Are you preparing to lead the giving or tithes and offerings part of service this weekend at church? Although it can be intimidating to talk about giving in church, there are hundreds of giving scriptures in the Bible.
Giving is vital because it helps support the local church, ministries and missions, and outreach initiatives.
And God’s Word has a lot to say about giving as an act of worship.
Many giving verses encourage us to give generously because God has given us so much. Other scriptures encourage us to trust God, knowing He always takes care of us.
So as you prepare for offering time in your church service, start with one of these giving Bible verses to lay a strong foundation in God’s Word.
Looking for more offering scriptures? Check out 29 tithes and offering verses you can share you can share this Sunday.
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Table of contents
18 Giving Scriptures for Offering Time
As a pastor or church leader, you probably know what the Bible says about giving. In fact, you could probably quote multiple giving scriptures right now.
But as you incorporate these Bible verses on giving into your offering time, make sure you provide context and application.
Whether people are giving online or in person, they need some context for what the Bible says about giving in the Old and New Testament.
Many people don’t understand how giving is a spiritual discipline and act of worship.
The purpose of giving goes beyond fundraising, doing good deeds, helping a needy person, or donating to a good cause (although it also does all those things). Bible verses on giving have to do with the heart of the giver.
As you teach on these principles and use biblical truth, people will understand the impact is not just for others. It also transforms their own lives and honors the Lord God.
Here are some of the best scriptures on giving to share with your church members and online community.
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.
This Bible verse on giving confirms that we shouldn’t feel compelled to give, or guilty if we don’t.
The Book of 2 Corinthians has more content on giving than any other New Testament book.
God makes it clear that the amount given isn’t the most important thing. The heart and attitude of the giver is what matters. We are not under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.
So when we give to others—whether it’s to those in need or to the work of the Lord’s kingdom—we should do so with joy because giving should produce thanksgiving.
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.
Here’s another scripture on giving that shows we shouldn’t judge the value of our gift based on the amount.
Or compare our gift to others in a different financial situation.
Instead, remember that God sees the heart and honors the willingness to give.
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 is one of the most popular scriptures on giving in the entire Bible.
After asking “Will a man rob God?” The Lord issues a challenge and a promise.
First, to test Him and bring our whole tithe into the storehouse. Second, that He will pour out a blessing beyond anything we can imagine or contain.
Proverbs 21:26
All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom concerning finances and verses on giving.
We can be tempted to fall into the trap of craving and hoarding, but a person who is righteous will give generously.
2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through
This giving scripture continues the discussion of the cheerful giver.
The incredible blessing giving is not to get a reward for ourselves, but to reflect God’s generosity.
In addition, we shouldn’t expect accolades for our generosity, but instead all the glory and praise should go to the Lord.
Proverbs 18:16
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
It can be easy to get caught up in the mindset of always needing to hold on to what we have.
But when we start to think more like God and His perspective on giving, we can begin to change our attitudes.
Giving generous gifts will never leave us lacking. Instead, it’s a path to greatness, both in God’s kingdom and here on earth.
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.
In Luke 6:38, Jesus says that what we give will be given back, but with multiplied blessings.
This is a promise from God that He doesn’t need a large amount, but will honor our generosity and obedience. Then, He can do a miracle to multiply and pour out blessings that overflow to our lives and others.
2 Corinthians 9:10
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.
We can trust our heavenly Father for provision. And we must acknowledge that everything we have actually comes from Him.
When we give to the Lord, He will multiply our gift and increase a harvest of righteousness.
This is a promise from the Lord that He will always be faithful to provide for us, and that our generosity will be rewarded.
So let’s give with joy and confidence, knowing that God will take care of us.
Genesis 14:19–20
And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
This scripture on giving is the first mention of the tithe (which means tenth) in the Bible.
In Genesis 14, Abram rescues his nephew Lot. After his victory in battle, Abram brings back all the possessions and then proceeds to give a tenth of everything to Melchizedek.
Melchizedek is referred to as king and priest of Salem.
Hebrews 5:9 refers to Jesus as, “designated by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Exodus 35:22
All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.
Generosity is key when it comes to giving in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.
This giving scripture from the book of Exodus is a great reminder that everything we have ultimately belongs to God.
We see in this story how God’s people were willing to give up their possessions to construct the tabernacle, even though it meant giving up something of great value to them.
This is a good example for us to follow as we think about our priorities in life.
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.
The Lord has created the earth and everything in it for His glory and our enjoyment.
As we receive the good things that come from His hand, we should always remember to give back to Him a portion of what He has so graciously given to us.
This is what the tithe is all about—giving God our first and best in thanks for all that He has done for us.
2 Chronicles 31:12
God’s people faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts.
This scripture tells us that the people of Israel were not only giving financially, but they were also contributing everything they had.
They were dedicated to the work of the Lord and His kingdom and gave consistently and faithfully.
When we give our time and talents as well as our resources, we can trust that God will use us in mighty ways to further His plans.
Exodus 36:3–6
The people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” Then Moses gave an order…”No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more.
Can you imagine a day when people would be ordered to stop giving because they had already given more than enough?
What a powerful picture of God’s people working together to provide for the needs of His house!
Let’s consider the kingdom impact if everyone were to give freely and boldly in faith, in the same manner that the Israelites did in this scripture passage.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
This scripture on giving reminds us that our focus should not be on earthly riches.
Our possessions and treasures on earth are only temporary. They’re also unstable and could disappear at any time.
But we can rely on the Lord for eternal rewards.
The goal is not to accumulate wealth from a financial standpoint, but to use our resources for good works and lay up treasure in heaven!
We shouldn’t withhold good from a poor brother or sister in need. Instead, a generous person should be quick to do good for others.
Luke 12:33-34
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Again, Jesus’ instructions in this gospel passage are all about priorities and focusing on the heart of giving.
It’s not about amassing wealth on earth, but about living generously and helping those in need in the present world.
When we live with an eternal perspective, it changes the way we view our possessions and resources. We can see them as an opportunity to bless others and further the kingdom of God!
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
This proverb reminds us that our acts of generosity are not just service to others, but also to the Lord.
When we give to others with a pure heart, our heavenly Father blesses us in return. Just as 2 Corinthians 9:6 also says: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
This is yet another giving scripture confirming that when we give freely, we will be blessed in return.
Also, your wealth doesn’t provide you with any security at the end of the day. We are meant to use what we have to honor the Lord and expand His heavenly kingdom.
Another translation says the result is that “he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Hebrews 13:16
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
We have a responsibility to steward everything we’ve been given. This includes our time, our money, our talents, and our possessions.
And when we give sacrificially, it’s an act of worship that is pleasing to the Lord.
So let’s think about others in need and not hold back from doing good when we’re able!
How to Deliver a Giving Message
Pastors sometimes preach a message or even an entire sermon series on giving.
These sermons can cover a range of topics on finances, stewardship, and generosity–as well as tithes and offerings.
But many churches have a portion of time during every weekly service that’s dedicated to receiving tithes and offerings
This time may be part of the announcements, welcome, immediately following worship, or at the end of service.
How to Structure Your Offering Talk
When you’re praying and planning to talk about giving, here are some things to keep in mind.
- You usually have limited time, so plan out what you’re going to say so you can have a concise delivery.
- Always reference Bible verses on giving. You can either start with giving verses or end with them.
- Explain the context and meaning of the Bible verse.
- Tie the giving verses to practical application for your congregation.
- End with prayer.
Things to Avoid When Talking About Tithes and Offerings
Money is always a touchy subject. People can often feel threatened when talking about financial matters.
You don’t want to put anyone on the spot during your giving message.
Avoid making these mistakes when talking about giving:
- Don’t make people feel guilty or condemned about giving.
- Don’t compare people’s giving.
- Don’t make unbiblical claims or promises related to giving (i.e. God will only bless you if you give).
- Don’t make new visitors to your church feel compelled to give.
- Don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable or singled out.
Whether you’re preaching a sermon on giving or just sharing a few words during the offering, remember that this is a time of worship.
So take a few minutes to praise God and thank Him for His provision.
And as you close in prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of your congregation and bless every person.
Why Aren’t More People Giving in My Church?
All statistics and reports show that only a fraction of people who identify as Christians are regularly giving or tithing to the church.
Online giving provider Tithe.ly discovered many members don’t tithe anymore and also explored the reasons
Why People Aren’t Giving
- Trouble with their beliefs – This is often the case with new members and those experiencing hard times after a major loss or change in their lives.
- They’re just trying out your church in their search to find a new church home.
- They don’t understand the reason your church needs them to give.
- Finances are a struggle at the time, which isn’t uncommon for many families who barely make it from paycheck to paycheck.
- They’re uncertain why God wants them to tithe.
- They don’t carry cash and aren’t sure how else to give.
An online tithing option is an expectation for many churchgoers today.
Explaining Why Tithing Is Important
If you want your members to give, you have to teach them the biblical principles and foundations. Simply using bible quotes or saying “the Bible says so” isn’t enough.
It’s also not enough to just pass a collection plate around or have a link on your church’s website saying “please give.”
Do your members know how their donations are used?
Are you transparent about your church’s finances?
As you’re sharing Bible verses about giving, also make sure you have an area on your website to walk people through online giving.
Online Giving Page
Here’s what to include:
- A breakdown of how church donations are allocated by percentage
- The costs of running the church, including your average power bill and average salaries (these can all be lumped together)
- The costs of marketing and outreach programs
- Charities and local organizations your church is affiliated with
- Cost of ministering outside of the church
- Percentage used to help with the local community
- Percentage used to aid in global endeavors
Although it might seem like that information is best left with your church’s accountant, this type of transparency makes it easier for your members to understand the church’s financial needs.
And transparency is a sign of healthy church culture.
Sharing Scriptures on Giving
While these scriptures on giving are great for weekend services and sermons, you can also use them throughout the week.
You can share Bible verses about giving
- On your website
- In social media posts
- In your weekly email newsletter
- In blog posts
We shouldn’t feel awkward talking about subjects like financial health, generosity, and the spirit of giving. Our Lord Jesus talked about all of these things! Many Bible verses highlight these topics, so we should be discussing them regularly as God’s people.
More on Church Offering Scriptures
This post has only scratched the surface for scriptures on giving. Check out the posts below for more information and giving verses.
Comments 28
Take frequent breaks from reading to reflect on what you have read. Take in the Word by reflecting on it, thinking about it, and praying about it.
Great advice Linda, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this great teaching
Thanks so much!
Am really blessed with these revelations.
Thanks a lot and may the anointing on you remain fresh, more deeper revelations, in Jesus mighty name. AMEN.
Thank you so much John, we appreciate you!
This is great to read. It would help anyone who read this.
Excellent! Thanks for sharing this it is so helpful in sharing with our church.
Be thankful for those you are thankful for. Amen and amen.
Thank you for this, more wisdom
These passages and words really motivate me to give generously. I even shared the message to others in the church. They were thankful.
So, it is better to only donate to my church? Can you outgive God? I’m not sure about living by faith alone. I worry about being burdensome to my parents if I don’t pay my bills. I feel like I do not have faith in God. I feel like I can only have faith in myself. However, God does live in me. So, all I need is to have faith in God.
Dustin, no, it is not better to only donate to your church. It is better to give God your first fruits through your local church for spreading the gospel and helping the needy (the church has defined this as 10% of your income), and then after reimbursing your parents, donate to others as you’re led! This is faithful financial living expressed for Christ’s sake.
God owns everything, returning to Him what is his; is one of our acts of Love and total surrender. Continue to activate your faith and God will open the red seas in your life, including financial blessings
Wow, this was so helpful!
Am so blessed thanks God bless you
Thanks so much for the teaching. I don’t fully agree that you have to give 10% to a church. As believers then all our finances really belong to God (not just 10%, that should be minimum). As believers we are responsible for who and when we give our money to. If we don’t think our church is giving in the areas that we would like to give more to (such as Christian charities for the poor, or other believers in need), then I think that it is ok to give in other areas. Many churches today are ran more like businesses rather than being Holy Spirit lead. The expense of salaries and upkeep of buildings can drain the church from giving in other areas. If our church isn’t using the money wisely then it is up to us as believers to give where God leads us. The church isn’t a building or just your pastor. It is the body of believers. In the bible they gave all they had and then redistributed the givings among the body of believers who were in need, so that those who had need of little were given little and those in greater need were also supplied. There is a lot in the bible about giving to the needy. George Muller was a pastor who lived by faith and eventually he would not ask for offerings directly but would leave a box and pray for God to provide and God was always faithful. He eventually left his church and looked after 10,000 orphans and this was all through prayer and faith, and not asking anyone for anything. Amazing testimony. All our provision comes from God and not from enforcing rules on believers on how and when they should give. It should be Holy Spirit lead… and then God gets the glory!!! Blessings.
VERY HELPFUL
Can i give some of my my tithes to the needy while our church says says give it all to the church?
The tithe is 10% that belongs to God. You can help the needy with what you have left over.
The problem with your reply is that it is without foundation in the new testament scriptures.
A. If Malachi 3:10 means that we pay 10% of our monetary income to the church, why have we not seen its application in the new testament saints?
B. Paul was an expert in the Law, but, as a pastor, he refused to collect money for his evangelical mission from the Corinthian church.
If Malachi 3:10 was referring to monetary giving of tithe for new testament saints, why did Paul denied them the opportunity to give, and thereby caused them to sin against God’s command to tithe? Because your interpretation says: non-paying of monetary tithe is stealing from God.
IICor. 11:7-9
7. Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
8. I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
9. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
1Cor. 4:11-17
11. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12. And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13. Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
17. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
C. Paul said the same thing to the Thessalonian church:
II Tess.3:7-9 7. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8. Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9. Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Jesus received financial support from his friends and possibly other people that gave to support His ministry. Luke reported that some women “were helping to support them out of their own means.”(Luke 8:3) We don’t have any way of knowing how much these women gave or how frequently. It’s very likely that other people gave financial support to Jesus. He wasn’t wealthy.
Judas Iscariot was also appointed as Jesus treasurer in His ministry to handle and take care of their funds.
So there is nothing wrong with giving to ministers and funding the ministry of the gospel and giving to churches.
But churches and ministers need to handle the money wisely and appropriately. And ministers cannot force or obligate people to give. Tithing is biblical; but we cannot force people to do it…we can only teach them…just as God also gives us free will.
It is a wonderful teaching with guiding questions at the end. May God be with you.
thank you for inspiration on giving
Very helpful. Hope you will not mind me using this as basis for teaching in my Church
Thanks so much for your points on giving
Great and so helpful
Author
So glad to hear it! God Bless Pastor David!