The concept of giving holds a significant place within the biblical narrative, reflecting the character of God and the call for His people to emulate His generosity. The sacredness of giving is rooted in the understanding that all resources ultimately belong to God, and humans are stewards of His creation. This entry explores the biblical foundation, principles, and examples of giving as a sacred act.

Biblical Foundation

The sacredness of giving is established in the Old Testament, where the Israelites were commanded to give tithes and offerings as an act of worship and obedience. Leviticus 27:30 states, "Thus any tithe of the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This command underscores the holiness of giving, as it is set apart for God.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the heart behind giving. In Matthew 6:3-4 , He instructs, "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." This teaching highlights the importance of sincerity and humility in giving.

Principles of Giving

1. Generosity: The Bible encourages believers to give generously, reflecting God's abundant provision. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , Paul writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

2. Sacrifice: True giving often involves sacrifice, as demonstrated by the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44 . Jesus commends her for giving "out of her poverty" and contributing "all she had to live on," illustrating that the value of a gift is not in its amount but in the heart and sacrifice behind it.

3. Stewardship: Believers are called to be faithful stewards of God's resources. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This principle extends to financial resources, talents, and time.

4. Trust in God: Giving is an act of faith, trusting that God will provide for one's needs. Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."

Examples of Giving

1. Abraham's Tithe to Melchizedek: In Genesis 14:18-20 , Abraham gives a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, acknowledging God's sovereignty and blessing.

2. The Early Church: Acts 2:44-45 describes the early believers who "were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal sharing exemplifies the spirit of generosity and unity.

3. The Macedonian Churches: In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 , Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their generosity despite their extreme poverty, noting that "they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability."

4. The Good Samaritan: In Luke 10:30-37 , the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates selfless giving, as the Samaritan provides for the wounded man's needs without expecting anything in return.

The sacredness of giving is a profound theme throughout Scripture, calling believers to reflect God's generosity, exercise faithful stewardship, and trust in His provision. Through giving, Christians participate in God's redemptive work and demonstrate His love to the world.