Understanding Biblical Giving in the New Testament Church
One of the most misunderstood and sometimes neglected acts of worship is the matter of giving. While many associate giving with tithing, fundraising, or emotional appeals, the New Testament presents a much simpler and more purposeful pattern: giving as one has been prospered.
In this post, we will take a closer look at what the Bible teaches about giving, how it was practiced in the early church, and how Christians today should approach this vital part of worship.
The Command to Give
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:2
Giving is not just a good suggestion or an optional gesture. It is part of authorized worship, just like singing, praying, preaching, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
Notice these key aspects of Paul’s instruction:
- Giving is done on the first day of the week.
- Every Christian is to participate — “each one of you”.
- Giving is done as he may prosper, not as he is pressured.
- The purpose was to meet the needs of the saints and the work of the church.
Giving Is Not Tithing
Many assume that Christians are commanded to tithe (give 10%), but this is a misapplication of the Old Testament law (Leviticus 27:30). Tithing was part of the Law of Moses, which has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). The New Testament church is never commanded to tithe.
Instead, Christians are to give:
- Voluntarily
- Cheerfully
- According to their prosperity
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Principles of New Testament Giving
1. Proportionate Giving
“…as he may prosper…”
— 1 Corinthians 16:2
The more God blesses you materially, the more you are able to give. Those who have more give more. Those who have less are not burdened (2 Corinthians 8:12). Giving is proportional, not a fixed percentage like the tithe.
2. Purposeful Giving
“…let each one give as he purposes in his heart…”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving should not be impulsive or forced but intentional. A Christian should thoughtfully decide, beforehand, what they will give.
3. Cheerful Giving
“…for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
God does not desire gifts given with resentment or reluctance. Giving should be an act of love, joy, and gratitude for God’s blessings.
4. Private Giving
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
— Matthew 6:3
While public collections are taken, the attitude and amount should never be a matter of show. Giving is between the Christian and God, not the Christian and the crowd.
Why Do Christians Give?
1. To Support the Work of the Church
- Preaching the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14)
- Caring for needy saints (Acts 4:32-35; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Supporting evangelism and missionaries (Philippians 4:15-17)
2. To Show Love and Trust
Giving is a response to God’s goodness. It reflects the heart of the giver and demonstrates trust in God’s continued provision (Matthew 6:33).
3. To Lay Up Treasure in Heaven
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
— Matthew 6:20
Giving is not just about meeting earthly needs. It is about investing in eternal things.
Examples of Early Christian Giving
The Macedonians
“…they gave beyond their ability, of their own accord…”
— 2 Corinthians 8:3
Despite poverty, the Macedonian Christians gave generously. Their giving was voluntary and motivated by grace.
The Jerusalem Church
“And they continued steadfastly… in the fellowship…”
— Acts 2:42
This fellowship included financial sharing to care for the needy among them (Acts 2:44-45). The early church took seriously the needs of fellow Christians.
Giving: More Than Money
Though New Testament giving often refers to material support, faithful Christians are also to:
- Give time
- Give talents
- Give service
- Give encouragement
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
— Galatians 6:10
Avoiding Abuses and Misunderstandings
Unfortunately, giving has been twisted in many modern religious settings:
- Some demand mandatory tithes, which the New Testament never commands.
- Some use giving to manipulate emotions with guilt or fear.
- Some commercialize giving, turning worship into a fundraiser.
True New Testament giving is never about pressure or profit. It is an act of sincere worship motivated by love and gratitude.
Giving as Worship
Giving is not a business transaction; it is an act of worship:
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:6
Every first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2), Christians assemble to:
- Sing
- Pray
- Teach
- Partake of the Lord’s Supper
- Give
This is part of our spiritual sacrifice to God.
Conclusion
Giving as prospered is:
- Authorized by God (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Proportional (2 Corinthians 8:12)
- Purposeful (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The Lord desires giving that reflects a heart of love, thankfulness, and commitment. It is not about how much, but about how you give—freely, cheerfully, and according to the prosperity God has given you.