What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible speaks extensively about money. Far more than can be explained in one blog post. In this post I want to explain some of the tremendous benefits of giving according to the Bible. Giving is often seen as a sacrifice, but the truth is, it’s one of the most life-enriching practices we can engage in as Christians. When we give—whether it’s our time, talents, or treasure—we not only bless others but also experience powerful spiritual and personal growth. Let’s explore how giving enhances our lives, looking to the Bible and the example of Jesus.
1. Giving Frees Us from Worry In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warns us that we cannot serve both God and money. We have to pick the one that we will prioritize – it’s either/or NOT both/and. When we hold tightly to our possessions, we often find ourselves consumed by worry—about bills, savings, and the future. But when we give generously, we shift our focus from earthly treasures to eternal ones. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Giving helps us trust God more deeply and frees us from the anxiety and greed that comes with materialism.
2. Giving Deepens Our Joy There’s a unique joy that comes from giving. In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This may sound like a lie, but when we reflect deeply on this, the truth does emerge. When we give, we experience the joy of being a blessing to others. Whether it’s supporting a missionary, helping a neighbor in need, or giving to our local church, the act of giving fills our hearts with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that money can’t buy.
3. Giving Strengthens Our Faith Giving is an act of faith. It may not always make sense (cents) or feel comfortable. But when we give sacrificially, we step out of our comfort zones and force ourselves to trust God to provide. The Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 are a powerful example of this. Despite their poverty, they gave “beyond their ability” because they trusted that God would come through for them. When we give, we exercise our faith muscles and grow in our dependence on God. Over time, this strengthens our trust in Him and deepens our spiritual walk.
4. Giving Multiplies Our Blessings In 2 Corinthians 9:6, Paul writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” This principle applies not just to material blessings but to spiritual ones as well. When we give, God promises to bless us in return—not necessarily with wealth, but with spiritual riches like peace, joy, and a deeper sense of His presence. As we give, we also experience the joy of seeing our gifts multiplied as they impact the lives of others.
5. Giving Cultivates a Heart of Gratitude Giving shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. In our culture, it is natural to focus on what we don’t have in relation to what our co-workers, friends and neighbors do have. Giving reminds us of God’s generosity and provision in our lives. When we give, we cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. This attitude of thankfulness transforms our perspective and helps us live with greater contentment and joy. Try it out – the next time you are tempted to complain about what you don’t have, instead start listing out all of the the things that God has blessed you with. Use that as an opportunity to express your gratitude.
Conclusion Giving is not just a duty—it’s a delight. It frees us from worry, deepens our joy, strengthens our faith, and connects us to God’s purposes. When we give, we experience the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10). So let’s give generously, cheerfully, and with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that our giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives in ways we could never imagine.