In the Bible, one mark of righteousness is giving to the Lord. Giving is seen as a joyful thing that blesses God and the giver. It is not to be required or compelled, but giving out of the right attitude of the heart. To the one who gives to God, he is promised to be blessed, in this life or in the life to come. This giving is not to be done in front of others in order to gain the praise of men (Matthew 6:1).
Giving to the Lord does not require one to have a lot in order to give. Those who give to God are to give as they are able. The woman who gave all that she had was praised, though it was only a few very small coins (Mark 12:43-44). This type of giving is called “sacrificial giving.” The principle of sowing also states that if you sow a little you will also reap a little, but if you sow a lot, you will reap a lot (2 Corinthians 9:6).
“Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.” – Exodus 35:21
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.” – Deuteronomy 16:17
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10
“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth poverty.” – Proverbs 11:24
“He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.” – Proverbs 21:26
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” – Malachi 3:10
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure you that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” – Luke 6:38
“Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.” – 2 Corinthians 8:11
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Next: Giving to the Poor
