What Does Jesus Say About Giving Money?

When it comes to giving money, Jesus’ teachings are profound and often challenging.

Whether you’re considering how much to donate to charity, how to support your local church, or how to help a friend in need, Jesus’ words offer timeless guidance.

In this article, we’ll explore what Jesus said about giving money and how these teachings can apply to your life today.

The Heart of Giving

Jesus emphasizes that the heart and attitude behind giving are more important than the amount.

He stresses the significance of sincerity and generosity rather than the sheer size of the gift.

The Widow’s Offering

In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes people giving money at the temple treasury.

Rich individuals give large sums, but Jesus highlights the offering of a poor widow who gives two small coins, saying:

“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

This story teaches that it’s not the amount that matters but the sacrifice and intent behind the gift.

Giving from the heart, even if it’s small, is valued more by God than large but insincere donations.

Giving Should Be Secretive and Humble

Jesus advises that giving should be done quietly and humbly. In Matthew 6:1-4, He says:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Here, Jesus teaches that our acts of charity should not be for public recognition.

Genuine generosity is humble and seeks no applause. This reinforces that the motivation behind giving is crucial.

The Joy of Giving

Giving isn’t meant to be burdensome or grudging.

Jesus encourages joyful and willing generosity.

Giving Freely

In Acts 20:35, Paul quotes Jesus, saying:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This statement flips the common perspective that receiving is more advantageous. Jesus indicates that giving brings a greater blessing and joy.

This joy comes from knowing you’ve contributed to someone’s well-being and acted in love.

Cheerful Giving

Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul expands on this principle by saying:

“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.”

Giving should come from a place of joy and willingness, not out of obligation or pressure.

When you give with a cheerful heart, it aligns with Jesus’ teachings and brings fulfillment.

Trust in God’s Provision

Jesus reassures us that when we give, we shouldn’t worry about our own needs.

He emphasizes trust in God’s provision.

Seek First the Kingdom

In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus says:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Jesus encourages focusing on God’s kingdom and righteousness.

When you prioritize these, God will take care of your needs.

This passage invites you to trust that giving won’t lead to lack but to God’s provision.

Giving to God and Receiving Back

In Luke 6:38, Jesus says:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

This passage suggests that generosity leads to abundance.

When you give, God ensures that you receive back even more.

It’s not about material wealth but the richness of a generous spirit and the blessings that follow.

Loving Your Neighbor

Jesus teaches that loving your neighbor as yourself involves practical actions, including financial generosity.

The Good Samaritan

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 exemplifies this.

When a man is beaten and left for dead, a Samaritan helps him, providing immediate care and financial support for his recovery.

Jesus concludes the story by saying:

“Go and do likewise.”

This parable shows that true neighborly love includes being willing to give of your resources to help those in need, regardless of who they are.

Store Treasures in Heaven

Jesus advises that the ultimate value lies not in earthly wealth but in heavenly treasures.

The Rich Fool

In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who stores up wealth but is not “rich toward God.” Jesus concludes with:

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

This teaching highlights that accumulating wealth for oneself is futile.

Instead, investing in actions that honor God and help others is what truly matters.

Treasures in Heaven

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus encourages focusing on eternal values rather than temporary wealth.

By giving generously, you’re storing up treasures in heaven, which have everlasting value.

Practical Steps for Applying Jesus’ Teachings

Applying Jesus’ teachings on giving money can transform how you view and use your resources.

Here are some practical steps:

Examine Your Motives: Ensure that your giving comes from a place of love and sincerity, not for recognition or guilt.
Give Cheerfully: Find joy in the act of giving. Remember, it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
Trust God’s Provision: Don’t worry about running out.

Trust that God will provide for your needs as you give.

Help Those in Need: Look for opportunities to help your neighbors, just as the Good Samaritan did.
Focus on Eternal Investments: Prioritize actions that honor God and benefit others, storing up treasures in heaven.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings on giving money are as relevant today as they were over two thousand years ago.

They challenge us to give with a generous and sincere heart, to do so quietly and humbly, and to trust that God will take care of our needs.

By applying these principles, you can experience the profound joy and blessing that come from living a generous life.

So, the next time you’re deciding how much to give, remember Jesus’ words and let them guide your actions.

After all, the true measure of giving is found in the heart and the spirit behind it.

By following Jesus’ guidance on giving, you not only help others but also enrich your own life in ways that go beyond material wealth.

Start today, and experience the transformative power of generous, heartfelt giving.

FAQs: What Does Jesus Say About Giving Money?

Q1: Why does Jesus emphasize the heart behind giving?

A: Jesus emphasizes the heart because giving is not just a financial transaction but a reflection of one’s values and faith.

He values the intention and willingness to give selflessly, as seen in the story of the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44).

Jesus teaches that giving should come from genuine love and compassion rather than for recognition or reward.

Q2: What does Jesus say about giving in secret?

A: In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus advises that giving should be done quietly and without seeking attention.

He says, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” This underscores the importance of humility and sincerity in our acts of generosity.

Q3: How much should I give according to Jesus’ teachings?

A: Jesus doesn’t specify a fixed amount or percentage. Instead, he encourages generosity that reflects your capacity and willingness to give.

The story of the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) shows that giving, even a small amount, is significant if it’s done with the right heart.

It’s more about the spirit and sacrifice behind the gift than the monetary value.

Q4: Does Jesus teach about supporting the church or religious institutions financially?

A: While Jesus doesn’t explicitly talk about church donations in the context we understand today, his principles of generosity and supporting others can be extended to include supporting your local church.

Early Christian communities, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, shared their resources to support each other and their leaders, reflecting the spirit of Jesus’ teachings on giving (Acts 4:32-35).

Q5: How can I apply Jesus’ teachings on giving in my daily life?

A: You can apply Jesus’ teachings by:

Giving cheerfully and willingly: Approach giving with joy, not out of obligation (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Helping those in need: Prioritize giving to those who are less fortunate (Luke 6:38).
Practicing humility: Give without seeking recognition or praise (Matthew 6:1-4).
Reflecting on your resources: Consider what you have and give what you can, following the example of the widow (Mark 12:41-44).

Q6: What does Jesus say about wealth and possessions in general?

A: Jesus teaches that wealth and possessions should not dominate your life or overshadow your spiritual priorities.

In Matthew 6:19-21, he advises, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This encourages a focus on spiritual richness and using your resources for good.

Q7: Is giving only about money, according to Jesus?

A: No, Jesus’ concept of giving extends beyond financial contributions.

It includes offering your time, talents, and support to others. Acts of kindness, sharing knowledge, and being there for someone in need are all forms of giving that align with Jesus’ teachings.

In Luke 6:38, he says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” This highlights that giving is a broader principle of generosity in all aspects of life.

Q8: How does Jesus’ teaching on giving compare to tithing in the Old Testament?

A: Tithing, a practice from the Old Testament, required giving 10% of one’s income to support the religious institutions and the poor.

Jesus acknowledges tithing but places greater emphasis on justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).

His teachings shift the focus from a specific percentage to the quality and intent of giving, encouraging a more personal and heartfelt approach.

Q9: Can giving bring joy, according to Jesus?

A: Yes, Jesus teaches that giving is a source of joy.

In Acts 20:35, he is quoted saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This reflects the joy and fulfillment that come from helping others and contributing positively to the community.

Q10: What if I feel I don’t have enough to give?

A: Jesus values the spirit of giving over the amount.

The widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 is a powerful reminder that even small contributions, given with a willing heart, are significant.

It’s about giving what you can, with love and faith, rather than the size of the gift.