Giving is more than a ritual, it’s a reflection of our faith, gratitude, and trust in God. The Bible is filled with verses that guide and inspire us in the area of offering, from cheerful giving to sacrificial generosity.
Whether you're preparing a sermon, leading a Bible study, or seeking personal growth, these verses offer encouragement and clarity. Below are 19 powerful Bible verses about offering, each with a thoughtful description to help you understand the heart behind giving.
1. Give Cheerfully, Not Reluctantly: 2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
This verse emphasizes the spirit behind our giving. God isn’t just concerned with how much we give, but with the attitude we carry when giving. A cheerful giver understands that giving is a privilege and a joy, not a burden. It's a heart decision, not an obligation, and when we give from a place of joy, it reflects our love and gratitude toward God.
2. Honor the Lord with Your Wealth: Proverbs 3:9–10
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Giving isn’t just a financial transaction, it’s an act of worship. This passage encourages us to give God the first and best of what we have, not what's left over. When we prioritize God in our finances, we’re showing that He comes first in every area of our lives. In return, God promises to bless and provide abundantly.
3. God Provides Seed to the Sower: 2 Corinthians 9:10
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."
This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate provider. When we give, we’re sowing seeds into His kingdom, and He not only supplies the seed but promises to multiply it. Our offerings are never wasted; they bring about a harvest of righteousness that glorifies God and benefits others. Giving with faith unlocks divine provision.
4. Sacrificial Giving Pleases God: Mark 12:43–44
"And he called his disciples to him and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"
This powerful example of the widow's offering teaches us that God values the heart behind the gift more than the amount. True generosity is often sacrificial. Even the smallest gift, when given in faith and love, can be more meaningful to God than a large offering given without thought or trust.
5. Give Generously and Without a Grudging Heart: Deuteronomy 15:10
"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."
God’s blessings are closely tied to the condition of our hearts when we give. This verse calls us to be generous without resentment. Grudging giving negates the joy and power of generosity. But when we give freely and joyfully, God promises to bless not only our finances but also the work of our hands.
6. Bring the Full Tithe: Malachi 3:10
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
This verse is both a command and a challenge. God invites us to trust Him with our tithes and offerings, promising that our obedience will unlock divine blessings. It’s one of the few places in Scripture where God says, “Test me.” When we give faithfully, God shows Himself faithful.
7. Freely You Have Received, Freely Give: Matthew 10:8
"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
Jesus reminds His disciples, and us, that everything we have is a gift from God. Our talents, time, and treasures are all entrusted to us for a purpose. Since we’ve received so freely from Him, it’s only fitting that we give freely to others. Generosity becomes an outpouring of grace we’ve already experienced.
8. Giving Is an Act of Worship: Philippians 4:18
"I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God."
Paul’s words show that financial gifts given to support ministry are not just practical, they’re spiritual acts of worship. When we give to support the work of the Gospel, we’re offering a pleasing sacrifice to God. Our generosity becomes a sweet aroma in His presence, much like Old Testament offerings at the altar.
9. Blessing Comes to the Generous: Proverbs 11:25
"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
This proverb highlights a spiritual principle: those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. When we live generously, we don’t lose, we gain. God uses our giving not just to bless others but to enrich our own lives, both spiritually and practically. It's a reminder that generosity always finds its way back to the giver.
10. Giving Reflects God’s Nature: John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
At the core of Christianity is the ultimate act of giving, God offering His only Son for our salvation. When we give, we reflect the very heart of God. Our generosity becomes a small echo of the greatest gift ever given. It reminds us that giving is not about obligation but about love.
11. Blessing Comes to the Generous: Proverbs 11:25
"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of generosity. When we refresh others through our giving, whether materially, emotionally, or spiritually, God promises that we too will be refreshed. Offering isn't about loss; it's about abundance that flows both ways. A generous life is a fruitful one, where blessings aren’t hoarded but shared, and God honors those who pour out in love.
12. Do Not Withhold Good: Proverbs 3:27
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it."
God calls us to be active and intentional in doing good, especially when we have the means to help. This verse teaches us to be aware of the needs around us and to act quickly and generously when we’re able. Offering is not only a spiritual discipline but a moral responsibility, and withholding generosity when it’s within our power is contrary to God’s heart.
13. Store Up Treasures in Heaven: Matthew 6:19–21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
This passage redirects our focus from material wealth to eternal investment. When we give generously to God’s work, we’re storing up treasures in heaven that are imperishable. Offering becomes an eternal act, aligning our hearts with God’s kingdom rather than the temporary pleasures of earth. Where and how we give reveals what we truly value.
14. The Generous Will Be Remembered: Psalm 112:5–6
"It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever."
Generosity is not only a blessing to others but leaves a legacy of righteousness. This verse reassures us that God sees and honors those who give and live with integrity. A generous person builds a solid foundation, rooted in justice and kindness. Our offerings, when given in love and fairness, create an impact that outlives us.
"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Paul reminds the church that generosity begins within the family of believers. Whether it’s financial assistance, food, or emotional support, we are called to meet the needs of our fellow Christians. Offering is more than money, it's about open hearts and homes. Hospitality and generosity work hand in hand as evidence of sincere faith.
16. God Enriches You to Be Generous: 2 Corinthians 9:11
"You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Here we learn the purpose of God's provision: so we can be generous. Our blessings are not just for us, they're meant to overflow into the lives of others. And as we give, others will thank and praise God. Offering, then, becomes a channel through which God is glorified and His goodness is made known.
17. A Heart Moved by God: Exodus 35:21
"And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting."
In this Old Testament example, the people gave willingly and joyfully to build the tabernacle. Their giving wasn’t demanded, it was inspired by a heart touched by God. Offering should be a natural response to God's presence and purpose. When our hearts are moved by His Spirit, giving becomes a joyful expression of worship.
18. Love Through Actions and Truth: 1 John 3:17–18
"But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?… let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
True love is more than words; it's demonstrated through action. John challenges believers to respond to needs with tangible generosity. Offering is a clear and powerful way to express God’s love. If we claim to have His love within us, it should naturally result in compassionate, selfless giving to those in need.
19. Generosity Leads to Praise: 2 Corinthians 9:12–13
"For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God."
Paul explains that offerings not only meet practical needs, they also inspire worship. When we give, others see God’s provision and are moved to give thanks. Our generosity becomes a witness to God's faithfulness and stirs spiritual gratitude. Offering, then, is both a ministry and a means for glorifying God through the lives it touches.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.