The act of giving has been a fundamental aspect of religious practice across various faiths for centuries. In Christianity, the act of giving to the church is not only considered a duty but also a means of expressing gratitude, obedience, and support for the community of believers. The Bible, as the central text of the Christian faith, contains numerous verses that emphasize the importance of giving generously to the church.
Bible Verses About Giving To The Church
Discover powerful Bible verses about giving to the church. Explore the spiritual significance of generosity and stewardship in Christian faith.
Understanding the Biblical Concept of Tithing
1. Malachi 3:10
“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.”
2. Leviticus 27:30
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
3. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be
4. Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
5. Luke 11:42
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”
6. Hebrews 7:8
“Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”
7. Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
8. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“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.”
9. Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
10. Acts 20:35
“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 Role of Giving in Strengthening the Church Community
1. Acts 2:44-45
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
2. Acts 4:32-35
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
3. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
4. Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
5. Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
6. 1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
7. James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 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?”
8. Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
9. Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
10. Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Exploring Generosity
1. 1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
2. 2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
3. 2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
4. Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
5. Luke 21:1-4
“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'”
6. Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
7. Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
8. Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
9. Matthew 19:21
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”
10. Acts 11:29
“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.”
Reflecting on Stewardship
1. Exodus 25:2
“Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.”
2. 1 Chronicles 29:9
“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.”
3. 2 Chronicles 31:12
“They faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts.”
4. Nehemiah 10:39
“The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and olive oil to the storerooms, where the articles for the sanctuary and for the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the musicians are also kept. We will not neglect the house of our God.”
5. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“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.”
6. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
7. Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
8. Haggai 2:8
“‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”
9. 1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
10. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“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.”
Biblical Perspectives on Financial Contributions to the Church
1. Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
2. Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
3. 1 Corinthians 9:14
“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
4. Philippians 4:18
“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.”
5. Romans 12:8
“If it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
6. 2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
7. Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
8. Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
9. Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
10. 2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
Conclusion
From Old Testament teachings on tithing to New Testament exhortations on cheerful giving, the scriptures provide timeless wisdom on the transformative power of generosity. Giving to the church is not merely an obligation but a privilege and a pathway to experiencing God’s provision, blessings, and the joy of contributing to His work on earth. As Christians, let us heed the words of Scripture and embrace a lifestyle of generous giving, knowing that our contributions play a vital role in advancing the kingdom of God and fostering unity within the body of believers.