What Does the Bible Say About Giving and Generosity?

Generosity is a core biblical value. Paul taught, '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). Jesus said, 'Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over' (Luke 6:38). Proverbs teaches, 'The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself' (Proverbs 11:25). Jesus commended the widow who gave two mites — all she had — saying she gave more than all the wealthy donors (Mark 12:41-44). He warned against giving for public praise: 'When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth' (Matthew 6:3). The early church practiced radical generosity: 'Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own' (Acts 4:32). Paul summarized the principle: 'He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully' (2 Corinthians 9:6). Giving is ultimately an act of worship and trust in God's provision.