What the Bible Says About Generosity

God is the perfect picture of generosity. What better place to learn about being generous than in His Word?

15 Jun, 2020

Often when we think of generosity, the first thing that comes to mind is money. Sometimes we get so caught up in the 'where' and 'how much', that we forget why we should be giving in the first place.

Jesus is the perfect example of what generosity looks like. Everything He did while He lived on this earth was done with love, care, and a generous spirit—let's not forget He gave up His life so that ours could be eternal.

God generously gave us His Word in written form so we could grow closer to Him and learn exactly what He wants us to know. So, when it comes to learning about being generous, what better place to start?

Here are some of our favourite Bible verses about generosity.

We give because Jesus has already given

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:16

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour. —Titus 3:5-7

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. —James 1:5

God blesses those who give

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. —Proverbs 11:25

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. —2 Corinthians 9:6

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. —Proverbs 22:9

God calls us to give cheerfully, not because we feel we should

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. —Deuteronomy 15:10

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 9:7

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. —Proverbs 19:17

We must be generous with pure intentions

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." —Matthew 6:1

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. —1 Timothy 6:18

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." —Matthew 6:3

Generosity is about the "why?", not "how much?"

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. —2 Corinthians 8:2

All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing. —Proverbs 21:26

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. —Romans 12:9

We are so thankful for the ongoing generosity of our amazing supporters. Thank you so much for all that you do for vulnerable children living in poverty.

If you would like to bring the hope of Jesus to a child living in poverty, consider supporting Compassion Australia today.

LEARN MORE

Words by Claire Ince