Giving is a prevalent theme in the Bible, emphasizing the acts of generosity and charity towards others. Understanding this theme is crucial for developing a proper mindset on wealth and prosperity. Recognizing how to give, why we should give, and the mentality we should cultivate while giving are all aspects emphasized in the Bible. Below are points that help in understanding the essence of giving as portrayed in the Bible.
Who should give according to the Bible?
The Bible advocates everyone to express their generosity. It isn’t confined to a select few people or a specific social class. Regardless of the wealth, status, or quantity one can donate, the Bible encourages everyone to give. The emphasis isn’t on the scope of the gift but rather the generosity underlying the act of giving. It teaches us that the act of charitable giving should stem from a place of love, kindness, and a genuine desire to do good, regardless of the giver’s circumstances.
What is the purpose of giving as per the Bible?
The principle objective of giving in the Bible is twofold, to show love to God and to help those in need. It states that the act of giving is an expression of our faith in God, and our love for our fellow humans. It is also a sign of being thankful to God for all the blessings in our lives. Generosity in helping those in need is considered a virtue, where giving is seen as a selfless act meant to uplift and support those who need it the most.
Where in our daily lives can we practice the act of giving?
The Bible encourages us to incorporate the act of giving into our daily lives. It is not only limited to financial or material donations. Helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries, volunteering one’s time for community service, or simply being there for someone in need are all considered acts of giving. The Bible doesn’t limit generosity to physical goods; instead, it extends to giving one’s time, love, patience, and empathy. These elements of giving should be a part of daily life, seamlessly incorporated into our interactions with others.
Why does the Bible emphasize the act of giving?
According to the Bible, giving bears significant spiritual and moral importance. It’s a manifestation of our faith, gratitude, and love toward God and His creations. It reinforces the Bible’s teaching of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. Moreover, it emphasizes that in giving we receive – not in material returns, but by enriching our integrity, building stronger community ties, and fostering an environment of mutual support and respect. The Bible’s repeated emphasis on giving serves as a reminder that we are part of a broader social fabric and are called upon to contribute positively to it.
When should we give as per the teachings of the Bible?
The Bible does not restrict us to specific times or conditions for giving. The act of genuine giving is emphasized regardless of the situation or circumstances. It encourages individuals to give regularly and joyfully, not out of compulsion or expectation, but out of a sense of gratitude and goodwill. Giving is not reserved for special occasions or moments, but to be practiced continuously and generously, both in times of abundance and in times of scarcity. It encourages giving as a lifestyle, a fundamental way to live out our faith and compassion.
Below is our full list of bible verses on giving (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Giving
2 Corinthians 9:7
“7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Acts 20:35
“35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Related Themes: Money Serving Others Charity Generosity Finances
Luke 6:38
“38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Related Themes: Reaping Money Reaping What You Sow Finances Serving Others
Malachi 3:10
“10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Reaping Prosperity
2 Corinthians 9:6
“6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Reaping Stewardship Money
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Related Themes: Money Pride Money Homelessness Hope
Matthew 6:1-4
“1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
Proverbs 3:27
“27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.”
Related Themes: Money Benevolence Finances Serving Others
Mark 12:41-44
“41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
Related Themes: Money Offering Finances Generosity
Proverbs 19:17
“17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Strangers Business Money Serving The Poor
Hebrews 13:16
“16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Related Themes: Strangers Sharing Sacrifice Charity Pleasing God
Luke 12:33-34
“33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Money Homelessness Money Heart
Proverbs 28:27
“27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Money Benevolence Serving The Poor
Proverbs 11:24-25
“24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Related Themes: Greed Generosity Money Volunteering
James 1:17
“17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Related Themes: Birthday Complaining Children Finances Gratitude
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Luke 6:30
“30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.”
Related Themes: Respecting Others Kindness
Deuteronomy 15:10
“10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Serving The Poor
Matthew 6:19-21
“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances Materialism Coveting
2 Corinthians 9:10
“10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Money Food
Proverbs 22:9
“9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Lust Money Finances Serving The Poor
Matthew 19:21
“21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances
2 Corinthians 8:12
“12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Giving Up Generosity
Deuteronomy 16:17
“17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.”
Proverbs 11:25
“25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Related Themes: Serving Others Reaping What You Sow Benevolence Reaping Homelessness
Matthew 6:21
“21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Heart Generosity Lust
Proverbs 21:26
“26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.”
Romans 12:13
“13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
Related Themes: Strangers Hospitality Homelessness Serving Others Serving The Poor
2 Corinthians 9:11
“11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Generosity Discontent Gratitude
1 Corinthians 16:2
“2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Benevolence Faith
