Written by the Christian Financial Advisors® Team
Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio & Don VandeVanter
Proverbs 3:9-10 — “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.”
This month, we begin a twelve-part series on a Biblical Worldview of Money and Wealth. We start with one of the most personal and spiritually significant topics in all of Scripture: tithing and giving.
Twenty years ago, nearly every church dedicated time during its weekly service for tithes and offerings. An offering plate passed down each aisle created a moment of intentional, worshipful focus on God’s provision. Today, many churches have moved to digital giving or a collection box in the foyer. While convenient, these methods can make giving feel routine rather than reflective. However we give, the heart behind our gift matters most.
Why Do We Tithe and Give?
Scripture gives us many compelling reasons. Tithing acknowledges God as the rightful owner of all things—as Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Giving helps the local church fulfill its mission, funds missionaries carrying out the Great Commission, provides for those in need, and breaks the chains of selfishness and materialism. Most powerfully, it is a visible declaration that others’ needs matter as much as our own—a tangible expression of Christ’s love to the world.
How Much Should We Give?
This depends on your financial situation, personal circumstances, and what you are willing to offer before the Lord. God looks at the heart, not the size of the gift. Whether your giving reflects the widow’s two coins in Luke 21 or the generosity of the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8, God honors the willing, cheerful giver.
Four Ways to Give
Giving goes beyond writing a check. We give our Time—volunteering, mentoring, and serving in ministry. We give our Talents and Natural Gifts, as Romans 12 reminds us each member of the body has unique gifts given for the benefit of all. We give From Income, Cash, and Savings, honoring the Lord with the firstfruits of what He has entrusted to us. And we give through Non-Cash Planned Gifts—appreciated stocks, real estate, business interests, and retirement accounts. Planned giving strategies such as donor-advised funds and charitable remainder trusts can unlock these assets in tax-efficient ways.
All major financial decisions, including giving, should be spiritual ones—prayed about and aligned with God’s Word. Wise Christian counsel is invaluable along this journey.
About This Communication
This communication will provide some of the highlights of the Christian Financial Perspectives show in an accessible ‘postcard type format’ each month that can be read in less than 3 minutes.
The views expressed represent the opinion of Christian Financial Advisors®®. The views are subject to change and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Stated information is derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources that have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness. While Christian Financial Advisors®® believes the information to be accurate and reliable, we do not claim or have responsibility for its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative as they are based on assumptions that may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investing in equity securities involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. Past performance is not indicative of future results.