The Enigma of Giving: Understanding Biblical Generosity Through Scripture
- Hope For All Nations Church
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Biblical principles of generosity, hidden blessings, and faith-filled examples that show why giving is more than a financial act; it's a spiritual revelation.
Giving. A word that stirs various emotions depending on who you ask. To some, it’s a joyful expression of love and obedience. To others, it’s a confusing or even controversial subject, especially when tied to the church and finances. But when we go deeper into the Word of God, we discover that giving is not just a transaction; it’s a revelation. A paradox. An enigma.
In this post, we’ll explore the spiritual and scriptural truths about giving, what the Bible says about generosity, the different forms of giving in the Bible, and why it holds supernatural power when done in faith.
1. The Mystery in the Seed: Giving as a Kingdom Principle
One of the most powerful metaphors for giving in Scripture is sowing and reaping. It’s not just agricultural—it’s deeply spiritual.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” — Luke 6:38
This verse reveals the principle of reciprocity in God's Kingdom. Giving doesn’t diminish. It multiplies just as a seed disappears into the soil before it produces a harvest, giving can feel like loss before it reveals increase. It’s the hidden nature of giving that makes it an enigma. The result is never seen immediately, but the promise is guaranteed when done in obedience and faith.
2. Giving in Obedience, Not Obligation
Biblical giving isn’t about pressure. It’s about the posture of the heart.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
God isn’t impressed by the amount. He’s moved by the heart. The woman with the two small coins (Mark 12:41 44) gave more than the wealthy men because her giving came from sacrificial trust, not surplus. Her offering was tiny in the world’s eyes, but in heaven’s economy, it was immense. This is the enigma: God’s economy runs opposite to human logic.
3. Tithing: A Covenant Connection
The tithe, giving 10%, dates back to Abraham, not Moses.
“And he gave him a tenth of everything.” — Genesis 14:20
Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, a mysterious priest and king. This act was done before the Law, signifying tithing is a covenant response, not just a legal requirement. Later, in Malachi 3:10, God challenges His people:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test Me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”
This is the only place in Scripture where God says, “Test Me.” Giving becomes a spiritual trust fall. He invites us to lean in and witness His faithfulness.
4. Jesus: The Ultimate Giver
At the heart of the Gospel is God’s generosity.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” — John 3:16
Jesus didn’t just give resources; He gave Himself. His life was the greatest offering the world has ever seen. This becomes our example: True giving involves sacrifice. When we give, we mirror Jesus. Whether it’s finances, time, love, or service, we are practicing divine nature.
5. The Widow’s Oil: God Multiplies What You Offer
In 2 Kings 4, a widow facing debt is told by the prophet Elisha to pour the little oil she has into empty jars. As she obeys, the oil keeps flowing until every vessel is full.
“She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her, and she kept pouring.” — 2 Kings 4:5
This miracle reminds us that God doesn’t ask for what we don’t have. He multiplies what we surrender.
6. Giving as Warfare
In Psalm 112:9, we see that the generous person scatters their gifts to the poor, and their righteousness endures forever.
Generosity is a form of spiritual warfare. It breaks the back of greed, dismantles the hold of mammon, and silences fear. It releases abundance, peace, and divine favour.
7. The Dimensions and Forms of Giving in the Bible
God’s Word outlines many types of giving, each serving a different spiritual and practical function:
a. Tithes (Leviticus 27:30)
The foundational 10% of one’s income is a holy portion set apart to honour God. It supports the work of the ministry.
b. Offerings (Exodus 35:29)
Voluntary gifts above the tithe—given out of gratitude, love, or dedication. These often came with specific intentions (like building the tabernacle or feeding the poor).
c. Alms (Matthew 6:1–4)
Offerings specifically for the poor and needy. Alms reflect compassion and mercy, and Jesus instructed that they should be given quietly, not boastfully.
d. Firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9)
This is the first portion of your harvest or income, signifying trust in God's provision for the rest. It honours Him as your source.
e. Sacrificial Giving (Mark 12:41–44)
Giving that costs you something significant. It's not the size of the gift but the depth of sacrifice that matters.
f. Hospitality and Time (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2)
Giving isn’t always financial. The Bible celebrates those who open their homes, share meals, or give their time to serve others.
g. Spiritual Gifts and Encouragement (Romans 12:6–8)
We are called to give our gifts, talents, and encouragement to build up the Body of Christ. Generosity flows through words, service, prayer, and leadership.
8. The Blessing Behind the Enigma
It might not always make sense, especially when you’re in a state of need. But here's the truth: Giving doesn’t take from you, it positions you.
“Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty.” — Proverbs 3:9-10
The mystery of giving is that it opens doors that no man can shut. It rebukes the devourer. It attracts divine opportunities. It transforms your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
Let Giving Be a Lifestyle, Not a Moment
Giving isn’t an event. It’s a lifestyle. It reflects the nature of our God, the heart of our Saviour, and the call of the Church. Whether it’s the tithe, offerings, alms, or acts of service, each gift has eternal weight.
So give not out of guilt, but out of grace. Give not for applause, but for alignment. And above all, give knowing this: God sees, God honours, and God multiplies.
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