Giving in Christianity: An Act of Worship and Love
Giving is an important aspect of the Christian faith, as it reflects God’s character and his plan of salvation for humankind. Giving is also a way of expressing our worship and love for God and for others. In this article, we will explore some of the biblical principles and examples of giving in Christianity.
Giving is an act of worship. The Bible teaches that giving is part of our service and devotion to God, who is the source and owner of everything we have. Giving is a way of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and grace, and of offering him our gratitude and praise. Giving is also a way of participating in God’s mission and kingdom, as we support his work and his people with our resources. Giving is a spiritual discipline that helps us grow in our faith and maturity, as we trust God with our needs and desires, and as we seek his will and glory.
Examples of giving as an act of worship.
Practice of tithing which means giving a tenth of one’s income or produce to God.
Tithing was established by God in the Old Testament as a way of supporting the priests, the temple, the poor, and the festivals (Leviticus 27:30-331; Numbers 18:21-321; Deuteronomy 14:22-291). Tithing was also a way of honoring God as the Creator and Provider, and of expressing one’s faithfulness and obedience to him (Malachi 3:8-121). In the New Testament, tithing is not explicitly commanded, but it is affirmed as a good practice by Jesus (Matthew 23:231) and by the early church (Acts 4:32-371).
The practice of offering, which means giving freely and generously to God beyond the tithe. Offering is motivated by love, gratitude, joy, and sacrifice, rather than by duty, obligation, or fear. Offering is a way of responding to God’s grace and generosity, and of sharing in his blessings and abundance. Offering is also a way of contributing to God’s purposes and causes, such as the gospel, the church, the poor, and the needy.
Practice of the Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving” in Greek.
The Eucharist is a ritual commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, where he gave thanks to God for the bread and wine, which he identified as his body and blood (Matthew 26:26-291). The Eucharist is a way of remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection for our salvation, and of proclaiming his Lordship and return. The Eucharist is also a way of participating in Jesus’ sacrifice and covenant, and of expressing our unity and fellowship with him and with each other (1 Corinthians 10:16-171; 11:23-26).
Giving is an act of love. The Bible teaches that giving is a manifestation of God’s love for us, and of our love for him and for others. Giving is a way of imitating God’s character and actions, who gave his only Son for our salvation (John 3:161), who gives us every good thing (James 1:171), who gives us grace upon grace (John 1:161), who gives us his Spirit (Luke 11:131), who gives us eternal life (Romans 6:231), etc. Giving is also a way of fulfilling God’s commandment to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-401).
Practice of alms-giving, which means giving to the poor.
Alms-giving was taught by Jesus as an expression of righteousness and mercy (Matthew 6:1-41; Luke 6:30-361). Alms-giving was also practiced by the early church as a sign of their love for one another (Acts 2:44-451; 6:1-71). Alms-giving is a way of showing compassion and kindness to those in need, and of reflecting God’s concern for justice and dignity for all people.
Practice of stewardship, which means managing wisely what God has entrusted to us. Stewardship involves using our time, talents, gifts, abilities, money, possessions, opportunities, etc., for God’s glory and service. Stewardship is a way of honoring God as the owner and master of everything, and of being faithful and accountable to him. Stewardship is also a way of serving God and others with our resources, and of being generous and fruitful with what we have.
Conclusion
Giving is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, as it reflects God’s character and his plan of salvation for humankind. Giving is also a way of expressing our worship and love for God and for others. Giving is not a burden or a duty, but a privilege and a joy. Giving is not a matter of amount or percentage, but of attitude and motive. Giving is not a legalistic or mechanical act, but a spiritual and relational one. Giving is not an end in itself, but a means to an end: to glorify God and to advance his kingdom. May we always give with gratitude, faith, cheerfulness, and love, for the sake of the gospel, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, and for the pleasure of our loving heavenly Father. Amen.