Giving is one of the clearest ways we show what we truly treasure. The Bible has much to say about honoring God with our resources, from the ancient tithe to the cheerful, generous heart the New Testament describes. Giving is worship, not merely a bill to pay.
The short answer
Scripture teaches us to honor God with the firstfruits of our increase, historically through the tithe of a tenth given to the Lord's work. The heart matters most: God loves a cheerful giver, one who gives willingly and generously, not grudgingly. Giving flows from gratitude and trust that God provides.
Honor God with your firstfruits
Long before the law, God's people gave to Him first, off the top, not from the leftovers.
"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."Proverbs 3:9-10
Giving to God first is an act of faith. It says we trust Him to provide for the rest, and it puts Him in His rightful place over our finances.
The tithe belongs to the Lord
The tithe, a tenth, was set apart as holy to God under the law.
"And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD."Leviticus 27:30
God even invited His people to test His faithfulness in this area, promising to pour out blessing on those who bring their tithes.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."Malachi 3:10
Give cheerfully, not grudgingly
The New Testament emphasizes the attitude of the giver above the amount.
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."2 Corinthians 9:7
God is not looking for reluctant, arm-twisted gifts. He delights in the heart that gives gladly, having settled the matter with joy rather than pressure.
You cannot out-give God
Jesus promised that generosity returns to the giver in God's own measure.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom."Luke 6:38
This is not a scheme to get rich. It is the simple truth that God cares for those who give, and that generous people find themselves cared for in ways money cannot buy.
A common misunderstanding
Some think giving is a way to buy God's favor or earn salvation. It is not. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by anything we pay. Others think the tithe is a burdensome tax. But giving is meant to be joyful worship, a grateful response to all God has given us, chief of all His Son. And God does not ask us to give beyond our means or to neglect our families. He asks for a willing, cheerful heart that honors Him first.
You are welcome to talk with us
If you have questions about giving, or if you want to understand how to honor God with your finances, we would love to help. Here in Greenwood we care far more about your heart and your walk with the Lord than about your wallet. Please reach out any time, and we would be glad to have you visit us this Sunday.