The Heart of Giving

The Biblical practice of giving in the church is rooted in generosity and faith in God. Paul’s admonition in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 calls for purposeful, wholehearted giving, done cheerfully rather than grudgingly, as God loves cheerful givers and empowers us to meet the needs of others.

Giving begins with dedicating ourselves to the Lord. Acts 2:37-43, 2 Corinthians 8:5, and Romans 12:1 highlight that our primary offering is our lives to God. This foundational act should precede other forms of generosity. Furthermore, Jesus teaches that reconciliation with others is crucial before presenting our gifts at the altar (Matthew 5:23-24), emphasizing the importance of righteousness in our offerings (Proverbs 15:8).

Reflecting Christ’s compassion, we are called to actively seek opportunities to give and meet the needs of others. The early church exemplified this (Acts 2:44-47). Acts 6:1-3 shows that the early Christians had a daily practice of giving to meet needs, viewing it as a diligent business. Jesus describes the needs of people around us—hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned—in Matthew 25:35-40, urging us to respond with pure love. Doing this may cost us time and resources, but that’s why we’re Christians. In his parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus further emphasizes the importance of having compassion and generosity towards the needy, both within and outside the church.

Supporting the work of the Gospel is another vital aspect of giving. Early Christians gave liberally to support ministry work, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:2-3. Malachi 3:10 highlights the role of tithes and offerings in helping the church. The lesson from Haggai 1:1-11 is clear: we must prioritize the work of God over our comfort and luxury. The people of Haggai’s time were rebuked for their misplaced priorities, living in comfort while the temple lay in ruins. Similarly, we should be as committed to the prosperity of God’s work as we are to our well-being.

Giving, as Christians, is a multifaceted act of worship and service, reflecting our dedication to God, compassion for others, and commitment to advancing the Gospel.