10 Principles of Giving as an Act of Worship

Learn more about King David’s Seven (7) Principles of Giving

Biblical giving is an act of worship. First, it is stated in the Scriptures that the early church practiced generous giving—giving with a cheerful heart (Acts 4:32-37; 2 Cor. 9:7). Acts 4:32 states, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”

Second, in giving, we are recognizing God as the ultimate giver of life, providence, redemption, and forgiveness (James 1:17). Moreover, we are conforming to Christ’s sacrificial self-giving–he gave up his life for us to be saved.

Third, we are becoming the channels of God’s blessings to other people especially the church when we give. Sadly, when we stop giving, we are somehow hindering the flow of God’s purpose of using us as instruments to bless the whole world or at least the people around us.

These are just some of the biblical thoughts that giving is an act of worship. In giving, we glorify God because we are obeying His commands and conforming to His likeness.

It is true that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). When we give we submit to His Lordship; we entrust and give our whole dependence on His sovereignty. He is the God who provides. Furthermore, giving is more than just a good deed; it is an attitude of our hearts. We give out of our love for God and others. We give because we—first and foremost—had received blessings from the ultimate Giver—God (John 3:16).

Learn more about King David’s Seven (7) Principles of Giving

Seven (7) more principles about biblical giving:

1. God’s Ownership
   • In biblical logic, God is the creator of all things. To that, God is the owner of all things including our wealth, life, and our possessions; Haggai 2:8 reads, “The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty“.
   • Even our ability to produce wealth is God’s gift to us; “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth… ” (Deut. 8:17-19).
2. God is the Ultimate Giver (John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-9); we cannot outgive God.
3. Beyond Tithing
   • I am not saying that tithing is already insignificant, but rather tithing is an initial yardstick for Christian giving. This means that Christians are encouraged to give more than 10 percent–not lesser. Tithing is part of the OT practice, since we are living in the New Covenant time, we ought to go beyond the former practice.
4. Purposeful and Freely Giving (2 Corinthians 9: 7-8)
   • Now that we are under the grace of God, Dr. Thomas Schreiner said, “Since God is to be our treasure, believers are to give generously and freely.”
5. Cheerful or Generous Giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), without coercion, manipulation, and guilt-tripping. When we give, we see this as an opportunity to rejoice for being part of the kingdom work of God.
6. Sowing and Reaping Principle (2 Corinthians 9:6), when we give, we do not see this as an expense but as an investment. You cannot harvest your field without planting a seed. Your giving to the Lord is a seed that has the potential for flourishing life holistically.
7. Kingdom-centered Giving
   • Remember in Matthew 6:33, “seek first the kingdom of God” and the rest will follow. This is similar to 2 Corinthians 9:8; God is able to give us abundant and flourishing life.

The act of giving is more than just an outward act. It is an attitude of our hearts. It is an inside-out act. We are giving out of our grateful hearts to revere and worship God. Giving is a transformational experience for Christian spirituality.

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Learn more about King David’s Seven (7) Principles of Giving.

Read more about biblical giving: link here.