It always gets a little quiet in church when the topic of finances is brought up—which is surprising considering how often Jesus brought up the subject.
Maybe it’s our modern privacy-loving context, or maybe the disciples were squirming in their seats just like we do when Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Either way, if we’re going to follow Jesus we are going to have to do something with “our treasure” so we better figure it out and act accordingly.
No Absolutes
One thing notably absent from Scripture is a one-size-fits-all prescription for giving. Anyone studying Scripture quickly learns that God cares more about the heart of the giver than the amount given.
That being said, many view the principle of the tithe—giving 10% of one’s income—as a foundational guideline for generosity. The tithe is rooted in Old Testament teaching, such as in Leviticus 27:30 and Malachi 3:10, where God invites His people to “bring the full tithe into the storehouse” and promises blessings for their faithfulness.
While we recognize that we are no longer under the Mosaic Law, the tithe is often embraced as a starting point for giving. It’s seen as a practical, God-honoring way to prioritize generosity and align our finances with His kingdom work.
Cheerfulness Required
“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). That’s a verse we know well, but it’s worth meditating on.
Notice the silence here. This verse and the passages surrounding it make no prescription for how much to give—the focus is entirely on the heart of the giver.
God doesn’t want reluctant offerings or begrudging obedience. His invitation is for us to give joyfully, as an act of worship. We aren’t called to check some box of 10%, we are commanded to give with a smile in our heart.
When our giving flows from a cheerful heart, it points to a deeper trust in God’s provision. It reminds us that our joy isn’t in material wealth but in serving the One who owns it all.
Sacrificial in the Best Way
Of course, cheerful doesn’t mean easy. Giving that pleases God often stretches us. We ought to give like the widow who gave her two coins in Luke 21. She gave all she had to live on, and wasn’t praised for the amount she gave but for the heart behind it.
However, it’s important to note that Scripture balances sacrifice with responsibility.
Paul writes, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
Sacrificial giving never means neglecting the needs of your household. It means trusting God enough to let go of what feels comfortable and supporting His work with wisdom and generosity.
The Blessings of a Transformed Heart
Here’s the beautiful thing about giving: it transforms us. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Why? Because giving shifts our focus off ourselves and onto God and others. It aligns our hearts with His.
When we give, we participate in the work of the gospel. We grow in faith, experience the joy of generosity, and see God’s provision in new ways.
In giving, we’re reminded that everything we have is ultimately His anyway.
Start with Something
If giving feels daunting, don’t let that paralyze you. Start with something. Take a small step of faith and watch how God uses it to grow your trust in Him.
Even the smallest act of giving can be a profound act of worship. Start where you are, give joyfully, and let God transform your heart through the overflow of His grace.
Let’s remember: it’s not just about treasure—it’s about trust. When we trust God with our finances, we’re freed to experience His provision, and our hearts are changed for His glory and our good.
