2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)<\/strong> \u2014 \u201cEvery man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Genesis to Revelation, the Word of God reveals that giving is not merely a religious act\u2014it is a divine principle rooted in God\u2019s own nature. The Bible declares, \u201cFor God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son\u201d (John 3:16). Giving is therefore a reflection of the character of God Himself. To give is to act in harmony with His Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the earliest chapters of Genesis, we see giving introduced through the offerings of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3\u20134). Abel\u2019s offering was accepted because it was given in faith and obedience. Cain\u2019s was rejected because it lacked the heart of submission to God\u2019s will. This reveals that the spirit<\/em> in which one gives matters as much as the substance<\/em> of the gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abraham also demonstrated faithful giving when he tithed a tenth of all his spoils to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18\u201320). This act occurred long before the Law of Moses, proving that tithing and giving were not merely ceremonial practices, but eternal principles of faith, honor, and gratitude toward God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Mosaic Law, giving was systematized through tithes, offerings, and sacrifices. The tithe\u2014literally meaning \u201ctenth\u201d\u2014was required of all Israelites as a recognition that all possessions ultimately belonged to God. \u201cAnd all the tithe of the land\u2026 is the LORD\u2019S: it is holy unto the LORD\u201d (Leviticus 27:30).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tithe supported the Levites, who had no inheritance of land, and maintained the service of the tabernacle. But beyond the tithe, there were also freewill offerings, firstfruits, and alms given to the poor. Each of these carried spiritual meaning, teaching Israel that giving was both an act of worship and a measure of righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malachi 3:10 stands as a timeless call to obedience in giving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBring 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This passage not only affirms the duty of giving but also the divine promise attached to it\u2014overflowing blessing for those who give faithfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the New Covenant, giving was no longer governed by legal obligation but by grace and love. The early Church was marked by extraordinary generosity. In Acts 2:44\u201345, \u201call that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians that giving should be both purposeful<\/em> and cheerful.<\/em> \u201cEvery man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give\u201d (2 Corinthians 9:7). The New Testament does not abolish the tithe\u2014it transforms it into a spiritual principle guided by the indwelling Holy Ghost. The believer gives not from compulsion, but from a willing heart overflowing with gratitude for God\u2019s grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Himself commended sacrificial giving, as seen in the story of the widow\u2019s mite (Mark 12:41\u201344). Though her gift was small in value, it was great in faith, for she \u201ccast in all that she had, even all her living.\u201d In the eyes of Heaven, giving is not measured by amount, but by devotion and sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving opens spiritual and material blessings that align with God\u2019s covenant promises. Proverbs 11:24\u201325 declares, \u201cThere is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The principle is simple: when one gives in faith, they participate in the divine cycle of blessing. God becomes the guarantor of the giver\u2019s provision. Jesus said, \u201cGive, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over\u201d (Luke 6:38).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a carnal prosperity doctrine but a spiritual truth. God does not promise wealth to every giver\u2014but He does promise sufficiency and blessing according to His perfect will. As Paul wrote, \u201cAnd God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work\u201d (2 Corinthians 9:8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n True giving is an act of worship, not transaction. It acknowledges that everything we have originates from God: \u201cFor all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee\u201d (1 Chronicles 29:14). When we give, we return to God what already belongs to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Philippians 4:18, Paul described the church\u2019s financial support as \u201can odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.\u201d In other words, the offering of believers rises as spiritual incense before the throne of Heaven. Giving is not merely about meeting needs\u2014it is about pleasing the Lord who gave everything for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ultimate purpose of giving transcends the temporal. Earthly giving lays up eternal treasure. Jesus instructed, \u201cLay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal\u201d (Matthew 6:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every act of generosity toward God\u2019s work and toward others is recorded in Heaven. Hebrews 6:10 assures us, \u201cFor God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.\u201d Our giving is a testimony of faith that looks beyond this life to the eternal kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving, according to Scripture, is not a burdensome command\u2014it is a joyful privilege. It reflects the heart of God, honors His Lordship over our lives, and brings both temporal and eternal reward. From Abel\u2019s altar to the generosity of the early Church, giving has always been the mark of true faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The believer who gives with a willing heart partakes in the divine nature of the Giver Himself. God loves a cheerful giver because such a heart mirrors His own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, let every child of God give with faith, gratitude, and expectation\u2014not seeking worldly gain, but to glorify the Lord who gave His all for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHonour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV) \u2014 \u201cEvery man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.\u201d The Principle of Giving in Scripture From Genesis to Revelation, the Word of God reveals that giving is not merely a religious act\u2014it is a divine […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-166","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Principle of Giving in Scripture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Law of Giving Under the Old Covenant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Giving in the New Testament Church<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Spiritual Rewards of Giving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Giving as Worship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Giving in the Light of Eternity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.\u201d
\u2014 Proverbs 3:9\u201310 (KJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n