12 Types of Giving in the Bible

The act of giving is a fundamental part of the Christian faith. Giving has been a prevalent theme throughout the Bible, and it reflects the heart and character of God.

As stated in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse highlights how giving is an essential demonstration of love.

See also: Bible Verses About Generosity

Explore the true essence of giving through these thought-provoking 12 types of giving in the Bible that can enrich your life and inspire others.

Definition of Giving

Giving can be defined as freely transferring something to someone else without expecting anything in return. This action could take many forms such as material possessions, time, talents, or money. In essence, giving is an expression of love for others and demonstrates compassion and care for those around us.

Importance of Giving in the Bible

The importance of giving cannot be overstated in the Bible. Throughout scripture, we see numerous examples where individuals gave generously to display their faith in God and show love towards others. The act of giving also serves as a reminder that everything we have comes from God and should be used to bless others.

Giving is an essential aspect of living out our faith as Christians because it not only benefits those around us but also strengthens our relationship with God.

12 Types of Giving in the Bible

1. Tithes

Tithing is the act of giving a tenth of your income to the church. It is a form of giving that has been practiced since the Old Testament times.

• 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."

2. Offering

An offering is a contribution that is given above and beyond the tithe. It is a voluntary act of giving that is done out of love and gratitude for God.

• 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."

3. Alms

Almsgiving refers to the act of giving to the poor and needy. It is an act of charity and compassion that is strongly emphasized in the Bible.

• Matthew 6:2-3 - "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,"

4. First Fruits

First fruits refer to the first portion of the harvest that is given to God. It is an act of showing gratitude and acknowledging God's provision.

• 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."

5. Sacrificial Giving

Sacrificial giving refers to giving that requires a sacrifice or giving up something that is valuable to us. It is an act of faith and trusting God to provide for our needs.

• Mark 12:41-44 - "And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 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.'"

6. Cheerful Giving

Cheerful giving refers to giving that is done with joy and gladness of heart. It is an act of worship and expressing our gratitude to God.

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

7. Obedience Giving

Obedience giving refers to giving that is done out of obedience to God's commands. It is an act of faith and trusting in God's promises.

• Deuteronomy 15:10 - "You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake."

8. Faith Giving

Faith giving refers to giving that is done out of faith in God's provision. It is an act of trusting in God's promises and stepping out in faith.

• Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

9. Hospitality

Hospitality refers to the act of welcoming and caring for strangers and guests. It is an act of kindness and generosity that is highly valued in the Bible.

• Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

10. Forgiveness

Forgiveness refers to the act of letting go of resentment and bitterness towards others. It is an act of mercy and grace that is highly emphasized in the Bible.

• Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

11. Time

Time giving refers to the act of giving our time and talents to serve others. It is an act of love and generosity that is highly valued in the Bible.

• 1 Peter 4:10-11 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

12. Praise and Worship

Praise and worship refer to the act of giving glory and honor to God. It is an act of gratitude and expressing our love for God.

• Psalm 100:4-5 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Examples Of Givers In The Bible

1. Abraham: Abraham demonstrated his willingness to give when he was ready to sacrifice his son Isaac as an act of obedience to God (Genesis 22:1-18).
2. Widow of Zarephath: This widow gave the last of her food to the prophet Elijah during a famine, trusting in God's provision (1 Kings 17:8-16).
3. King David: David gave generously to build the temple of God, even though he would not live to see it completed (1 Chronicles 29:1-9).
4. The widow's mite: A poor widow gave all she had, two small copper coins, as an offering at the temple, showing her faith and devotion (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4).
5. Zacchaeus: As a transformed tax collector, Zacchaeus gave half of his possessions to the poor and promised to repay anyone he had cheated four times over (Luke 19:1-10).
6. Barnabas: An early Christian, Barnabas sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles to support the ministry (Acts 4:36-37).
7. The early church: Members of the early Christian community shared their possessions, selling property and giving to those in need (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-35).
8. The Macedonian churches: Despite their poverty, these churches gave generously to help fellow believers in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
9. The Good Samaritan: The Good Samaritan showed compassion by giving his time, resources, and money to care for a man who had been robbed and beaten (Luke 10:25-37).
10. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of giving, Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross to save humanity from sin (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

Final Thoughts

There are many different types of giving that are mentioned in the Bible. Each type of giving is important and valuable in its own way. As believers, we are called to give generously, cheerfully, and sacrificially, knowing that God will bless us abundantly in return.