Biblical Foundations of Giving: Insights Through the Seven WH Questions
Giving is a fundamental aspect of God’s kingdom, rooted deeply in the foundation of love. As the saying goes, “You can give without love, but you cannot love without giving.” This principle is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating how God designed His kingdom to operate on the principle of receiving in order to give. Understanding and embracing the concept of giving is crucial for anyone who desires to be part of His kingdom.
This article explores the biblical foundation of giving, structured around seven key questions: What?, Why?, Who?, To Whom?, Which?, When?, and Where? From a biblical perspective, we will uncover the importance of giving in the Christian faith and how it should be practiced according to biblical principles.
What Is Giving?
As previously mentioned, giving is a core principle in the kingdom of God. God, by His very nature, is a giver, and He designed His creation to reflect His generous character (John 3:16; Psalm 104:28; Matthew 7:11). Therefore, the biblical concept of giving transcends a simple transactional activity; it is an expression of love and loyalty to the true Owner of the universe—the Lord. Concurring with this thought, Ellen G. White pens, “All things belong to God. All the prosperity we enjoy is the result of divine beneficence. God is the great and bountiful giver. If He requires any portion of the liberal supply He has given us, it is not that He may be enriched by our gifts, for He needs nothing from our hand; but it is that we may have an opportunity to exercise self-denial, love, and sympathy for our fellow men, and thus become highly exalted.”[1]
From a biblical standpoint, giving is not merely a suggestion; it is a command, as it is the only way to truly align with the kingdom of God (Deuteronomy 15:10; Proverbs 3:9, 10). A selfish heart cannot harmonize with the melody of love that resonates throughout God’s kingdom.
Furthermore, the Bible clearly states that heaven does not measure our giving by its quantity, but by the quality of love that accompanies it (Mark 12:41–44). The motive behind the giving is far more important than the amount given (Genesis 4). In essence, the biblical understanding of giving is best grasped when we view it not as a mere transaction, but as an expression of love. It is not a peripheral act but a central principle of the kingdom of God, where the attitude of giving matters more than the amount in the eyes of God.
Why Should We Give?
The following five reasons can be mentioned in answering this question:
Acknowledge the True Giver: By giving to God, we acknowledge that God is the true owner of all resources, and we are merely stewards of His blessings. In Deuteronomy 8:18, we are reminded, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (NIV). When we give, we express our gratitude to God, recognizing His provision in our lives. This act of acknowledgment keeps us humble and reminds us that our possessions are not ours to hoard but to use for His purposes.
Build God’s Kingdom: One of the primary reasons for giving is to contribute to the growth and expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (NIV). One practical way we do this is by investing our resources in God’s mission, ensuring that His message of love, hope, and salvation reaches the ends of the earth.
Cultivate Generosity: Giving teaches us to be selfless, to think of others, and to place the needs of others above our own desires (Acts 20:35; Philippians 2:3, 4). By practicing regular giving, we develop a generous heart, one that mirrors the generosity of God Himself. This habit of generosity transforms us, making us more like Christ.
Demonstrate Our Faith: Giving is a powerful demonstration of our faith in God’s provision. When we give, especially in times of uncertainty or scarcity, we show that our trust is not in our material wealth but in God, who promises to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). It’s an act of faith to give away what the world tells us to hold onto tightly. By giving, we declare our belief that God is our Provider and that He is faithful to care for us. It’s a practical way to live out the truth that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21, NIV).
Embrace God’s Plan to Bless Us: God plans to bless His people, and giving is part of how we enter into this divine cycle of blessing. In Malachi 3:10, God challenges us to “‘bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. . . . Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” When we give, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings, not only materially but also spiritually. Ellen White writes, “The very act of giving expands the heart of the giver, and unites him more fully to the Redeemer of the world.”[2]
Who Should Give?
All Recipients of God’s Gift of Life: Every person who has been given the gift of life by God is called to give. God, as the Creator, is the ultimate giver of life, providing rain, sunshine, and the essentials for survival to all people, regardless of their beliefs or actions. As Matthew 5:45 states, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (NIV). This universal provision reflects God’s grace and generosity, and it places everyone in a position of indebtedness to Him.
Recipients of the Gift of Eternal Life: Beyond the gift of physical life, God offers an even greater gift—eternal life through Jesus Christ. This gift is available to all, but only those who have accepted it understand the full magnitude of what they have received. Ellen White writes, “In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the people of God give less in this age? . . . As our blessings and privileges are increased—above all, as we have before us the unparalleled sacrifice of the glorious Son of God—should not our gratitude find expression in more abundant gifts to extend to others the message of salvation?”[3]
Recipients of the Special Gift of Giving: In addition to the general call for all to give, the Bible teaches that some individuals are endowed with a special gift of giving. Romans 12:6–8 mentions this gift, encouraging those who have it to give generously. These individuals have been specially equipped by God to contribute to His work in extraordinary ways.
To Whom Should We Give?
The Bible provides various types of offerings, each with distinct purposes and recipients. Understanding these offerings helps believers direct their contributions in alignment with divine principles.
Tithe: Tithe involves the giving of one-tenth of one’s increase. Malachi 3:10 instructs believers to bring tithe into the storehouse of the Lord, ensuring that there is food in His house. In modern contexts, tithe is generally directed to the local conference through the local church.[4]
Freewill Offering: Unlike tithe, freewill offerings are given voluntarily and often exceed the prescribed amount. They are driven by personal choice, gratitude, and the desire to support various causes. Exodus 35:29 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 highlight the importance of giving generously and cheerfully from one’s heart, without compulsion. Freewill offerings can be directed toward a variety of recipients, including local and global church budgets, specific church projects, ministry needs, charitable organizations, or community outreach programs.
Vows: Vows involve making specific promises to God, often in response to personal experiences or divine intervention. These promises typically include committing a certain amount or undertaking specific acts of service. Numbers 30:2 and Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5 emphasize the importance of fulfilling vows made to God, illustrating the commitment and sincerity required. The fulfillment of vows can be directed toward particular church initiatives, mission projects, or charitable causes.
Firstfruits: Firstfruits involve giving the initial yield of one’s harvest or the first portion of income to God. Proverbs 3:9 and Exodus 23:19 highlight the principle of honoring God with the first of one’s produce or earnings. In contemporary practice, firstfruits are often given to and through the local church. It reflects the principle of putting God first in all aspects of life, including financial stewardship.
Which Type of Giver Does God Approve?
In answering this question, let us explore five types of givers that God particularly approves of, each supported by biblical principles:
Glad Giver: God takes pleasure in those who give gladly, out of a sincere and joyful heart. The apostle Paul highlights this in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where he writes, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (NIV).
Grateful Giver: They recognize that everything they possess comes from God and see giving as a natural response of thankfulness. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (NIV).
Generous Giver: They go above and beyond in their giving, trusting that God will continue to meet their needs. Jesus also taught this principle in Luke 6:38, saying, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (NIV).
Guided Giver: They are thoughtful and intentional, ensuring that their contributions are aligned with God’s will and directed where they are most needed. James 1:5 further encourages believers to ask for wisdom, assuring us that “if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (NIV). This approach to giving reflects good stewardship and a desire to use God’s resources in a way that honors Him.
God-Focused Giver: They place God at the center of their giving, ensuring that every act of generosity serves to further God’s purposes and bring glory to His name. The apostle Paul also emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 10:31, saying, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (NIV). For the God-Focused Giver, every gift is an opportunity to reflect God’s glory and demonstrate their commitment to His kingdom.
When Should We Give?
Give Regularly: Our giving should be regular and consistent. The apostle Paul emphasized this in 1 Corinthians 16:2, where he instructed the believers, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (NIV). Regular giving reflects a disciplined and committed approach to supporting God’s work.
Give Spontaneously: While regular and planned giving is important, we should also be open to spontaneous acts of generosity. Sometimes, God places opportunities in our path where immediate giving is needed (Acts 4:34, 35). This kind of spontaneous giving arises from a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and ready to respond to the needs of others at a moment’s notice. It reflects a willingness to trust God’s promptings and to act in faith, knowing that our spontaneous gifts can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
Where Should We Give?
Here are three key areas where our giving should be focused:
Set Apart. The first step in giving is to set apart your offerings and tithes, ensuring they are designated for God before they are distributed. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to carefully separate their offerings, treating them as holy and dedicated to God (Deuteronomy 15:19, 20). This principle is still relevant today. Before we give, whether it’s our tithe or freewill offering, we should first set it apart by either placing it in a specific location at home or setting it aside in a dedicated account. By doing this, we acknowledge that this portion belongs to God and is not to be used for any other purpose. This act of separation helps us maintain a mindset of reverence and intentionality in our giving, ensuring that our offerings are given with the right heart and attitude.
Give to and Through the Local Church. The second place where we should bring our giving is the local church. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to bring their tithes and offerings to the storehouse, which was part of the temple, to support the priests and the work of the temple (Malachi 3:10). In the New Testament, this principle continues as believers are encouraged to support the church—the body of Christ—so that it can fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel and serving the community. “The great work for the salvation of souls must be carried forward. In the tithe, with gifts and offerings, He has made provision for this work. Thus He intends that the ministry of the gospel shall be sustained.”[5]
Give Where There Is a Need. We should also direct our giving to areas where there is a need. The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor, the needy, and those who are vulnerable. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Beyond our regular contributions to the local church through our tithe and offerings, we are called to be sensitive to the needs of those around us—whether in our communities, in other ministries, or in mission work across the globe.
How?
In conclusion, it is crucial to understand how the insights gained from answering the seven “W” questions help us draw closer to God in our journey as His stewards. We must allow God to search our hearts and seek His guidance in applying His call to us through His Word (Psalm 139:23, 24). It is also important to continue studying the Scriptures to gain a deeper understanding of His plan. Lastly, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to bring about the changes necessary in our lives to become more like Christ (Zechariah 4:6). [MM1]
[1] Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4 (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1885), 476.
[2] Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1940), 30.
[3] Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1890), 528.
[4] For more information on tithe and its use, see General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Tithing Principles and Guidelines.
[5] Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1900), 300.