In the Bible, giving is not just an act of charity but an expression of love, worship, and obedience to God. From the earliest pages of Scripture, God has made it clear that He desires His people to honor Him with their finances and possessions. One of the most significant ways we do this is through tithes and offerings.
Tithing is a biblical principle that involves giving 10% of our income or increase to God, usually through the local church or ministry. Offerings, on the other hand, are gifts given above and beyond the tithe, meant to support various needs in the body of Christ, such as missions, helping the poor, or supporting the ministry.
Throughout Scripture, God teaches that giving is an essential part of our relationship with Him. It reflects our trust in His provision, our obedience to His commands, and our willingness to invest in His kingdom work. In this article, we will explore 20 Bible verses on giving, focusing on tithes, offerings, and the heart behind these acts of worship. These Scriptures will help us understand the spiritual importance of giving and inspire us to give generously, with a joyful heart.
1. Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
“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.”
This verse is one of the clearest commands in the Bible regarding tithing. God promises that when we bring our tithes to Him, He will bless us abundantly. The “storehouse” is a metaphor for the temple or the place where God’s work is being done, and through our tithes, we help support His kingdom.
2. Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV)
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of honoring God with the first and best of what we have. Giving Him our “firstfruits”—the first part of our income—shows our trust in His provision and our commitment to His work.
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (KJV)
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
God delights in a cheerful giver. This verse teaches that giving is not about the amount, but about the attitude behind it. We are encouraged to give with a willing heart, knowing that God will bless us in return.
4. Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Jesus reminds us that our financial priorities reflect our spiritual priorities. If we invest in God’s kingdom, our hearts will align with His purposes.
5. Luke 6:38 (KJV)
“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.”
Jesus promises that generous giving will lead to abundant blessings. When we give, God ensures that our generosity will return to us in greater measure.
6. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV)
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
God provides for us not just for our own needs but so that we can continue to give and support His work. His grace enables us to give generously, and He ensures that we have enough to meet all our needs.
7. Luke 21:1-4 (KJV)
“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”
Jesus commends the poor widow for giving all that she had. This story teaches that God values the heart behind the giving more than the amount. Even small gifts can be of great worth in God’s eyes if given with a pure heart.
8. Acts 20:35 (KJV)
“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.”
Paul reminds the believers of the words of Jesus: giving is a blessing. Generosity reflects the heart of Christ and brings joy both to the giver and the receiver.
9. Deuteronomy 16:17 (KJV)
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.”
Giving is not about equal amounts but about giving according to what God has blessed us with. Each person is called to give generously, according to their means.
10. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (KJV)
“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; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Paul instructs the wealthy to not trust in their riches but to use their resources to do good and bless others. Generosity is a way to invest in eternal rewards.
11. Proverbs 11:25 (KJV)
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Generosity is a principle that works in both directions: those who give freely will also receive blessings in return. God promises to honor those who are generous with their time, resources, and love.
12. Romans 12:13 (KJV)
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
Paul encourages believers to be generous in helping those in need, especially fellow believers. Offering support to others is an essential part of Christian living.
13. 2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV)
“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.”
God is looking at our willingness to give. It’s not about the size of the gift but the condition of the heart behind it. A willing heart pleases God.
14. Exodus 35:5 (KJV)
“Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord: gold, and silver, and brass.”
The Israelites were instructed to bring offerings to God with a willing heart. This is a key principle in giving: our offerings should be voluntary, not out of obligation.
15. Hebrews 13:16 (KJV)
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
God is pleased when we share with others and do good. Our giving should reflect a heart that seeks to bless others and honor God.
16. Malachi 1:8 (KJV)
“And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.”
God values the quality of our offerings. Giving our best to God is a sign of honor and respect for Him.
17. Matthew 23:23 (KJV)
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
While Jesus acknowledges that tithing is important, He emphasizes that it should not come at the expense of justice, mercy, and faith. Our giving should always be accompanied by a righteous heart and good deeds.
18. 2 Corinthians 8:7 (KJV)
“Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”
Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving, just as they excel in other spiritual gifts. Generosity is a grace we are called to grow in.
19. Luke 12:33-34 (KJV)
“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. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Jesus teaches that true treasure is found in heaven, not on earth. Our giving should reflect our focus on eternal rewards.
20. Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV)
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee, Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
This passage emphasizes that our relationship with others is crucial to God. Before giving, we are called to reconcile any conflicts, showing that generosity is not only about money but also about maintaining peace and harmony.
Conclusion
The Bible offers extensive teachings on the principles of giving tithes and offerings. From Old Testament commands to New Testament encouragements, Scripture shows that giving is an essential part of the Christian life. It reflects our faith, trust, and love for God and for others.
Through the act of giving, we not only support the work of the Kingdom but also align our hearts with God’s will. When we give willingly, joyfully, and generously, we experience God’s provision and blessings in ways that transcend material wealth. Giving is a way to honor God, to bless others, and to invest in eternal rewards.
As you reflect on these Bible verses, may you be inspired to give generously and faithfully, knowing that your offerings are part of God’s grand plan to build His Kingdom on earth.
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