Definition and Overview:
Christ-centered giving refers to the practice of offering resources, whether financial, material, or personal, in a manner that reflects the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This form of giving is characterized by selflessness, generosity, and a focus on advancing the Kingdom of God. It is rooted in the understanding that all possessions are ultimately God's and that believers are stewards of His resources.

Biblical Foundations:
The concept of Christ-centered giving is deeply embedded in the New Testament teachings. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of giving with the right heart and intention. In Matthew 6:1-4 , Jesus instructs, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 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. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Principles of Christ-Centered Giving:

1. Generosity and Sacrifice:
Christ-centered giving is marked by generosity and a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others. The Apostle Paul highlights the Macedonian churches as an example of this in 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 : "In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it."

2. Cheerfulness and Willingness:
Giving should be done cheerfully and willingly, not out of compulsion or reluctance. 2 Corinthians 9:7 states, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."

3. Stewardship:
Believers are called to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. This includes using their time, talents, and treasures to serve others and glorify God. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of using what we have been given to produce fruit for the Kingdom.

4. Focus on Eternal Rewards:
Christ-centered giving is motivated by a desire for eternal rewards rather than earthly recognition. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 , "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Examples of Christ-Centered Giving:

1. The Widow's Offering:
In Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes a poor widow who gives two small coins, all she had to live on, and commends her for giving more than the wealthy who contributed out of their abundance. This account exemplifies sacrificial giving and trust in God's provision.

2. The Early Church:
The early Christians practiced communal living and shared their possessions to ensure that no one was in need. Acts 4:32-35 describes how "all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned."

Conclusion:
Christ-centered giving is an integral aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the love and generosity of Jesus Christ. It calls believers to give selflessly, steward their resources wisely, and focus on eternal rather than temporal rewards. Through such giving, Christians participate in the work of God's Kingdom and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.