The Bible emphasizes giving as a central practice of faith, woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It presents four main types of giving: tithes, offerings, alms, and sacrificial giving. Tithing involves giving a tenth of one’s income to acknowledge God’s sovereignty, while offerings are additional, voluntary gifts given out of love and gratitude. Almsgiving focuses on helping the poor and vulnerable, showing compassion through tangible support. Sacrificial giving challenges individuals to give in a way that costs them something significant, reflecting trust in God over personal comfort.
These four types of giving each serve a unique purpose in fostering generosity and stewardship. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the practice of giving or seeking to deepen your commitment, this biblical approach to generosity invites you to trust God with your resources. Keep reading to explore how you can embrace these principles in your own life and experience the transformative power of giving.
When it comes to the Bible, giving isn’t just a casual suggestion—it’s a core part of faith and practice. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, giving is woven into the fabric of biblical teaching. But what exactly does the Bible say about giving? Let’s explore the four main types of giving found in the Bible: tithes, offerings, alms, and sacrificial giving.
1. Tithes: Giving Back What’s Already God’s
What is Tithing?
Tithing is perhaps the most well-known form of giving in the Bible. The term “tithe” literally means “tenth.” In the Old Testament, tithing involved giving one-tenth of one’s income or produce back to God.
Biblical References:
- Leviticus 27:30 – “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
- Malachi 3:10 – “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.”
Purpose of Tithing:
Tithing isn’t about God needing our money—it’s about our recognition of His sovereignty over our lives and resources. When you tithe, you acknowledge that everything you have comes from God, and you trust Him to meet your needs as you give back a portion of what He’s provided.
How to Tithe Today:
While the specifics of tithing might look different today, the principle remains the same. Whether it’s 10% of your salary or another measure, tithing is about prioritizing God in your finances and contributing to your faith community.
2. Offerings: Giving Above and Beyond
What Are Offerings?
Offerings go beyond the basic tithe. These are additional gifts given freely out of love, gratitude, or a sense of calling. Offerings aren’t mandated by a specific percentage but are given as you feel led.
Biblical References:
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “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.”
- Exodus 35:29 – “All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose hearts moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done, brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.”
Purpose of Offerings:
Offerings are a way to support special causes or needs within and beyond the church. They can be directed towards building projects, missions, or helping someone in need. The heart of giving offerings is generosity and responsiveness to God’s leading.
How to Give Offerings:
Offerings can be as varied as the needs they meet. Whether it’s giving to a church fund, supporting a missionary, or helping a neighbor, offerings are about being open-handed and responsive to where you see a need.
3. Alms: Compassionate Giving to Those in Need
What Are Alms?
Almsgiving is directed towards helping the poor and those in need. This type of giving is about showing mercy and compassion by addressing the physical and material needs of others.
Biblical References:
- Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
- Matthew 6:3-4 – “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.”
Purpose of Almsgiving:
The purpose of almsgiving is to reflect God’s love and care for the less fortunate. It’s a tangible expression of faith, where you show kindness and provide for those who are struggling.
How to Give Alms:
Almsgiving can take many forms: donating to a food bank, giving to a homeless shelter, or even directly helping someone you know who’s in a tight spot. The key is to give with humility and a genuine desire to help, not seeking recognition.
4. Sacrificial Giving: Going Beyond Comfort
What is Sacrificial Giving?
Sacrificial giving is about giving in a way that costs you something significant. It’s not just about the amount you give but the heart and sacrifice behind it. This type of giving often means stepping out in faith and trusting God with your resources.
Biblical References:
- Mark 12:41-44 – “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘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.’”
- 2 Samuel 24:24 – “But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’”
Purpose of Sacrificial Giving:
Sacrificial giving is about showing deep trust in God and prioritizing Him above material comfort. It often involves giving up something valuable or important, demonstrating your faith and reliance on God’s provision.
How to Practice Sacrificial Giving:
This could mean giving a significant portion of your savings to support a cause, offering your time and energy to serve others, or making lifestyle changes to be able to give more. The focus is on the heart and the willingness to let go of personal comfort for a greater purpose.
Conclusion: Embracing a Heart of Generosity
Understanding these four types of giving—tithes, offerings, alms, and sacrificial giving—can transform how you approach generosity. Each type of giving in the Bible serves a unique purpose, and together they create a holistic approach to stewardship and faithfulness. Whether you’re just starting your journey in giving or looking to deepen your practice, remember that it’s about the heart and willingness to trust God with what you have.
So, how will you incorporate these types of giving into your life? As you give, let your actions reflect the love and generosity that God has shown you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Four Types of Giving in the Bible
1. What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Tithes are a specific portion (traditionally 10%) of your income given as a way of acknowledging God’s provision and ownership over everything you have. Offerings go beyond this mandatory tithe and are given freely as an expression of gratitude, love, or in response to a specific need or calling.
2. How much should I give as a tithe?
The traditional amount for a tithe is 10% of your income. However, the key is the principle behind tithing—recognizing God’s provision and prioritizing Him in your finances. You can start with 10% and adjust as you feel led.
3. Are tithes only for churches, or can they be given to other organizations?
While tithing traditionally supports the local church, many believe it can also include giving to other faith-based organizations or causes that align with God’s work. It’s important to pray and seek guidance on where God is leading you to give.
4. How are offerings different from alms?
Offerings are additional gifts given voluntarily, often to support specific needs or causes within the church or community. Alms specifically focus on helping the poor and those in need, showing mercy and compassion by addressing their immediate physical and material needs.
5. What is sacrificial giving?
Sacrificial giving involves giving in a way that is significant and costly to you, beyond your comfort zone. It demonstrates deep trust in God and prioritizes Him over material possessions or personal comfort.
6. How do I know when to give sacrificially?
Sacrificial giving is a personal decision and often comes from a place of faith and conviction. Pray and seek God’s guidance to discern when He is calling you to give sacrificially. Look for situations where your giving can make a significant impact, even if it means personal sacrifice.
7. What if I can’t afford to tithe 10% of my income?
If giving 10% seems challenging, start with what you can afford and gradually increase as your financial situation allows. The heart behind tithing is more important than the exact amount. Trust God with your finances and seek ways to give generously within your means.
8. How can I practice almsgiving in my daily life?
Almsgiving can be practiced by looking for opportunities to help those in need around you. This could include donating to local shelters, supporting food banks, or directly assisting someone you know who is struggling. The focus is on giving with compassion and humility.
9. Is there a biblical basis for giving anonymously?
Yes, Jesus taught that giving should be done with a humble heart, without seeking attention or praise. In Matthew 6:3-4, Jesus says, “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.”
10. Can I include my time and talents as part of my offerings?
Absolutely. Offerings aren’t limited to financial gifts. Giving your time, skills, and talents to support your church or help others are valuable ways to contribute and serve.
11. How can I cultivate a generous heart?
Cultivating a generous heart involves regular prayer, studying what the Bible says about giving, and actively looking for ways to help others. Practicing gratitude and recognizing God’s blessings in your life can also inspire you to give generously.
12. Are there any promises or blessings associated with giving in the Bible?
Yes, the Bible often associates blessings with generous giving. For example, Luke 6:38 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.” While blessings may not always be financial, they often come in various forms of God’s provision and grace.
13. How can I involve my family in these types of giving?
Involving your family in giving can be a great way to teach generosity and stewardship. You can start by discussing the different types of giving and deciding together how to allocate your tithes, offerings, and alms. Participating in service projects or charitable activities as a family can also be a meaningful way to practice sacrificial giving.
14. Do I have to give to receive God’s favor?
Giving isn’t about earning God’s favor but rather responding to His love and blessings. God’s favor and grace are freely given, not earned by our actions. However, giving is a natural response to God’s generosity and a way to reflect His character in our lives.
If you have any other questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below.
