What does the Bible teach about the heart attitude behind giving?

The topic of tithing and the heart attitude behind giving is a profoundly significant aspect of Christian living. The Bible provides deep and multifaceted insights into the nature of giving, emphasizing that it is not merely the act itself but the heart behind the act that matters to God. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I would like to explore this theme through the lens of Scripture, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of how our hearts should align with our acts of giving.

The Bible teaches that the heart attitude behind giving is of paramount importance. This principle is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments. One of the foundational passages on this topic is found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul 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." This verse encapsulates the essence of giving in the Christian context. It is not about the amount given but the attitude with which it is given. God values a cheerful giver, someone who gives out of joy and willingness rather than out of obligation or pressure.

The concept of cheerful giving is rooted in the understanding that everything we have is a gift from God. In 1 Chronicles 29:14, King David acknowledges this truth when he says, "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." Recognizing that our resources are ultimately God's provision fosters a heart of gratitude and humility. This gratitude should naturally overflow into our giving, making it an act of worship and thanksgiving rather than a mere duty.

Jesus Himself addressed the heart attitude behind giving in His teachings. In Matthew 6:1-4, He warns against giving for the sake of public recognition: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Jesus emphasizes that the motivation behind our giving should not be to gain human approval but to honor God. The act of giving should be done in humility and secrecy, reflecting a sincere desire to serve and bless others.

Moreover, the Bible teaches that giving should be done generously and sacrificially. In the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44, Jesus highlights the significance of sacrificial giving. While many rich people put in large amounts of money into the temple treasury, a poor widow put in two small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Jesus called His disciples and said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." This story illustrates that the value of a gift is not measured by its monetary worth but by the level of sacrifice and the heart of the giver. The widow's act of giving, though small in amount, was immense in its sacrificial nature and demonstrated her complete trust in God's provision.

The principle of generosity is also highlighted in Proverbs 11:24-25: "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Generosity is portrayed as a virtue that brings blessings not only to the recipient but also to the giver. This reciprocal nature of generosity underscores the idea that giving is a means of participating in God's economy of grace and abundance.

In addition to generosity and cheerfulness, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of intentionality and planning in giving. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul instructs 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." This directive suggests that giving should be a deliberate and regular practice, reflecting a disciplined approach to stewardship. By setting aside a portion of our income for giving, we acknowledge God's lordship over our finances and prioritize His kingdom work.

Furthermore, the heart attitude behind giving is intricately connected to the principle of love. In 1 John 3:17-18, we read, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." Genuine love for others compels us to act generously and meet their needs. Our giving should be motivated by love, reflecting the selfless love of Christ who gave Himself for us.

The early church exemplified this heart attitude in their communal life. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers' practice of sharing their possessions: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." This radical generosity and communal sharing were driven by their love for one another and their commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. Their example challenges us to consider how we can cultivate a similar heart of generosity and mutual care in our own communities.

In addition to scriptural teachings, Christian literature also provides valuable insights into the heart attitude behind giving. For instance, C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses the virtue of charity. He writes, "Charity—giving to the poor—is an essential part of Christian morality: in the frightening parable of the sheep and the goats it seems to be the point on which everything turns." Lewis emphasizes that charity is not just about giving money but about cultivating a heart of compassion and generosity. He challenges believers to give not only out of their surplus but to give in a way that requires sacrifice, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ.

Similarly, Randy Alcorn, in his book "The Treasure Principle," explores the biblical principles of stewardship and generosity. He asserts, "You can't take it with you—but you can send it on ahead." Alcorn encourages believers to view their earthly possessions as temporary and to invest in eternal treasures by giving generously to God's work. He underscores the joy and fulfillment that come from aligning our hearts with God's purposes and using our resources to bless others.

In conclusion, the Bible teaches that the heart attitude behind giving is crucial. Our giving should be characterized by cheerfulness, gratitude, humility, generosity, intentionality, and love. It should be an act of worship and a reflection of our trust in God's provision. By cultivating a heart of generosity and aligning our giving with biblical principles, we participate in God's work of blessing others and advancing His kingdom. As we give, let us remember the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and strive to embody the heart of a cheerful and generous giver.