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20 Scriptures on Giving Offerings: A Biblical Perspective on Generosity

by Amelia Wilson

Giving offerings is an essential part of the Christian faith. It is not only an act of obedience but also a way to show gratitude, faith, and trust in God. The Bible contains numerous teachings about offering gifts to God, and these scriptures emphasize the importance of generosity and the heart behind giving. Offering is not just about financial gifts; it encompasses the act of giving your time, talents, and resources to serve God’s kingdom.

In this article, we will explore 20 scriptures on giving offerings, each shedding light on different aspects of this spiritual practice. We will delve into the meaning behind these verses and how they guide us in living a life of generosity. Whether you are new to the concept of offerings or have been practicing it for years, these scriptures will inspire and deepen your understanding of giving in the Christian life.

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1. Genesis 4:3-5 – Cain and Abel’s Offerings

“3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”

In the first mention of offerings in the Bible, we see Cain and Abel presenting their offerings to God. Abel’s offering was accepted because he gave from the best of his flock, showing his devotion and love for God. Cain’s offering, on the other hand, was rejected because it was not given with the same heart of sacrifice. This passage teaches that God values the quality of the offering and the heart behind it rather than the mere act of giving.

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2. Exodus 25:2 – A Willing Heart

“Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.”

This verse emphasizes that offerings should come from a willing heart. God does not want us to give out of compulsion, but rather from a desire to honor Him. Our offerings are a reflection of our relationship with God, and when we give willingly, it becomes an act of worship.

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3. Leviticus 1:3 – The Sacrificial Offering

“3 If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.”

In the Old Testament, offerings were often sacrifices meant to atone for sin. A burnt offering was a way to express devotion and seek forgiveness. This scripture reminds us that when we give to God, it should be from the best of what we have, just as the Israelites were asked to give without defect.

4. Deuteronomy 16:16-17 – Offering in the Festivals

“16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed: 17 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.”

This passage reflects the practice of bringing offerings during the annual festivals. It teaches that our offerings should be given in proportion to the blessings we have received from God. Whether we have little or much, we are called to give generously according to what God has entrusted to us.

5. 2 Samuel 24:24 – Sacrifice of David

“But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.”

David’s words highlight a key principle of giving offerings: it should cost us something. A true offering is not about giving from our surplus, but about giving sacrificially. David understood that genuine offerings require a personal cost and are an expression of deep commitment.

6. 1 Chronicles 29:9 – A Joyful Offering

“The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”

In this passage, King David and the people of Israel gave freely and wholeheartedly to God for the building of the temple. Their joy in giving came from their willingness to give, not out of obligation. This scripture reminds us that giving should be done with a joyful heart, as it is a privilege to contribute to God’s work.

7. Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the Lord with Your Wealth

“9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

This verse teaches that we should honor God by giving Him the firstfruits of our income. The firstfruits are a symbol of priority and faith, acknowledging that God is the source of all blessings. When we honor God in this way, He promises to bless us abundantly in return.

8. Malachi 3:10 – Bring the Whole Tithe

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

In this well-known passage, God invites His people to test His faithfulness in giving. When we bring our tithes and offerings to God, He promises to bless us abundantly. This scripture underscores that God rewards generosity and faithfulness in giving.

9. Matthew 6:1-4 – Giving in Secret

“1 Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Jesus teaches that giving should be done without seeking attention or praise from others. The act of giving is between you and God. When we give humbly and quietly, God sees and rewards us.

10. Matthew 25:35-40 – Serving and Giving to the Least of These

“35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

In this passage, Jesus explains that when we serve and give to those in need, we are ultimately giving to Him. Our offerings are not only about material gifts but also about offering love, care, and service to others.

11. Luke 21:1-4 – The Widow’s Offering

“1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.'”

This story illustrates the principle that God values the sacrifice and heart behind the gift, not the amount. The widow gave everything she had, and Jesus commended her for her faithfulness, showing that even small offerings can have great value when given in faith.

12. Acts 20:35 – More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

“35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

The Apostle Paul reminds us of the words of Jesus, emphasizing the greater blessing that comes from giving. Generosity is an expression of love and compassion, and it brings more joy and fulfillment than receiving.

13. Romans 12:13 – Share with the Lord’s People

“13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

This verse calls Christians to be generous with others, particularly those who are part of the Christian community. Offering help to those in need is an important aspect of living out our faith.

14. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – Cheerful Giving

“6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Paul teaches that our giving should be done cheerfully, not out of obligation. God desires that we give with a willing heart, and when we do, He promises to bless us abundantly.

15. 2 Corinthians 9:11 – Generosity Produces Thankfulness

“11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

This verse highlights how our generosity not only benefits others but also brings glory to God. When we give, it leads to expressions of gratitude and praise to God.

16. Philippians 4:18 – A Sacrifice Acceptable to God

“18 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.”

Paul likens the gifts given by the Philippians to a fragrant offering. Our offerings, when given in love, are pleasing to God and seen as acts of worship.

17. Hebrews 13:16 – Do Good and Share

“16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

This scripture reinforces the idea that offering is not just about material wealth but also about doing good and sharing with others. God is pleased with our acts of kindness and generosity.

18. James 2:15-16 – Faith in Action

“15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

James reminds us that true faith is demonstrated through action. Offering is not just about words, but about actively meeting the needs of others through our resources.

19. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 – Generosity with Wealth

“18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 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.”

Paul encourages the wealthy to be generous with their resources, using their wealth to do good and to store up eternal treasures. Generosity has lasting value, not just in this life but in the life to come.

20. Revelation 22:12 – Reward for Good Deeds

“12 Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

This final verse reminds us that God sees all of our offerings and deeds. When we give generously, we are storing up rewards in heaven, where our eternal inheritance awaits.

Conclusion

The Bible is clear about the importance of giving offerings, and these 20 scriptures provide valuable insights into why, how, and with what attitude we should give. Offerings are not just a religious duty; they are a reflection of our heart’s posture toward God. Whether through financial gifts, acts of service, or other expressions of generosity, we are called to give in ways that honor God and reflect His love for us. Let us be faithful and cheerful in our giving, knowing that God will reward our generosity both now and in the life to come.

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