Is it wrong to do charitable giving for tax deduction purposes?
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or condemn charitable giving that is done partly for tax purposes. However, it emphasizes that the motivation and attitude behind giving is key – our hearts and motives matter to God. Here are some principles from Scripture to consider regarding this issue:
1. Giving should be motivated by love, generosity and compassion, not obligation or self-interest. We give because we want to, not because we feel forced to (2 Corinthians 9:7). While tax benefits may be an additional bonus, they should not be the driving factor.
2. Giving is meant to be an act of worship and obedience to God, not a means of personal gain (Deuteronomy 15:10). We give to honor God, not to profit ourselves.
3. God cares more about the willingness and cheerfulness of our giving than the amount (2 Corinthians 8:12). Giving reluctantly or under compulsion is not honored by God, even if the monetary amount is large.
4. Giving in order to “look good” and curry favor with others for our reputation is condemned (Matthew 6:2-4). We give secretly and quietly, not for show.
5. God promises to bless and provide for cheerful givers who give from a generous heart (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). We can trust Him to care for us when we give freely and joyfully.
6. Everything we have – including our money – ultimately belongs to God, not to us (Psalm 24:1). We are stewards entrusted with resources to manage for God’s glory.
7. Paying taxes is affirmed in Scripture as good and obeying governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7). Tax deductions are a legal means within the established system.
8. TheLocal church and Christian charities do crucial work that relies on donations. Tax-deductible contributions help enable their ministries.
9. Giving sacrificially while trusting God’s provision takes faith. Tax advantages can help facilitate giving generously.
So in summary, while charitable giving motivated solely by tax deductions is not ideal, if the heart is right, the giver is cheerful, and the cause honorable, then tax incentives can enable and encourage generous giving that ultimately glorifies God. As with everything, our motivation makes all the difference. Scripture calls us to examine our hearts and give in a way that aligns with godly wisdom and righteousness.
Romans 12:8 ESV
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 ESV
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 ESV
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21 ESV
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV
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 ESV
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38 ESV
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NKJV
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
Proverbs 3:27-28 ESV
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 ESV
What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Psalm 116:12-14 ESV
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Luke 12:33 ESV
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 NASB
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Malachi 3:10 ESV
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 ESV
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
Proverbs 11:25 NASB
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NKJV
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
Proverbs 18:16 NIV
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17 ESV
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 ESV
And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16 NASB
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:16 NKJV
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Galatians 6:2-7 ESV
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:25 ESV
Their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord.
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 ESV
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV
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 ESV
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:8-10 ESV
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:21-22 ESV
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:34 ESV
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
Proverbs 22:9 ESV
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
Proverbs 28:27 ESV
Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.
Proverbs 14:31 ESV
Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
Proverbs 28:8 ESV
Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
Luke 6:30-33 ESV
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.
2 Corinthians 9:11-13 ESV
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV
And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
Proverbs 22:9 ESV
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
Proverbs 28:27 ESV
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:33-34 ESV
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4 ESV
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:2-4 ESV
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:15-16 ESV
Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
Proverbs 21:13 ESV
Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
Proverbs 28:8 ESV
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17 ESV
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:17-18 ESV
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Luke 12:33 ESV
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
Proverbs 14:21 ESV
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:8-9 ESV
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35b ESV