Financial giving is primarily about responding to God’s ownership of all things and His generosity on our behalf. All things belong to Him and what he entrusts to us is ours to steward (Psalm 24:1, Matthew 25:14-30). He has given us Jesus sacrificially, intentionally, and gladly (John 3:16-17). He intends to give us His kingdom (Luke 12:32). Our response to that in regards to giving will include all of the following:
Giving is a measurement of Faith
How we give is a direct reflection of what we believe about…
Jesus’ generosity toward us.
In 2 Corinthians 8:9, as Paul urges Christians to be generous, he uses Jesus as the ultimate example of one who became poor so that we might be made rich.
How our giving is measured.
In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus honors a poor widow who gave her last money to the Lord. Jesus saying that she put in more than the wealthy, who gave out of their abundance.
True wealth and security.
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Paul urges wealthy believers to demonstrate by their generosity their awareness that their life is secure and fulfilled in God alone.
Giving is a Priority
Scripture teaches that by giving God our “first” and “best,” we are demonstrating to him that He is worthy of all we have…
Genesis 4:4
Abel brought the first and best to the Lord as an offering.
Nehemiah 10:35
Provides regular support for God’s house.
Giving is to be Responsive
Grateful worship and joyful participation, trusting that God constantly cares for his own.
Luke 14:33
“anyone of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple”
Corinthians 9:6-15
As we “cheerfully” respond to God’s generosity toward us, we respond generously to the needs of others.
Giving is to be done Proportionately
Giving 10% (tithing) is a long established “benchmark” which may be exceeded as one prospers. If one is not yet prepared to tithe, one should determine a proportional gift based on a percentage or amount.
Genesis 14:18-20
Abraham gives tithe to Priest Melchizedek.
Genesis 28:22
Jacob vows a tithe to the Lord at Bethel, the House of God.
Leviticus 27:30, 32
Moses instructions to the people.
Malachi 3:8-10
Not to tithe is compared to robbing God.
Luke 11:42
Jesus urges tithing even the smallest increase.
Giving as God gives is Generous and Sacrificial
Proverbs 11:25
“The generous man will prosper. He who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 22:9
“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.”
Giving is to be Expectant
We anticipate that God will bless us in this life and the life to come because of our generous giving.
Luke 16:10-13
Stewarding what little God provides for us now will have immeasurable returns in Christ eternal kingdom.
Matthew 6:1-4, 19-24
Expecting lasting reward from the Father is encouraged as a motivation.