“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
Purpose of Offerings
When we bring our offerings to the church, we acknowledge that giving is not just about the money; it’s about the intention behind it. Our offerings reflect our gratitude and love for God. They are a way for us to support the ministry and missions of the church, ensuring that God’s work is being done in our communities and beyond. Each act of giving is a testament of our obedience to God’s command and our recognition of His blessings in our lives. By offering our resources, we are actively participating in God’s plan, allowing His truths to transform lives.
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
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9
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
The Attitude of Giving
As we think about offering in church, we should reflect on our attitude towards giving. It’s not about the amount we give but the heart with which we give it. God desires cheerful givers who understand the joyful privilege of participating in His work. When we give selflessly, it showcases our reliance on God rather than our finances. Each time we contribute, we express our faith that God will continue to provide for our needs. Let us check our hearts and strive to give out of love, featuring a spirit that reflects Christ’s generosity.
Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:3-4
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” – 2 Corinthians 8:12
Mark 12:41-44
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'” – Mark 12:41-44
1 Chronicles 29:17
“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent; and now I see with joy how willing your people who are here have given to you.” – 1 Chronicles 29:17
Philippians 4:15
“Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only.” – Philippians 4:15
Benefits of Giving
When we decide to offer our gifts in church, we gain numerous benefits alongside the blessing that comes from being obedient. Our offerings support church activities, outreach programs, and community assistance. Together, we are making an impact, positively affecting those around us. Not only do we help others, but we also cultivate a spirit of generosity within ourselves, leading to a richer, more fulfilling spiritual life. By sharing our blessings, we embrace a lifestyle that mirrors the love of Christ and invites feedback in our lives through abundant spiritual and material blessings.
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
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” – Matthew 19:21
Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 14:13-14
Kinds of Offerings
Understanding the different types of offerings can help us decide how we want to contribute to our church community. Offerings may include tithes, which are a percentage of our income, and special gifts for specific church initiatives. They can also be acts of service to support the church’s mission beyond financial means. Each type matters, creating opportunities to support the church’s work while allowing us to express our love for God and fellow believers. Collectively, our varied contributions make a profound impact on our church and reach out to the world around us.
Exodus 35:29
“All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.” – Exodus 35:29
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
1 Chronicles 16:29
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” – 1 Chronicles 16:29
Deuteronomy 16:17
“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” – Deuteronomy 16:17
Mark 14:3
“While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” – Mark 14:3
Faith and Offering
Giving offerings in church can strengthen our faith as we acknowledge God as our source of provision. Each time we give, we exercise trust in His promises, knowing that He is aware of our needs. This act of faith challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and believe that God will provide. It also opens us up to receiving more blessings, both spiritually and materially, as we rely on God’s goodness. Through each offering, we witness God’s faithfulness in our lives as He provides for us and blesses us abundantly.
Matthew 6:30
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” – Matthew 6:30
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” – Proverbs 28:27
2 Samuel 24:24
“But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on purchasing it for I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.” – 2 Samuel 24:24
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
Community Impact of Offerings
Our offerings contribute to building a stronger church community. When we give together, we help support humanitarian efforts, outreach, and ministries that reach those in need. This collective giving fosters unity within our church family, creating a culture of generosity and support. By pooling our resources, we enable church leadership to make a considerable impact on the larger community. Each time we give, we are reminded that our contributions have the power to change lives, bringing hope and support to individuals and families in need.
Acts 2:44-45
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:44-45
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
Romans 15:26
“For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.” – Romans 15:26
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Final Thoughts
Through our exploration of offerings in church, we see the significance of giving with a cheerful heart and the positive impact it has on both our spiritual journeys and our community. Offering isn’t simply about fulfilling a duty; it’s an expression of our love and gratitude towards God and our commitment to supporting one another. Each verse we reviewed serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from generous giving.
As we commit to giving, we bring together our resources to enable greater outreach and support within our church. Let us continue to trust that God will supply our needs as we share the blessings we have received. Our unity in offering demonstrates how God uses our gifts to craft His plan in our lives.
As we seek guidance in our faith and offerings, let us be inspired to explore more of what the Bible has to say about fellowship around the gathering to eat and how we can connect with one another around gathering at the table as we serve together in love.