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Right vs. Wrong Ways to Give


Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

There are over 2,000 verses in the Bible dealing with money and possessions.  The Scriptures teach us there are both right ways and wrong ways to give.  The Apostle Paul instructs us about what the attitude of our heart should be when we give in II Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

            We give out of obedience and as an act of worship.  One of the highest expressions of worship available to the believer is the act of giving of our tithe and offering to the Lord.  Isaiah 1:19 says, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” The Psalmist writes in Psalms 37:5, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Secondly, we are to give in expectant faith.  Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”  When we sow our seed, we must expect to receive a harvest.  One of the laws of the harvest says, “we reap more than we sow.” Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; Verse 10 – “so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

            Third, we are to give with the right motive. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Our giving is an act of thanksgiving.  We give to God simply because we love Him, and we are thankful for all He has done for us.  Mary Hunt says, “Giving out of abundance is an act of thanksgiving but giving out of your need is an act of faith.”

            There are both right and wrong ways to give.  We should never give out of manipulation, compulsion, or even for emotional reasons.  We must be obedient to the Word of God and be led by the Spirit in our giving.  Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”  We cannot out give the Lord.  He rewards those who are faithful to Him.  There is a powerful promise in Luke 6:38, “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.”

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