The Bible teaches that God is more concerned with the heart behind our giving than with the amount we give. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver, meaning giving should come from a willing, joyful heart rather than out of obligation. Jesus also stresses the importance of giving with love and compassion, as seen in His teaching about serving others as if serving Him directly. Giving sacrificially, even when it costs us something significant, is another way to please God, as demonstrated by the widow’s offering, which was praised for its deep sacrifice rather than its size.
Additionally, regular and intentional giving plays a key role in pleasing God, cultivating a habit of generosity. Jesus teaches the value of giving in secret, focusing on God’s approval rather than seeking human praise. Supporting God’s work through tithing and other offerings is also crucial. Ultimately, giving that pleases God is about the attitude and heart behind the act, rooted in love, trust, and a desire to make a difference. For a deeper exploration of how to align your giving with God’s desires, keep reading to uncover more valuable insights.
When it comes to giving, the Bible is clear that God isn’t just interested in what we give, but how and why we give. You might be wondering, what kind of giving pleases God? Let’s explore this question together, drawing insights from Scripture and practical wisdom.
1. Giving with a Cheerful Heart
One of the most well-known teachings about giving comes from the Apostle Paul. He wrote to the Corinthians, “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, NIV). This verse tells us a lot about the kind of giving that pleases God. It’s not about the amount you give but the attitude behind it.
Key Points:
- Cheerfulness Matters: God values the joy you find in giving. If you’re giving out of obligation or with resentment, it doesn’t align with His desire.
- Voluntary and Willing: Giving should be a decision from the heart, not forced by external pressures.
Imagine you’re giving a gift to a friend. The joy they see in your face and the genuine pleasure you take in giving that gift make it so much more meaningful. God feels the same way about our giving.
2. Giving Out of Love and Compassion
Jesus highlighted the importance of giving out of love and genuine compassion. In Matthew 25:35-40, He describes how caring for others in need is like serving Him directly. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” (Matthew 25:35, NIV). This kind of giving isn’t about seeking recognition or rewards but about loving others as God loves us.
Practical Applications:
- See Others’ Needs: Open your eyes to the needs around you. It could be a neighbor struggling to buy groceries or a community in need of clean water.
- Act with Compassion: Let your giving flow from a heart that genuinely cares about the well-being of others.
Jesus’s teaching reminds us that even small acts of kindness, like offering food or drink, can be profound expressions of love and service to God.
3. Sacrificial Giving
Sacrificial giving is another way that pleases God. It’s not always about giving what’s comfortable or easy, but sometimes, it’s about giving in a way that costs us something significant. The story of the widow’s offering in Luke 21:1-4 exemplifies this. She gave two small coins, all she had to live on, and Jesus praised her for giving more than the wealthy because she gave out of her poverty.
Takeaways:
- It’s About the Heart: It’s not the size of the gift but the size of the sacrifice.
- Trusting God: Sacrificial giving often means trusting that God will provide for your needs even when you give generously.
This kind of giving requires deep faith and a trust that God will take care of you, just as He promises.
4. Giving Regularly and Intentionally
Consistency in giving is crucial. Paul instructed the Corinthians, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income…” (1 Corinthians 16:2, NIV). This practice of regular, intentional giving helps cultivate a habit and mindset of generosity.
Tips for Consistent Giving:
- Plan Your Giving: Decide in advance what portion of your income you’ll give and stick to it.
- Be Intentional: Set aside your gift before other expenses to prioritize it.
Regular giving not only supports the work of the church and helps those in need but also trains your heart in the discipline of generosity.
5. Giving in Secret
Jesus taught about the value of giving in secret in 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.” This underscores the idea that giving should be done for God’s approval, not for human recognition.
Practical Steps:
- Avoid Seeking Praise: Give in a way that others may not notice, focusing on God’s pleasure rather than human accolades.
- Seek God’s Approval: Your primary audience is God, who sees and rewards your generosity.
When you give in secret, you’re aligning your heart with God’s desire for humble and genuine service.
6. Giving to Support God’s Work
Supporting the church and its mission is a vital aspect of giving that pleases God. In Malachi 3:10, God challenges His people to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, promising to open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessings. This giving supports the work of spreading the Gospel and helping the community.
Considerations for Supporting God’s Work:
- Tithing: Many Christians practice giving a tenth of their income to the church.
- Special Offerings: Consider giving above your regular tithe to support specific missions or needs.
Your support enables the church to thrive and fulfill its mission, making a significant impact in the world.
Conclusion
Giving that pleases God is about much more than the act itself. It’s about the heart and attitude behind it. Whether it’s giving cheerfully, sacrificially, regularly, secretly, or out of love and compassion, God values the spirit of generosity and faith. As you reflect on your giving practices, remember that it’s your heart that God is most interested in. He desires for you to give out of a sincere love for Him and others. So, give with joy, trust, and a desire to make a difference, and you’ll find that your giving truly pleases God.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Giving That Pleases God
1. Why is the attitude behind giving so important?
The attitude behind your giving matters because God values the condition of your heart. As stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving with joy, love, and a willing spirit pleases God far more than giving out of obligation or for show.
2. What does sacrificial giving mean?
Sacrificial giving means offering something significant that might cost you or require a personal sacrifice. The story of the widow’s offering in Luke 21:1-4 is a powerful example, where she gave all she had to live on, demonstrating profound trust in God.
3. How can I give regularly and intentionally?
To give regularly and intentionally, plan your giving as a priority in your budget. Follow Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 16:2 to set aside a portion of your income consistently. This helps cultivate a habit of generosity and ensures that giving is a regular part of your life.
4. What are some ways to give in secret?
Giving in secret involves making contributions without seeking public recognition. You can:
- Donate anonymously to charities or individuals in need.
- Give in ways that others may not see, focusing on pleasing God rather than receiving praise from people, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:3-4.
5. How does giving support God’s work?
Giving supports God’s work by providing resources for the church to carry out its mission. This includes spreading the Gospel, helping those in need, and sustaining church activities. Tithing, as encouraged in Malachi 3:10, and offering additional support for specific causes are ways to contribute.
6. What if I don’t have much to give?
It’s not about the amount you give but the heart behind it. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins because she gave all she had (Luke 21:1-4). Even small acts of generosity, given with a sincere and loving heart, are valuable to God.
7. Can giving be more than just financial?
Absolutely. Giving can include your time, talents, and resources. Volunteering, offering your skills to help others, and showing kindness are all forms of giving that please God. It’s about being generous in all aspects of your life.
8. How do I know if my giving aligns with God’s desires?
Reflect on your motivations and the joy you find in giving. Ask yourself if you’re giving out of love, compassion, and faith, and if you’re doing so cheerfully and without seeking recognition. Pray for guidance and trust that God will lead you in your giving.
9. What does it mean to give out of love and compassion?
Giving out of love and compassion means being moved by a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact in their lives. As Jesus taught in Matthew 25:35-40, acts of kindness like feeding the hungry or clothing the needy are expressions of love and service to Him.
10. How can I cultivate a spirit of generosity?
To cultivate a spirit of generosity:
- Practice gratitude for what you have.
- Look for opportunities to help others.
- Give regularly, even in small ways.
- Reflect on the joy and fulfillment that come from giving.
- Pray for a heart that is open and eager to give.
11. Is there a specific amount or percentage I should give?
There’s no specific amount mandated, but many Christians use tithing (giving 10% of their income) as a guideline based on Biblical principles. What’s most important is giving in a way that reflects your commitment, gratitude, and trust in God.
12. How does God reward cheerful and generous giving?
While the rewards of giving aren’t always material, God promises blessings for those who give generously and cheerfully. These blessings can come in many forms, including spiritual growth, increased joy, and deeper relationships with God and others. As stated in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you.”
