The Bible and Giving: Biblical Money Principles for Generosity in Hard Times
So you’re in a financial mess—but by God’s grace, you're in the process of climbing out of it. The burden of debt, rising expenses, and financial instability may have kept you trapped for years—even decades. And while you're not out of the woods yet, you are seeking God's help for a breakthrough. That’s where the Bible and giving offer hope and direction on your path to freedom.
Now, you want to be generous. You want to give. Understandably though with your current situation, you’re unsure where to start or whether it's even the right time.
If you’ve ever felt this tension, know this: God’s Word offers wisdom and grace for every financial season—including the difficult ones.
This guide will help you explore what the Bible says about giving and how you can live generously, even while you’re still on the journey toward financial stability. Here’s what you’ll discover:
- How to give even in seasons of financial strain
- A healthy, strategic plan for giving moving forward
- How to give cheerfully—not out of guilt or pressure
May God give you wisdom and grace, no matter what season you’re in financially.
Before delving into Bible passages on giving, let's start with an overview of what giving actually is, according to the Scriptures...
How does the Bible define giving?
Biblical giving is more than just putting money in a collection plate. It’s a lifestyle of humility, gratitude, and service. Giving, according to the Bible, includes offering your:
- Treasures — financial resources and material goods
- Time — investing in others through presence and availability
- Talents — using your God-given skills to serve and build up the Body of Christ
Giving is not merely a transaction—it’s an act of worship and trust in God as your ultimate provider.
what does the bible say about giving?
This section on the Bible and giving includes a comprehensive list of passages on giving, an important area in connection with our finances that He wants to address.
The Bible has much to say about generosity, stewardship, and caring for others. Whether you’re struggling financially or doing well, these verses offer timeless guidance and encouragement.
📖 List of Bible Verses on the Topic of Giving (WEB)
💝 Giving with a Cheerful Heart
2 Corinthians 9:6–7
“Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:10
“Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.”
Proverbs 11:25
“The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.”
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
Reflection & Application
True generosity flows from a willing and joyful heart, not out of pressure or guilt. When we give freely, trusting God to multiply both our resources and spiritual fruit, we participate in His gracious provision.
🛐 Tithes and Offerings
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be room enough for.”
Leviticus 27:30
“All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh’s. It is holy to Yahweh.”
Deuteronomy 16:17
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to Yahweh your God’s blessing which he has given you.”
Proverbs 3:9–10
“Honor Yahweh (the LORD) with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Reflection & Application
Giving our first and best to God is an act of worship and trust. It acknowledges Him as our provider and invites His blessing—not just materially, but spiritually, in keeping our hearts aligned with His priorities.
🤲 Giving to the Poor and Needy
Mark 12:41–44 (The Widow’s Offering)
“Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. A poor widow came and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin. He called his disciples to himself and said to them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.’”
Proverbs 19:17
“He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.”
Proverbs 28:27
“One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.”
Matthew 6:3–4
“But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Luke 12:33
“Sell what you have and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.”
Reflection & Application
Compassionate giving reflects God's heart for justice and mercy. Whether it's small or great, every gift given to help the poor honors God and becomes a seed of eternal reward.
🪙 God's Provision to the Giver
Philippians 4:19
“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.”
Psalm 112:5
“It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment.”
Reflection & Application
When we release our resources with faith, God proves faithful to meet our needs. He equips us with more than enough—not for personal excess, but to continue blessing others.
🧭 The Heart and Motivation Behind Giving
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Acts 20:35
“In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you. We have given you of your own.”
Reflection & Application
Giving reveals what we truly value. When our treasures are invested in God's purposes, our hearts follow—and we find deeper joy and purpose in living generously.
What is god's purpose for giving?
God’s purposes for giving go far beyond funding ministries or paying church bills. Giving reflects the heart of God in relation to the human race. He wants to align us with His mission of love, justice, and restoration in this world.
Consider these biblical themes:
Freedom and compassion – “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives...” (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18)
Caring for the vulnerable –Many passages throughout Scripture reflect God's concern for the poor, the widow, the orphan, etc. (Deuteronomy 10:18; James 1:27)
Comforting others-- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When we give, we participate in God’s redemptive work on earth. We reflect His generosity and become His hands and feet to a hurting world.
Scriptures on Giving and Receiving
One aspect of this topic-the Bible and giving--actually involves receiving. Giving and receiving are often viewed as separate, but Scripture presents them as deeply connected. God invites us not only to give with an open heart, but also to receive from His abundance with humility and gratitude. True Christian giving trusts God to provide, both for our needs and for future generosity.
📖 Key Verses:
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
- Reflection: Jesus teaches that generosity opens the door to abundant return—not necessarily always material, but full and overflowing in God’s provision. Giving reflects your trust in God's economy rather than the world’s scarcity mindset.
- Application: When you give, give freely and in faith. Trust that God sees and rewards both the act and the attitude behind it.
Philippians 4:15–17 “You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News...no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only...Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account.”
- Reflection: Paul emphasizes not just the generosity of the Philippians, but the spiritual fruit credited to their account because of their giving. Their support of gospel work didn’t go unnoticed—either by Paul or by God.
- Application: Your giving—even to missions, ministries, or people in need—is an investment in eternity. It bears fruit that may not always be visible now, but is recorded in heaven.
2 Corinthians 9:10–11 “Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing...you will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.”
- Reflection: God gives both the resources to meet your needs and the means to bless others. He enriches you not just to make you comfortable, but to make you generous—resulting in worship and gratitude from those helped.
- Application: View yourself as a steward, not an owner. What you have is seed to sow for others’ benefit and God’s glory.
Proverbs 3:9–10 “Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
- Reflection: Giving is a way to honor God, especially when it comes from the first and best of what we receive. God doesn’t overlook this kind of worship—and He promises provision in return.
- Application: Make giving a priority, not an afterthought. Give to God first, and trust Him to take care of the rest.
Scriptures on giving money to the church
When we think of the Bible and giving, images of the offering plate often come to mind. In the New Testament, however, the early church modeled a robust spirit of generosity—not only through financial offerings, but by supporting ministers, meeting community needs, and caring for the poor. Giving to the church is a tangible expression of our commitment to God’s work and a testament to our stewardship.
📖 Key Verses:
1 Corinthians 9:13–14: "Don’t you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.”
Reflection: This verse reminds us that ministry is sustained by generous giving. Church workers and those who labor in the preaching of the gospel depend on our support.
Application: Reflect on how your financial gifts help ensure that the message of hope continues to be shared.
2 Corinthians 8:3–4: “For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.”
Reflection: Here, Paul highlights the voluntary and generous spirit of the early believers. Their sacrificial giving—beyond what was expected—serves as an encouragement for us to support the church wholeheartedly when it comes to giving our time (including prayer support), resources, and talents.
Application: Consider how your contributions, made willingly and cheerfully, foster a deeper fellowship in serving others.
Acts 4:34–35: “For neither was there among them any who lacked... as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.”
Reflection: This passage describes an extraordinary demonstration of unity and care within the early church. Believers willingly sold property to meet communal needs, reflecting a selfless prioritization of the welfare of the Body of Christ.
Application: Think about how such radical generosity challenges you to consider sacrificial giving, even in small ways, for the greater good of your church community.
1 Timothy 5:17–18: “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’”
Reflection: This passage emphasizes that those who serve God faithfully deserve to be supported. These verses are a reminder that giving to the church is not merely a duty but also a way of honoring the workers in ministry.
Application: Consider ways your support (financial or otherwise) can help uplift and sustain those who lead and teach in your community.
Examples of Generous Giving in the Bible: Inspiring Stories of Faith and Sacrifice
These Bible characters modeled generosity and a heart of giving that we can learn from today.
1. Abraham – Gave a Tenth to Melchizedek
Genesis 14:18–20
“Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High. He blessed him... Abram gave him a tenth of all.”
Reflection: Abraham’s tithe was voluntary and worshipful, showing honor to God’s priest before tithing was even commanded in the Law.
Application: Giving can be an act of worship and honor toward God, even before formal commands are given.
2. The Widow at Zarephath – Gave Her Last Meal
1 Kings 17:12–16
“I only have a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil... that I may go in and prepare it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”
Reflection: Her obedience to Elijah and willingness to give out of her poverty led to miraculous provision for her household.
Application: When we give in faith, even from our lack, God is able to sustain and multiply.
The Poor Widow – Gave All She Had
Mark 12:41–44
“‘This poor widow gave more than all those who are giving... she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.’
Reflection: Jesus praised her not for the amount, but for the wholehearted sacrifice. True generosity isn’t measured in dollars.
Application: True generosity is not about the amount but the heart behind the sacrifice.
The Early Church – Gave to Meet Needs
Acts 4:34–35
“...those who were possessors of lands or houses sold them... and laid them at the apostles’ feet... as anyone had need.”
Reflection: Their selfless giving fostered unity and met the practical needs of the Body of Christ.
Application: Generous giving fosters unity and meets real, tangible needs in the Body of Christ.
The Macedonian Churches – Gave Beyond Their Ability
2 Corinthians 8:1–3
“In a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.”
Reflection: They didn’t give out of excess—they gave out of hardship, with joy, trusting God’s grace.
Application: Joyful giving can overflow even in times of hardship when fueled by God’s grace.
The Shunammite Woman – Gave to Elisha
2 Kings 4:8–10
“Let’s make a little room for him on the wall... so that he can stay there when he comes to us.”
Reflection: Her hospitality and generosity toward God’s prophet resulted in a powerful blessing in her life.
Application: Hospitality and generosity toward God’s servants often open the door for unexpected blessings.
Giving isn’t just a command—it’s a theme woven through the lives of faithful men and women throughout Scripture. Whether through tithes, offerings, hospitality, or sacrificial generosity, each of these individuals honored God and blessed others through their giving.
7 Practical steps to apply the bible and giving--even in times of financial difficulty
Step # 1: Pray for Wisdom and a Giving Heart
Start with prayer. Ask God to give you both wisdom and the willingness to honor Him with your finances—no matter how tight things feel. Generosity begins in the heart before it shows up in the budget.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” – James 1:5 (WEB)
Step # 2: Prioritize Giving—Even If It’s Small
Set aside a portion of your income—however modest—for giving. Tithes, offerings, or spontaneous generosity reflect trust in God as your Provider.
“Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase.” – Proverbs 3:9 (WEB)
💡 Tips: Start with 1% or $5/week if 10% feels unreachable. God honors your intent and faith. Take time to work on debt elimination, reduction of expenses and/or proper budgeting. Then, gradually increase your giving as able and as you feel led.
Step # 3: Use the Envelope Method to Budget with Purpose
Create physical (or digital) envelopes labeled by category: Giving, Rent, Groceries, Gas, Emergencies, etc. Allocate your monthly income accordingly—giving goes in its own envelope first to reflect priority.
It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2 (WEB)
Tools: Use actual envelopes or apps like:
Goodbudget -- a digital version of the envelope system.
EveryDollar – a user-friendly budgeting app created by Dave Ramsey’s team.
Step # 4: Trim Expenses and Reassess Needs vs. Wants
Take an honest look at where your money is going. Cancel unused subscriptions, cut back on eating out, and explore low-cost grocery hacks. Freeing up funds can allow for more generosity.
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6 (WEB)
Step # 5: Look for Ways to Give Beyond Money
Giving isn’t just financial. Donate time, skills, encouragement, or possessions. God values sacrificial, cheerful giving in any form.
“For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.” – 2 Corinthians 8:12 (WEB)
Step # 6: Meditate on Scriptures About Giving and Receiving
Build your faith by reading and reflecting on key verses regularly. This renews your mind and strengthens trust in God’s provision. Include passages like:
Step # 7: Celebrate Progress and Stay Faithful
- Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you...”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6–10 – “God loves a cheerful giver...”
- Philippians 4:19 – “My God will supply every need of yours...”
Track your steps. Celebrate when you give consistently, meet a need, or experience breakthrough—no matter how small. Stay faithful and keep trusting.
“Don’t be weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap…” – Galatians 6:9 (WEB)
I hope this page on the Bible and giving encourages and guides you, and that the Lord provides as you aim to honor Him through your giving!
Explore the Full Guide: Master Your Finances with Biblical Money Principles
Unlock powerful biblical insights to overcome debt, budget wisely, give generously, and plan for the future with faith.
Introduction – Money Principles in the Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Financial Stress Through Biblical Stewardship
Chapter 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Debt?
Chapter 2 – Biblical Principles of Faithful Stewardship
Chapter 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Saving Money?
Chapter 5 – Biblical Principles of Honesty and Integrity in Finances
Chapter 6 – Biblical Principles of Contentment and Trust in God
Chapter 7 – Living Out Biblical Stewardship: A Faith-Filled Conclusion