In the Bible, offerings are a meaningful act of worship, sacrifice, and generosity to God. There are many verses throughout Scripture that discuss the purpose and heart behind giving offerings. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages about offerings:
Old Testament Verses on Offerings
In the Old Testament, God instituted specific offerings as part of the law and worship system for the nation of Israel. Some of the key offerings included:
- Burnt offerings – Voluntary acts of worship and dedication to God (Leviticus 1:1-17, 6:8-13)
- Grain offerings – Gifts expressing devotion and thanksgiving to God (Leviticus 2:1-16)
- Peace offerings – Offerings to celebrate community and fellowship with God (Leviticus 3:1-17)
- Sin offerings – Required offerings to atone for unintentional sins (Leviticus 4:1-5:13)
- Guilt offerings – Required offerings to atone for and make restitution for specific sins (Leviticus 5:14-6:7)
- Tithes and first fruits – Tithing a percentage of agricultural goods to support the Levites (Deuteronomy 14:22-29)
A key purpose of the offering system was to set apart the Israelites as holy to God and provide atonement for sin (Exodus 29:33, Leviticus 6:25, 7:1). God also designed the giving of offerings to support the work of the tabernacle and temple (Numbers 7:3-5).
Old Testament Principles on the Heart of Giving
In addition to instituting specific offerings, several Old Testament passages emphasize the spirit and motivations behind giving offerings to God:
- Giving generously and purely out of love for God (Deuteronomy 15:10, 1 Chronicles 29:9)
- Giving the best of what you have (1 Samuel 15:22)
- God values the attitude of the heart more than the amount given (2 Corinthians 8:12)
- Offerings are a form of worship, tribute and honor to God (Psalm 96:8, Isaiah 43:23)
- God rewards those who give offerings with generosity and joy (2 Chronicles 31:10, Proverbs 3:9-10)
New Testament Principles on Offerings
While some specific offerings like tithes were no longer required, the New Testament gives principles for Christian giving:
- Giving comes from a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- All offerings should be voluntary, generous and proportional to what one has (Luke 21:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:3)
- Give to those in need and support Christian workers (Philippians 4:14-18, Galatians 6:6)
- God loves a cheerful giver and rewards generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
- Everything belongs to God, so we give as an act of worship (Romans 11:35-12:1)
Jesus’ Teaching on Giving
Jesus also emphasized the motivations behind giving offerings and acts of generosity:
- Give sincerely and secretly, not to impress others (Matthew 6:2-4)
- God is more pleased by small acts done in humility than large, showy gifts (Mark 12:41-44)
- Offerings should be given out of our livelihood, not surplus (Luke 21:1-4)
- Generosity demonstrates devotion and love to God (Luke 12:33-34)
Reasons to Give Offerings
Based on all these Bible passages, some key reasons and motivations behind giving offerings include:
- As an act of worship to God
- To support Christian ministry and workers
- To meet needs among God’s people
- As a response to God’s generosity and blessings
- To honor God with our material possessions
- To grow in generosity and break free of materialism
- To lay up eternal rewards in heaven
- To express thanks and gratitude to God
Attitudes for Giving
More important than the amount given are the motivations behind offering gifts to God and others. Here are some attitudes that please God:
- Give voluntarily and freely (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Give proportionately out of earnings (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Give the best of what you have (Mark 12:41-44)
- Give cheerfully and generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
- Give in response to God’s grace (2 Corinthians 8:9)
- Give humbly and secretly (Matthew 6:2-4)
Blessings from Giving
While we should not give in order to get something back, God promises blessings and rewards to those who give generously and cheerfully:
- Rewards from God (Luke 6:38, Luke 14:12-14)
- Joy in giving (Acts 20:35)
- Increased generosity (2 Corinthians 9:8)
- Meeting needs (Philippians 4:19)
- Riches in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Reaping generously (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Cautions about Giving
The Bible also includes warnings about the wrong motivations and attitudes behind giving offerings:
- Don’t give unwillingly or under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Don’t give to receive praise from others (Matthew 6:2)
- Don’t give to gain influence or status (Acts 8:18-22)
- Don’t give what is gained dishonestly or sinfully (Isaiah 61:8)
Conclusion
Giving offerings is an integral part of worship and Christian discipleship. More important than the amount is the attitude of the heart and motivations behind giving. When done with the right spirit, offerings are a joyful act that honors God and supports ministry. The Bible encourages generous, voluntary, cheerful giving that is focused on God’s kingdom and reflects His generous grace in our lives.