Giving is a big deal. It’s something we should do, and it’s something we should teach our kids to do. But it can also be confusing. Is there a right way to give? Should you give more than 10%? What if you can’t afford to give anything at all?

We’re going to talk about giving in the Bible today. What does it mean for us as Christians? What does it mean for our children? We’ll talk about how giving is an act of worship and how it’s meant to be done with joy, not obligation or guilt.

Giver In The Bible

Seven Types of Giving in the Bible

So, how do you know which type of giving is right for you? The Bible lays out seven different types of giving in the book of Proverbs.

Giving from your surplus
Giving from your first fruits
Giving when giving is not easy (a tithe)
Giving to those who have hurt you in the past (reconciliation gifts)
Giving to help others when they are down and out (an offering from the needy). 6.) Giving because it’s time to give thanks for what God has done for you (offerings). 7.) Lastly, giving even when it means nothing to receive back in return; simply because that person needs help at this moment and time period.

1. Systematic giving

Systematic Giving
Give regularly. You should give money to the church on a regular basis, whether it’s weekly, monthly or quarterly (the latter is preferred). The New Testament compares giving to tithing—and we all know how important tithing was back then. The apostle Paul told the Galatians that they were obligated “to do good and be rich in good works, ready to give” (6:10). And since he couldn’t have been talking about his own wealth here (being poor and homeless), we can assume that he meant those who could give more than him must do so on a regular basis in order for their charitable deeds to be deemed worthy by God!

2. Tithing (giving one-tenth)

Tithing (giving one-tenth)

Tithing is noted in the Bible as being a commandment from God, but it’s not made clear how much of your income should actually be tithed. Some Bible passages say that we should tithe 10% of our income, while others say 20% or more than 20%. If you’re considering giving more than 10%, consider that 10% is already a lot—it would be hard for most people to get by with just 90%, let alone any less than 100%. It’s important to remember that even if you can’t afford the minimum amount required by tithing (10%), God will still accept your gift graciously regardless of how big or small it may be.

3. Free-will offering

Free-will offering

The third form of giving that is found in the Bible is the free-will offering. This type of giving was given with a cheerful heart, and not because it was required or demanded by God (Acts 17:24). The giver did not feel he had to give; rather, he wanted to give so that his heart might be glad before God (2 Cor 9:7). The idea behind this kind of giving has no restrictions on it and it can be given at any time regardless of what other money or goods you might have available.

It also doesn’t need to be a tithe or tax. A free will offering is not something like 10% off your gross income before taxes as some would think; rather it’s something beyond that which is pleasing to God because He knows how much we can afford and where our hearts are at when we make these decisions with Him!

4. Faith Promise (pledging to God what we will give over and above our tithe)

A faith promise is a pledge to God above and beyond your tithe. We can make a faith promise by simply deciding what we will give and promising God we will do it. Our faith promises should be based on our ability, not our income. For example, if you earn $30,000 per year but want to make a $100 faith promise each month to support missions around the world, go ahead! You can still give this amount without touching your savings because your income is enough for you to live comfortably without having any money left over. The key here is that you are giving generously above what’s required by God in order to bless His work around the globe through World Missions Ministries International (WMM).

You should also track these promises so that when they come due throughout the year or whenever possible, find ways where those funds can be used for ministry instead of paying bills or buying things we don’t need or want just yet!

5. First Fruits (dedicating gifts from the first of our harvest, or from the earliest income we receive)

First fruits are a part of the harvest dedicated to God.

First fruits are given as a thank offering.

First fruits are given as a way of saying “thank you” to God.

6. Seed (planting financial seed for an expected harvest)

Seed is a small amount of money that is given to a ministry or cause with the expectation of a greater return. Seed money is used by ministries and ministries in their early stages as they get started. It’s also used when trying out new projects and ideas, to see if they will work before investing too much time or money into them.

7. Sacrificial giving (which requires self-denial and sometimes returning to a lower standard of living, so that others may be blessed with greater provision or benefit).

Sacrificial giving is a way to give more than you have. It requires self-denial and sometimes returning to a lower standard of living, so that others may be blessed with greater provision or benefit.
Jesus was the ultimate giver in the Bible. He gave His life for our salvation, as well as everything else He did on earth.
Giving is one of the most important aspects of being a Christian, because it’s how we learn about God’s heart for us and for others around us.

There are several different types of giving that are explained in the Bible.

You can learn a lot about giving from the Bible. In the Old Testament, God told His people to give their tithe—a tenth of what they earned—to the temple (see Exodus 25:2–3; Deuteronomy 14:22–29). Later, Jesus taught His disciples to use free will offerings when they gave money to help those in need (see Luke 6:38). Still later, Paul described seed giving as an important way for Christians to support missionaries who were spreading the gospel across Europe and Asia Minor (see 1 Corinthians 9:11–14).

Conclusion

We have seen some of the different types of giving that are practiced in the Bible, and how it’s important for Christians to give their first fruits rather than their leftovers. May God bless you as you practice tithing and giving back to Him what belongs to Him.