Finally, we need to ask the question “Where should we give?” Numerous Christian charities and other worthy non-Christian organizations appeal to believers for support. How are we to decide where to give our money? Though Scripture does not explicitly address this question, it does provide wisdom as to how Christians can give responsibly in a biblical manner.

1 Timothy 5:8 says “if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” So most foundationally we are to meet the needs of our immediate family. So after meeting that obligation, where should we give?

To your spiritual family, the local church. In Galatians 6 Paul writes “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor…Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (6, 10; cf. 1 Cor. 9:11; 15; 1 Tim. 5:17-18). There is a biblical priority of supporting the gospel ministry of your local church. The local church is God’s chosen vehicle to build up believers and faithfully proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth; therefore, its members should joyfully support the God-ordained work of the church as they seek to actively engage the mission of God.

After supporting your immediate family and generously giving to your spiritual family, you are free to give where you find genuine need. It may be a Christian para-church organization or a specific individual in need or a secular organization that performs valuable work (e.g. a pregnancy support center). In each these instances we must seek to steward God’s resources with wisdom and integrity.

Summary: Why, What, How, & Where Should We Give?

Our generous giving is based on the character of our God and the greatness of the gospel. We give not out of compulsion, but as a joyful, cheerful act of worship magnifying the worth of our God. God’s word does not provide a set percentage or amount for each person to give. Rather, we are to give regularly and sacrificially out of what God has given to us. We must ensure that we meet the needs of our immediate family and support our spiritual family, the church, before giving to other organizations. Remember, God has entrusted to us the privilege and responsibility of stewarding His resources to build up the church and advance the gospel so that all people might delight in the supremacy of Jesus Christ!