What the Bible Says About Giving

“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of
heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great
in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness
surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly
not enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to the people
long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
…Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that
your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the
altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your
gift” (Matthew 5:19-21, 23-24).

“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” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

The Bible has a lot to say about giving. Please take time to
read the following:

1 Corinthians 9:1-23 and 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.

Here are a few short passages on giving:

“The elders who direct the affairs of the
church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is
preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not
muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his
wages’” (1 Timothy 5:17-18).

“[False teachers] have an unhealthy
interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife,
malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt
mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means
to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we
have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get
rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires
that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root
of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the
faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:4-10).

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed
your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to
show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know
what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any
and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of
you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early
days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not
one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you
only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when
I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be
credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than
enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the
gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing
to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his
glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:10-19).

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless
is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself
from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

“But now that there is no more place for me to work in these
regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to
do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have
you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a
while” (Romans 15:23-24).