Sacrificial Christianity: The Heart of Biblical Giving
- Ray Reynolds, Ph.D.
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Giving isn't just a church ritual; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with the Creator. To truly understand this practice, let’s explore five fundamental questions about giving, backed by Scripture:
1. Why Do We Give? - To reflect God’s character and show our gratitude. We give because God is the ultimate giver. Every good thing we have comes from Him, and giving back is an act of worship and trust. It acknowledges that He is our provider and keeps our hearts from becoming consumed by materialism. II Corinthians 9:7 says, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights..."
2. How Do We Give? - Generously, intentionally, and cheerfully. God cares far more about the attitude of our hearts than the amount on the check. We are called to give sacrificially, but without reluctance or a desire for human applause. True giving is done out of love, privacy, and joy. Matthew 6:3-4 says, “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
3. Where Do We Give? - To the local church, ministries, and those in need. Scripture instructs us to support the ministry of the local church so that the work of the Gospel can continue. Additionally, God has a deep passion for the poor, the broken, and the hurting. Bringing our resources to the "storehouse" ensures the church can care for its community. Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house..."
4. When Do We Give? - Regularly, consistently, and first. Giving shouldn't be an afterthought or something we only do with the money we have left over at the end of the month. The Bible teaches the principle of the "firstfruits"—giving to God first as an act of faith, routinely tracking with our income. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;" I Corinthians 16:2 says, “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come."
5. What Happens When We Don’t Give? - We miss out on God's blessings and rob ourselves of spiritual growth. When we withhold our giving, it often stems from a place of fear or greed—believing that we can manage our lives better than God can. Scripture warns that holding onto everything tightly actually leads to spiritual and material poverty, robbing God of the honor He is due. Proverbs 11:24 says, "There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty." Malachi 3:8 asks, "Will a man rob God?” Withholding is robbery.
Just as a fingerprint leaves an unmistakable mark, our generosity leaves a lasting impression on the world around us. When we give the way God intended, we become a vessel for His greatest work!
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds
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