“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.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
The Heart of Giving
When we talk about giving back to the church, we need to focus on the heart behind our actions. Our motivation for contributing should come from a place of love and gratitude. As followers of Christ, we are called to give joyfully rather than out of obligation. This means that giving back to the church is a chance for us to express our love for God and our community. Giving should not feel like a burden for us but rather a delightful opportunity to participate in the good works God is doing in our community and beyond. When we embrace this joyful heart of giving, we find that it strengthens our relationship with God and deepens our connection to the church family. By giving cheerfully, we spread joy, faith, and hope in our community.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“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.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Luke 6:38
“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
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Tithing and Offerings
Tithing is a powerful way to give back to the church, and it’s also a biblical principle. It is our practice of giving a portion of our income back to God through the church. Tithing teaches us about faithfulness, recognizing that God provides for our needs. As we commit to giving, we trust in God’s continued provision in our lives. Additionally, our offerings beyond the tithe allow us to support the church’s mission work, various ministries, and community outreach. This concept in giving back is about making a commitment to financial stewardship and acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from God.
Leviticus 27:30
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” – Leviticus 27:30
2 Chronicles 31:5
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the first fruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and all of the produce of the fields. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.” – 2 Chronicles 31:5
Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” – Deuteronomy 14:22
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
When we give back to the church, we are not just supporting a building or a program; we are investing in our community. Our contributions help in various ministries that touch lives and bring hope to those in need. From helping the poor to supporting children’s ministries, our giving has a tremendous impact. We are reminded that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. By supporting our church community, we are actively participating in God’s work in the lives of others.
Ephesians 4:12
“To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” – Ephesians 4:12
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
1 John 3:17
“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?” – 1 John 3:17
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
As we give back to the church, we embark on a journey of blessing. Not only do our contributions help others, but God also promises to bless us in return. We might not always receive material blessings, but the joy of knowing we helped someone in need or supported a ministry can be priceless. Many of us have experienced moments where generosity has changed our perspectives, leading us to a more fulfilling life. The blessings that come from our giving are often unexpectedly beautiful!
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
Luke 12:33-34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33-34
1 Chronicles 29:14
“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.” – 1 Chronicles 29:14
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” – Luke 6:38
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
While financial giving is important, giving back to the church can also mean sharing our time and talents. Each of us has unique gifts and abilities that we can offer for the glory of God. Volunteering in church activities, leading classes, or simply being available to help makes a significant difference in the church community. We all have something to contribute, and when we offer our skills, we fulfill God’s purpose and encourage others to do the same. Our acts of service are just as valuable as our financial donations.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Giving back to the church allows us to be a light in our communities. As we serve and support our church, we also reach out to those who are lost and in need. By sharing our resources and love, we reflect the love of Christ to others. Our church is a beacon of hope, and as we contribute, we help to extend this hope to those outside our congregation. We have the amazing opportunity to be a part of someone else’s journey to faith as we let our light shine through our generosity and love.
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:14-16
John 13:35
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Final Thoughts
Giving back to the church is vital for our spiritual growth and the community we belong to. By offering our time, talents, and resources, we experience God’s blessings and help others in their time of need. We understand more deeply the value of sharing and recognize the incredible impact we can have collectively as a church family.
In all aspects of our giving, whether it’s through tithing or acts of service, we carry the message of Christ into our communities. We see that every small action counts and can create meaningful changes in someone’s life. Let us continue to support our church and reach out, spreading the love and hope that we carry as followers of Christ.
If you feel inspired to explore more topics, check out verses about fellowship and verses about fulfilling God’s purpose to keep growing in faith and community.