Giving offerings in church is a vital part of the Christian faith. It is not just a tradition but a biblical practice with deep spiritual significance. According to Scripture, offering is an act of worship, gratitude, and obedience to God. It reflects our understanding that everything we have comes from Him.
Offering supports the work of the church and helps further God’s mission on earth. In this article, we will explore why giving offerings in church is important, according to Scripture, and how it benefits both the giver and the community.
Importance of Giving Offering in Church: According to Scripture
#1. It Acknowledges God as the Source of All Blessings
When we give offerings, we declare that all blessings and provisions come from God. Scripture is clear that everything we have is a gift from God. In 1 Chronicles 29:14, David acknowledges, “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” By offering a portion of our resources back to God, we remind ourselves that our wealth, health, and possessions are not our own but are entrusted to us by Him. Offering is an act of stewardship, recognizing that God is the ultimate provider. It reflects a heart of gratitude and humility before the Creator.
#2. It Honors God with Our Firstfruits
Offering our firstfruits is a biblical principle that demonstrates honor and priority to God. In the Old Testament, God’s people were instructed to bring the first of their crops, livestock, and other produce to Him as an offering (Exodus 23:19). This act symbolized giving God the best of what they had. Similarly, today, giving the first part of our income or resources reflects that we prioritize God above all else. It is a way to demonstrate that God comes first in our lives, before any bills, debts, or desires. This practice shows our commitment to honoring God with what He has provided us, setting the tone for how we manage all our resources.
#3. It Supports the Work of the Church
One of the key reasons for giving offerings is to support the church’s mission and ministry. Financial contributions enable the church to operate and serve its community. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul encourages the church to support those who labor in preaching and teaching. Offering money helps maintain church buildings, pay staff, fund missions, and support various programs that reach out to the community and spread the gospel. Giving is a way for believers to participate in the work of the church, ensuring it continues to thrive and fulfill its mission. By supporting the church, we contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.
#4. It Demonstrates Faith and Trust in God
Giving offerings demonstrates our faith in God’s ability to meet our needs. In times of financial uncertainty, giving can be a step of faith. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:25-34 that we should not worry about our material needs because God knows what we need and will provide for us. When we give, we trust that God will continue to provide for our needs even when we are generous with what we have. It shows that we believe in His promises and that our security is not in money or possessions but in His provision. Giving, especially in difficult circumstances, builds our trust and reliance on God as our provider.
#5. It Helps Fulfill the Call to Help Others
Scripture emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor, the widow, and the needy. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus makes it clear that serving others is akin to serving Him. Offering is one of the ways we can fulfill this call. When we give, our resources can be used to provide for those who are struggling, whether through direct aid or church-supported outreach programs. The early church was known for its generosity to those in need, and in Acts 2:44-45, we see believers selling their possessions to give to anyone who had need. Giving offerings is not just about supporting the church; it is about actively participating in the body of Christ’s mission to love and serve others. By contributing, we become instruments of God’s grace and love in the world.
#6. It Reflects Our Worship and Devotion
Giving offerings is a tangible expression of our worship and devotion to God. Worship is not limited to singing or prayer; it encompasses every area of our lives, including how we manage our resources. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Offering our finances in obedience to God reflects this broader understanding of worship. It demonstrates that we value God above all material things. Our offerings are an act of devotion, showing God that He is more important than our possessions or wealth.
#7. It Lays Up Treasures in Heaven
Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 that we should store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Earthly treasures are temporary, but heavenly treasures are eternal. Giving offerings is one way we invest in the eternal. When we give to God’s work, we are investing in His kingdom, which lasts forever. Jesus assures us that what we do for God’s kingdom will have lasting rewards. Offering is a way to lay up treasures that cannot be destroyed by rust or decay. It shifts our focus from temporary gains to eternal rewards.
#8. It Imitates God’s Generosity
God’s generosity is a model for how we should give. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul encourages believers to give cheerfully, as God loves a cheerful giver. God has given us abundantly, even sending His Son to die for us. When we give, we imitate His generosity. Our offerings reflect the generosity of the one who gave His only Son for our salvation. Giving with a generous heart mirrors God’s character and shows that we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of others, just as He did for us.
#9. It Brings Blessings and Joy to the Giver
Scripture promises that giving brings blessings to the giver. In Acts 20:35, Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The act of giving creates joy and satisfaction. When we give, we participate in God’s work, which is inherently fulfilling. In addition, God promises to bless those who give generously. Malachi 3:10 says that when we bring our tithes and offerings, God will pour out blessings so abundant that there will not be room enough to store them. Giving leads to a deeper sense of joy, knowing that our resources are being used to further God’s kingdom.
#10. It Strengthens the Church Community
Giving offerings also strengthens the church community. When believers give, they invest in one another’s well-being and growth. The early church demonstrated this in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared their possessions so that no one was in need. Giving promotes unity and fellowship within the church body. It helps create a strong foundation for the church to function effectively, whether through worship, teaching, or outreach. When members contribute, it fosters a spirit of collaboration and support, strengthening the collective mission of the church.
Closing Thoughts
Giving offerings in church is more than a financial transaction; it is a vital act of worship and obedience. Through offering, we acknowledge God’s provision, support the church’s mission, and reflect His generosity. It is an expression of faith, trust, and devotion that strengthens both the giver and the church community.
As we give, we invest in God’s eternal kingdom and receive blessings in return. Scripture reminds us that our offerings are a way to honor God and fulfill His call to love and serve others. Let our giving be a reflection of our commitment to God’s work.