Christians recognize that our possession of eternal life stems from Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. To honor Him and emulate His example, we must exhibit sacrificial generosity and a giving spirit. However, how does God’s perspective fit into this? Let’s delve into various Bible verses that shed light on the topic of giving, providing insight into God’s stance on the matter.
Bible Verses About Giving to the Church
The concept of giving to God predates Moses and the Mosaic Law. After rescuing Lot, Abram expressed his gratitude by offering a tenth of the spoils to God.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.” Genesis 14:18-20 New King James Version (NKJV)
By offering a portion of our increase to God, He assures us of even greater blessings in return. This is the one instance where the Father allows us to test Him, and it serves as the foundational verse for all teachings on giving.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” Malachi 3:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
Verses on Giving to the Needy and Poor
Our Lord Jesus Christ fervently defends those who are powerless against oppression, holding a special place for them in His heart. When we follow the principle He set forth of caring for the less fortunate, Jesus regards it as caring for Himself.
“…For I was hungry and you gave Me food; and I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; and I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; and I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?’ … And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:35-37, 40 New King James Version (NKJV)
Taking Care of the Needy
Is there a more cherished endeavor for a believer than directly serving Christ? Unlikely. To strengthen this notion, here are several additional verses highlighting God’s call for us to care for the less fortunate among us:
“If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul,Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion–how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:17-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.” Proverbs 19:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
Bible Verses on Giving to Missions
Right before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He bestowed upon His disciples what is now known as The Great Commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 New King James Version (NKJV)
Individuals entrusted with the mission of spreading the Gospel face formidable challenges. They must not only instruct individuals who are unfamiliar with the teachings of Christ, some of whom are openly opposed, but they must also comprehend the customs of the societies they are about to encounter and the regulations of the nations they will be entering.
Achieving these tasks requires financial resources. Only a handful of individuals can finance their own journeys, and God comprehends this reality deeply. Reflect on the Apostle Paul’s sentiments regarding the support he received during his voyages. This passage serves as a distinct illustration of the scriptures pertaining to giving:
“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” Philippians 4:14-18 New King James Version (NKJV)
Furthermore, consider the directives given by Jesus Himself when He dispatched the seventy to propagate the Gospel:
“Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.” Luke 10:4,7 New King James Version (NKJV)
How to Get the Message Across
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of our Lord’s desires through Scriptures is crucial, but equally important is conveying this understanding to the congregation. Here are some strategies to effectively communicate the message of scripture-based giving to your members:
- Tithing Challenge: Introduce a church-wide challenge that encourages members to commit to a specific period of regular tithing, such as three or six months, allowing them to experience the blessings firsthand. Recognize that some might require guidance and support throughout this process, as embracing tithing can involve overcoming obstacles over time.
- Caring for the Needy: Create a skit that vividly illustrates the concept of serving Jesus through acts of compassion. Portray individuals on one side of the stage serving Jesus, while on the other side, people are depicted providing assistance to the less fortunate. This visual comparison can emphasize the profound impact of caring for those in need.
- Missionary Testimonies: Invite missionaries from the field to share their experiences and stories within the church. Witnessing the positive transformations missionaries bring to the lives of those in need can reassure members that their contributions are making a meaningful difference. This firsthand insight can inspire continued and enthusiastic support.
Requesting financial support can create discomfort for both the asker and the giver. Yet, a strong grasp of scriptures centered around giving, coupled with skillful communication, can significantly alleviate this awkwardness.
If you’re seeking additional valuable insights on effectively discussing giving with your congregation, consider Scheduling a Discovery Call with the experienced giving professionals at DonorWerx today.
Remember, success in this endeavor requires more than just referencing Bible verses on giving.
