Why we give
Giving is a part of our worship
Giving is a part of our worship - we give because God first gave to us! All that we have belongs to God, and we are stewards of what God has entrusted to us. God is generous, and He calls us to be like Him.
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.
– 1 Chronicles 29:14
Giving is an act of willing obedience to God's command
Giving is an act of willing obedience to God's command, trusting Him to provide for our needs. Our giving is a vital part of growing in faith and faithfulness. Did you know that there are over 2,000 verses in the Bible that relate to money, wealth, possessions and stewardship?
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.
– Malachi 3:10
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.
– 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Giving is an outward flow from our hearts
Giving is an outward flow from our hearts, as we joyfully give out of our love for Jesus Christ and gratitude for His ultimate gift to us on the cross. We want to glorify God with every area of our lives, including how we handle money.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
– Matthew 6:21
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.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving is a spiritual discipline
Giving is a spiritual discipline which helps protect us from the love of money and the temptations of greed and worldliness.
But godliness with contentment is great gain… Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
– 1 Timothy 6:6-10