1. Ten Reasons to Give
If you are reading this book, you may think you don't need to ask "Why should I give?" – the chances are you already have one or more very good reasons in mind. But it is a good question for every Christian to ask, nonetheless. Focusing on the reasons for giving helps us to see it in better perspective, helps us to see reasons we might not have thought of, and often helps us to better implement the attitude of giving that every Christian should develop. So, consider the following ten reasons for giving. They certainly are not the only ones that could be listed, but for the Christian they are the most important and are all aspects of giving that we should keep in mind as we begin to look at this topic. In each case we let the Bible speak for itself by briefly listing a few scriptures that help explain the specific principle. 1. Giving is part of God's nature. The Bible makes it clear that God's very nature is one of giving: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 and see Acts 17:25; James 1:17). Because we are called to learn to become like God (Ephesians 4:24), we are also called to learn to give.
2. Giving is commanded. Although it is sometimes said that giving is not commanded in the New Testament in the same way it was under the old covenant, the principle of giving still applies, and the New Testament contains numerous commands to give. We see this in Jesus' words "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8 and see 1 Corinthian 16:1–2; 1 Timothy 6:17–18). 3. Giving draws us closer to God. Although we do not give in order to somehow improve our relationship with God, it is a spiritual reality that giving does draw us closer to God. As the author of Hebrews tells us: "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16 and see 2 Corinthians 9:7; Philippians 4:18). 4. Giving helps those who cannot help themselves. As we will see later, giving to those who are in true need is a central part of the teachings of the Old and New Testaments alike. "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak" (Acts 20:35 and see Proverbs 19:17; James 2:15–16). 5. Giving strengthens the Church. The Bible records stories of Christians helping other believers in need from the very foundation of the New Testament Church. Paul taught that lasting principle when he wrote: "When God's people are in need, be ready to help them" (Romans 12:13 NLT and see Acts 4:32; 2 Corinthians 8:2–4). 6. Giving is blessed. This should perhaps be the last reason we focus on when we think of giving, yet it is a fundamental truth that we need not feel apologetic about. Giving should never be done in order to get, but we should not be surprised when our giving is blessed, either – as Jesus himself taught: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35 and see Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:17).
7. Giving is part of the gospel. Giving is something that God uses to help others see his way of life in action. In that sense, giving is a part of preaching the gospel: "others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else" (2 Corinthians 9:13 and see Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 8:7). 8. Giving is managing what is God's. Eventually, every Christian comes to realize that in this life we are not owners, but stewards or managers of what God has given us. "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand" (1 Chronicles 29:14 and see Luke 12:48; 1 Peter 4:10).
9. Giving expresses thankfulness. Whatever and however we choose to give, giving can and does express our thankfulness to God for all that we have received. That is the truth behind the psalmist's question: "What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?" (Psalms 116:12 and see Leviticus 22:29; Psalm 50:23).
10. Giving makes us more like Christ. We have already said that giving is part of God's nature, but the New Testament specifically draws our attention to Christ's example of giving and urges us to follow it. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us" (Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV and see Ephesians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 8:9). These ten points only begin to scratch the surface of the Bible's teaching on giving. As we look more closely at what the Bible has to say on this subject, we will see additional reasons for giving in the following chapters. And as we expand our knowledge of these many reasons to give, we will come to see why and how giving should be such a central part of our Christian lives.