as lending to the Lord Himself. It assures us that God sees and rewards our kindness and generosity towards those in need.
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 reminds us of the ultimate act of giving – Jesus sacrificing His own riches and becoming poor for the sake of our salvation. It encourages us to give selflessly and sacrificially, following the example of Christ.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity towards those who are less fortunate. It reminds us that blessing comes to those who are considerate and gracious towards others.
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 us to have a radical approach to giving, urging us to release our attachment to material possessions and invest in eternity by helping the poor.
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 reciprocal nature of giving. It assures us that when we are generous towards the poor, we will be blessed and lack nothing, while neglecting their needs brings negative consequences.
Luke 11:41
“But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of a generous heart towards the poor. It teaches us that generosity leads to spiritual purity and wholeness.
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
This passage highlights the different ways we can express our generosity towards those in need – sharing our food, providing shelter, and clothing the naked. It encourages us to extend our care to our own family members as well.
Psalm 41:1
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.”
This verse affirms the blessings that come to those who show compassion and care for the weak. It assures us that God will deliver and help those who extend a helping hand to those in need.
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.'”
This passage challenges our motives in giving and encourages us to be inclusive and compassionate towards those who cannot repay us. It assures us that God Himself will reward us in the future for our selfless acts of generosity.