#christiangiving

New Testament Giving Explained: Biblical Principles of Christian Generosity

Understanding New Testament giving involves more than comparing tithes and offerings. Examining the teachings of Jesus, Paul, the early church, and later historical developments provides a broader perspective on Christian generosity.

Tithing vs. Charity explores the difference between giving out of obligation and giving from the heart, guiding believers toward purposeful and meaningful generosity.

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. Luke 6:38 Our focus text is most often used to motivate us to give to the church. But it means so much more.

Jesus’ instruction wasn’t given in a church nor to a gathering of believers. He wasn’t leading a fund raiser for a new Sunday School building. And He wasn’t asking for money to expand His TV ministry. The theme of Jesus’ message was Give as God Gives. Following Christ is grace in action. To give only from our material wealth is to miss the point of His instruction. Jesus wants us to give love, even to our enemies. That involves doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us, and praying for those who mistreat us. (Luke 6:27-36) We are to give mercy. In verse 36, Jesus says, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” And when you give love and mercy, “Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.” (v35) Jesus even tells us why this kind of giving is necessary. “…because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” God is kind to those who don’t deserve it. As God’s children, we are to follow His example and specialize in grace giving. Jesus continues to expound upon the giving He expects. Don’t judge. Don’t condemn. Forgive. (v37) All are acts of grace, giving people who wrong us what they don’t deserve. Some people have hurt us so deeply we would rather drop our paycheck in the offering plate than give the gift of forgiveness. It’s hard to turn loose of grievous wrongs inflicted upon us. As we hold onto that grudge, we continue to judge our enemy’s actions, never giving them the benefit of the doubt. But Jesus wants us to turn loose of that judgmental and condemning spirit and forgive. Then in verse 38, Jesus tells us what happens when we participate in grace giving. “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.” Luke 6:38 The only reference Jesus makes to material possessions in Luke 6 relates to people who wrong us. “If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.” (v29) “…if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” (v30) Jesus also says, “lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” (v35) Now, when we give this way we will get back more than we give. But don’t expect it from the recipients of your grace and mercy. God will repay your generosity in great measure. His gift will always be greater than what you have given. So that old expression, “You can’t outgive God,” is true. As we’ve seen from our focus text in Luke 6, God is looking for gifts of grace and mercy to others. Soon after He said these things, Jesus offered the ultimate gift of grace and mercy on the cross at Calvary. He is our model for giving. Is there a grudge from which you need to turn loose? Is there someone you haven’t forgiven? If so, why don’t you offer that gift of grace right now? And if you find it impossible, then offer that burden to God. Ask Him to help you do the right thing. For more on this topic, check out this article: God Will Meet All Your Needs Reprinted from The Forever Notebook, Book 2 (April - June) Get your copy here: Paperback and eBook/Kindle formats.