The truth about giving

Here is what the Bible teaches about giving: (1) You always get back more than you give. “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will…increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (v. 10 NIV). When Paul talks here about “seed,” he’s talking about money. Notice, some of the money God gives you is to be used for your own needs, and some is to create “a harvest of righteousness.” What does that mean? Paul explained, “They have…scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever” (v. 9 NIV). In other words, you must show compassion toward those who are hurting and give generously to those who are unable to provide for themselves. The Bible says that when you give to the poor, you actually lend to the Lord, and He will repay you (see Proverbs 19:17). Can you imagine the interest God pays? Jesus said, “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 NIV). (2) You should give, expecting to be blessed. You say, “If I get more, I’ll give more.” No, you have the cart before the horse. It’s the level of your giving that determines the level of your receiving, not vice versa. So break through your barrier of fear and put God to the test. He won’t disappoint you. Once you have experienced His blessing, you will never want to live any other way.