5 Common Questions About Biblical Generosity

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In Romans 12:6-8, the apostle Paul writes, “We have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage, if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Each of us has something to offer. We can give our money, our time and our charity. We can also be a friend to someone who is sick or lonely. We may give unselfishly to our spouse, children or parents. We also may choose a service-oriented occupation, or just do our everyday jobs with integrity and respect for others. On the surface, it would seem that the more we give to the others, the poorer we become, but just the opposite is true. Service to others brings meaning and fulfillment to our lives in a way that wealth, power, possessions and self-centered goals can never match. There are a number of questions that often come up about generosity for believers. We can turn to the Bible for those answers. Here are five common questions about biblical generosity.

How Much Do I Give?

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One of the most important principles to follow when deciding how much you should give isn’t measured by dollars or cents. It’s really a matter of the heart. The Bible reminds of us this in Genesis 4:3 when we see Cain and Abel as young adults bringing gifts to the Lord. Cain brought “some of the fruits of the soul,” which scholars have explained means he gave a portion of his crops, but not the best portion. Abel on the other hand gave fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. In other words, he gave a choice gift. These gifts said much about their hearts. The Bible tells us, “The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering He did not look with favor.”