There are few topics in the Christian life as misunderstood—and as misused—as giving. Many sincere believers long to honour God, yet walk under burdens He never placed on them. Some give out of fear of judgment, others out of pressure from people, and some even hand over money they do not have—believing this somehow makes them more spiritual or earns God’s favour. But not only is this picture of God unhealthy—it is completely unbiblical.
The Kingdom of God operates on an entirely
different foundation: grace, truth, freedom, and willing love. Jesus
never called His followers to give in guilt, fear, or manipulation. Instead, He
invites us to step back and look again at Scripture through His eyes—not
through tradition, pressure, or human expectations.
What does Jesus really say about money? Why
does He warn us about mammon? What kind of giving pleases God? And how do we
walk in generosity without losing wisdom, peace, or balance?
As we explore these questions together, you
may discover that the truth is far more freeing—and far more beautiful—than
what many have been taught.
1. We Are Saved by
Grace—Not by Giving
We must always begin where the gospel begins:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
You are not saved by:
❌ your giving
❌ your tithing
❌ your sacrifices
❌ your financial generosity
You are saved by grace alone.
Christ loved you and died for you while you were still a sinner (Romans
5:8).
This means:
- God loved you before you ever gave
anything.
- God does not love you more when you
give.
- God does not love you less when you
cannot give.
In the Kingdom, giving flows from being loved—not striving to be loved.
2. God Accepts the Person
Before the Offering
Genesis 4:3–5 teaches a vital kingdom principle:
“The LORD looked with favour on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and
his offering He did not look with favour.”
Notice the divine order: God looked at the man before the money.
If the heart is not right, the offering is not right.
Jesus echoes this truth:
“First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your
gift.” — Matthew 5:23–24
Your being matters more than your giving.
Your relationship with God and others matters more than the size of any
offering.
Sin affects our state of being—and what we give in that state is not
fruitful.
But the good news is this:
God shows mercy and transforms us so our lives and offerings can truly
honour Him.
3. Jesus Warns Us About the
Power of Mammon
Jesus speaks forcefully about money—not to take anything from us, but to
protect us.
“You cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24
Why such strong language? Because Jesus knows that money can become:
- a master
- a false god
- a counterfeit security
- a silent idol
Money can shape:
- our decisions
- our priorities
- our identity
- our dependence
- our direction
This is why Jesus calls us to surrender everything—not to impoverish us,
but to free us.
The real question is not “Do you have money?” The real question is “Does money have you?”
Like Abraham—when God asked him to
sacrifice his beloved son—God may test what holds first place in our hearts.
His purpose is never to destroy what we love, but to reveal whether anything
has become an idol.
We must all honestly ask: Has mammon taken the place of God?
4. What About Tithes,
Offerings, and Sacrificial Giving?
So what do we do with tithing and offering?
Are they still meaningful?
Absolutely—giving is good, biblical, and kingdom-centred.
But Scripture is clear: Giving must flow from conviction, not compulsion.
Some believers are personally led by the Spirit to give more or give
sacrificially. And when they obey that conviction, God blesses them.
You gave a powerful example: A brother who felt personally led by God to give 50% as tithe. He did this from conviction—not pressure—and God honoured his obedience.
The issue is never the amount. The issue is always the heart:
- Are you convinced?
- Are you willing?
- Are you joyful?
- Are you at peace?
If yes, then your giving is kingdom giving.
But Scripture warns:
❌ Do not give under manipulation
❌ Do not give money you do not have
❌ Do not borrow to give
❌ Do not feel guilty when you cannot give
Your Father wants your heart, not your hardship.
5. Giving Should Never Be
Forced or Beyond Your Means
Paul says it plainly:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or
under compulsion.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
And even more:
“They gave according to their ability, and not beyond their ability.” — 2 Corinthians 8:3
So biblical giving means:
- Give what you can
- Give within your means
- Give cheerfully
- Give from peace
- Give without pressure
Anything else is outside kingdom order.
6. Kingdom Giving Is Not a
Performance
Jesus warns against giving for attention:
“Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” — Matthew 6:3
Meaning:
- Don’t perform
- Don’t show off
- Don’t seek praise
God looks deeper:
“By Him actions are weighed.” — 1 Samuel 2:3
God weighs not only what we give but why we give. An
impressive gift with the wrong motive is meaningless.
7. Seek First the
Kingdom—Not Money, Pressure, or Performance
Jesus sets the correct order for our lives:
“Seek first the kingdom of God…” — Matthew 6:33
Not money.
Not status.
Not religious performance.
Not the pressure to impress others.
True life begins with God:
“For in Him we live and move and have our being.” — Acts 17:28
Scripture also reminds us of a powerful truth about everything we
possess:
“What do you have that you did not receive?” — 1 Corinthians 4:7
And again:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from
the Father of lights…”
— James 1:17
There is nothing we have—no talent, no opportunity, no resource, no financial ability—
that did not first come from God’s gracious hand.
This truth frees us.
It keeps us humble.
It reminds us that God is our source—not money.
Money is a tool, and God is the provider.
With this understanding, giving becomes a joyful response, not a
fearful obligation, and our priorities remain rooted in the kingdom rather than
the pressures of men.
8. The Best Gift an
Unbeliever Can Give
The greatest offering a nonbeliever can bring is not financial.
It is their heart responding to Jesus.
“This is the work of God: to believe in Him whom He has sent.” — John 6:29
Before God wants anything from your hand, He wants your heart.
9. Final Encouragement: God
Wants You First
Beloved, hear this with clarity and freedom:
God wants you long before He wants your money. You are not a 'financial engine' for the church, you are a beloved son or daughter of the King.
So:
- Give with joy.
- Give with peace.
- Give with conviction.
- Give within your means.
- Give as the Spirit leads.
And above all—Seek first the kingdom, and keep God in His rightful place above everything,
including money.
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