Gifts and Giving

Gifts are voluntarily given by a benefactor, bestowed by choice on another. This is in contrast to what is demanded, obligated or expected for services rendered such as wages or items bought. A gift is of no real value until received and enjoyed by putting to its intended use.

The Nature and Purpose of Giving

Giving financially is not to become an area of bondage or condemnation, because Christianity is not a performance-based religion but a love relationship with Jesus whereby each person gives as they have decided in their heart (2 Cor 9:7). Our gifts of kindness to others are an expression of compassion, reflecting the nature of God. This should not lead to dependency or manipulation, but be a genuine gesture of love in action (Rom 12:13; 2 Cor 8:13-15; Jas 2:16).

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness..." to accomplish His purposes, this includes the Holy Spirit to guide and purify (Mt 7:11; Lk 11:13; Act 2:38; Jas 1:17; 2 Pet 1:3). It is He who gives various gifts and abilities to individuals as He chooses (1 Cor 12:7-11, 14:1-5; Heb 2:4). Spiritual gifts bring encouragement and strength so do not neglect them, rather with divine love use these supernatural abilities to benefit the body of Christ and bring Him glory (Rom 1:11,12:6-8; 1 Cor 13:1-3; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; 1 Pet 4:10).

Being generous results in many blessings. "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper..." (Ps 112:5-9; Prov 3:9-10, 11:24-25). "With the same measure you use to others is the same measure we receive" (Lk 6:38). By giving, this guarantees we will receive, and with the same proportion that we have sowed – either generously or sparingly (2 Cor 9:6; Gal 6:7). As giving is a key to receiving sow the kind of harvest you want to reap.

Even meager resources offered to Christ can miraculously be multiplied, as in the feeding of a multitude with a boy's lunch (Lk 9:12-17). The rich gave from their surplus to impress others, while the humble widow gave all as a sacrifice, even beyond her ability (Mt 6:2-4; Mk 12:41-44). The size of a gift is not as important as the motive and cost to the giver—not how much is given, but how much is left.

What we give to God reflects our true attitude to Him. If we give ourselves unreservedly in devotion to the Lord, all other areas (finance, time and abilities) will follow to further His Kingdom (Lk 10:39; Rom 12:1). Salvation is His gift to me; my life lived for God is my gift to Him.

Jesus gave His life for us—can we do any less than give our total self to Him in loyalty, commitment and submission as His servants (Mk 12:30; Lk 17:10; 1 Pet 3:18)? In heartfelt gratitude we should say, "Not my will but yours be done." In giving ourselves to Him we don't lose; it is giving what we can't keep to gain what we can't lose (Mk 8:35-37). Any subsequent giving should be an extension of having first offered ourselves to the Lord (2 Cor 8:5).

God's Kingdom operates on a 'giving and receiving' basis, the world's on a 'buy and sell' basis. His intention is to bless us with everything we need, then from our resources to be a blessing to others. Giving reminds us of the source of our provision: "Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth" (Deut 8:18; 1 Chr 29:14-19). Although tithing is not mentioned in the New Testament, there is encouragement to live compassionately and generously towards the disadvantaged and ministries extending God's Kingdom (Mt 25:31-46; 2 Cor 8:13-14). "Each should give what he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7). Money represents life—the time and effort to earn it—so when you give, you are giving of yourself to God.

This includes a smile extended, a compliment or word of encouragement, an appropriate helpful action, or a physical gift which will bless the recipient and reward us (Mk 9:41). We should do to others as we would like done to us if we were in their position, especially to those who will never be able to reciprocate (Mt 25:31-46; Lk 6:31, 14:12-14).

The Bible teaches: "Give and it will be given unto you" (Lk 6:38); "If we sow sparingly we will reap a sparse harvest but if we sow generously there will be abundance" (2 Cor 9:6-14); Giving should come from a pure motive of dedication to the Lord and love for people, not seeking reward or public recognition (Mt 6:3); "Give as freely as you have received" (Mt 10:8); "To those who much has been given, much will be required" (Lk 12:48); Jesus gave up His power, glory and rights so we might become rich (2 Cor 8:9); "If the willingness is present the gift is acceptable" (2 Cor 8:12); "Our plenty should provide for other's needs...we should learn to give and receive" (2 Cor 8:13-14); "It is more blessed to give than receive" (Act 20:35). Love for God and a desire to see His Kingdom extended should be our motive for giving, not just to receive back. For our gift to be acceptable, reconciliation with God and others should take place before presenting our offering (Mt 5:23-24).