What Does God Say About Giving?

It's easy to be grateful when things are going well. But what about when life throws us a curveball? How do we show gratitude then? When the usher passes the offering bag and your wallet only has one dollar left inside, how can you bring yourself to give tithes generously?

The Bible has much to say about giving thanks, even in difficult circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It’s not easy to do, but thankfulness isn’t just a feeling – it’s an action. Moreover, having a grateful heart is closely connected to other virtues, like generosity and kindness. 

When we're grateful for what we have, we're more likely to share with others – something that God deeply values, as it reflects His faithfulness and generosity for humankind. So, let's dive deeper into what it means to have a giving heart and how you can grow in your spiritual journey by giving wholeheartedly.

Definition of Giving in the Bible

Giving is an act of worship that demonstrates our trust in God. The Bible also tells us that giving is sacrificial generosity, where one gives up something valuable or precious for the sake of others. Moreover, when we give to others, we become witnesses of God’s character, showing the following traits through our actions:

• God's love for everybody on earth
• God's generosity in blessing His people
• God's faithfulness in taking care of His children

The more Christians give, the more they imitate the ultimate example of generosity: Jesus giving His life for our sins. When He died, He gave us the gift of forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16). Likewise, giving in the Bible is defined as laying down one’s life for a friend (John 15:13).

What is the Word for Giving in the Bible?

​​The word "give" in the Bible is the Greek word didomi, which means "to offer, to present." It's used over a thousand times in Scripture, often translated as "gift" or "grant." One can use the word multiple ways, but it always has a connotation of generosity.

What is giving according to the Bible? In the Old Testament, the word is used to describe everything from God leading people into the Promised Land (Exodus 15:17) to Abraham offering up Isaac (Genesis 22:9), illustrating God’s faithfulness and the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his only son.

Giving in the New Testament was explained in Jesus' teachings on love and forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, and Jesus replied, "seventy-seven times." In this context, God wants us to keep giving the gift of forgiveness, even when it's complicated or repetitive.

In all contexts, the Bible uses the word didomi to describe situations wherein people generously give, even when it costs them dearly. Whether it's a manifestation of God's character or the godliness of His people, didomi is about offering a valuable gift to others.

What Does God Say About Giving?

The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), as He is more pleased with those who give willingly and joyfully than those who give begrudgingly or out of obligation. Being a cheerful giver also means you're not worried about losing anything because you know that God will continue to sustain you.

When we give cheerfully, it shows that we are:

• Grateful for what He has blessed us with, recognizing that everything we have comes from God alone
• Being responsible for what He has entrusted to us, being good stewards of our God-given resources
• Putting others before ourselves, loving our neighbors just as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31)
• Witnessing God's faithfulness, meeting the needs of others, and demonstrating God's love for them
• Living a Christ-like life, having a giving heart, and showing the world what God is really like

Giving is an integral part of the Christian life, and it's something that God takes seriously. He wants us to be grateful and responsible for everything He gave, love others as He loves us, and show the world how generous and faithful He is to those who follow Him.

What does the Bible say about giving? Scripture tells us that:

• Christians are blessed according to how they bless others (Luke 6:38).
• Christians are blessed in giving rather than receiving (Acts 20:35).
• Christians should treat others in service to God (Matthew 25:40).
• Christians will prosper if they practice generosity (Proverbs 11:24-25).

Ultimately, living generously not only pleases God but also makes a significant difference in the lives of others – even if you're not a Christian yourself. The more you give, the more you'll receive.

Bible Verses About Giving and Sharing

If you’re looking for a Bible verse about giving and sharing, there are actually plenty to choose from. Here are five Bible verses about how Christians should focus on their hope in God, remove anything that distracts from giving glory to Him, "store" Godly achievements instead of worldly wealth, and think of the things that are worthy of praise:

• "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." (1 Timothy 6:17)
• "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2a)
• “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
• "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (Philippians 4:8)

How can Christians follow what the Bible says about giving? Here are a few tips to ensure you share with the right intentions, not for personal satisfaction or gain. Whether it's to contribute a significant amount to the church's fundraising activities or to pay for someone's meal, Christians are to give:

• Generously and cheerfully, without expecting anything in return
• According to ability, not according to possessions
• Out of a pure motive, not out of a sense of obligation
• Directly to those who are in need, not through an intermediary
• Without making a public show of it because all glory should go back to God

Having a giving heart is not just about giving money or possessions – it's about giving ourselves. It's about being willing to sacrifice our time, energy, and resources for the good of others. When we live our lives this way, we reflect the character of God, bring glory back to Him, and bless those around us.

Examples of Giving in the Bible

Many examples of giving in the Bible show how people generously gave their time, energy, and resources. Here's a short list of examples of someone in the Bible with a giving heart:

• Jesus Christ gave His life for our salvation (John 3:16).
• Abraham offered his son Isaac in obedience to God (Genesis 22:1-19).
• Moses gave up his security for the good of the people (Exodus 4:18-20).
• Esther risked her life to save her people (Esther 4:16).
• Early Christians gave up their possessions for those in need (Acts 2:44-45).
• The Good Samaritan gave his time and money to a stranger (Luke 10:25-37).
• Barnabas offered his field to further the apostles' work (Acts 4:36-37).
• Zacchaeus gave up half of his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:8).

In each of these examples, the person gave something precious to them. They did this out of love for others, and, in doing so, they brought glory to God. If we want to have a giving heart as these people did, then we need to be willing to give up what is valuable to us.

Rewards of Giving in the Bible

Many rewards come from giving, both in this life and the next. If we live according to what the Bible says about giving, we'll receive the following spiritual rewards:

• Satisfaction (Proverbs 11:25)
• Joy (Proverbs 21:13)
• Love (1 Corinthians 13:3)
• Eternal life (Mark 10:30)
• Treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Blessing those who are in need (Luke 14:12-14)

These rewards are not given to us because we have earned them but because God is a generous Giver. He wants to bless us when we give so we can experience the joy and satisfaction of living like Him.

God is Glorified in Giving

A giving heart is something that God values highly. He wants us to be like Him this way, and He will bless us when we give generously. So, choose to have a giving heart, knowing that you're pleasing God and creating a much better world to live in for everybody. Then, as you continue to bless others, remember to give thanks and praise to the One who has given us life and everything in it: God Himself.