Biblical Principles for Giving

It’s crucial to grasp that the Lord owns everything. Psalm 24:1 affirms, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” The essence of this principle lies in our role as  “managers” entrusted with what God has given us. Consequently, we are obligated to care for it as He would have us to do. With this understanding, here are some biblical principles for giving from the New Testament to guide our thinking:

We should give faithfully (1 Corinthians 16:2). We should give regularly. This verse states that on every Lord's day we should give. The principle is to be faithful or regular about our giving, not sporadically.

We should give generously (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). These saints were in poverty and persecuted, and yet, they were committed to following what the Lord had taught them about their resources and were eager to give even more than they were able. This is a matter that each person/family should individually take before the Lord and ask Him what generosity means for them.

We should give proportionately (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). We should each give an amount that corresponds to the amount of money God entrusts to us. We each must make up our own minds what that amount is. We should each give an amount that honors Christ.

We should give sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). These people, once again, gave beyond their means. Giving should be costly to us. What is there in life that hasn't cost us something? God's work is worth our sacrifice and in every culture, there is no more tender spot than our pocketbooks.

We should give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). God doesn't want people to give of their resources if their hearts are not in it. He doesn't "need" their money, and He doesn't want people to have an opportunity to complain. So, if a person doesn't want to give, they shouldn't, but they will have to take it up with the Lord (Malachi 3:8).

We should give strategically (1 Corinthians 16:2c). We should each put aside an amount before we come to worship. It should be a thought-out amount instead of giving because of a plea or out of guilt, because the basket is being passed. 

Here is another way to look at Giving

First Corinthians 16:2 gives us four principles that, if followed, will make giving a very cheerful worship to the Lord.

On the first day of every week, each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:2

1. Giving is required of each person! "...each one of you...". Giving isn't an optional form of worship for Christians; it is a privilege and a responsibility, it is a tangible manifestation of that person’s love for God. What a person gives is their personal business, but they need to be sure they are giving and conferring with God.

2. Giving is to be proportionate, "...as he may prosper." There is no law or command found in the New Testament that binds a person to the amount he or she has to give. This is different from the Old Testament, where approximately 22% of the Israelites’ yearly income was required. A man is to give "...as God has prospered him." This may mean giving any percent (5%, 8%, 12%, 30% or 51% etc.) depending on the individual’s case. It may also mean a variation in giving from year to year. The key is to give as God has prospered you.

3. Giving should include amounts beyond our normal giving! "...put aside and save…”. The scriptures tell us that in addition to our regular giving, we are each to lay up, heap up, or treasure amounts in private, not public deposits. When needs arise in our church or in your house church, the believers now have a treasure in which they can distribute to specific causes as the Holy Spirit directs.

4. Giving should be consistent! "On the first day of every week…”. Giving should not be erratic but consistent, giving in a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc). This should not become legalistic, but neither should it be taken lightly.