This past Sunday we examined Matthew 6:1-4 which addressed the practice of giving. To help us continue to think through this topic, we’ll post a few blogs this week that aim to answer the questions of Why, What, How, and Where.

Why We Should Give: 5 Reasons

The proper starting place for developing theology for giving is to ask the simple yet profound question of “Why should I give?” First, we give because of the sheer splendor and greatness of our God. In giving we actively proclaim that we treasure the riches of Jesus as being more valuable than the things of this world. Like the man who joyfully gives up all he has because he understands the surpassing treasure found in God’s kingdom (cf. Mt. 13:44), we give as an act of worship delighting in the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

Second, we also give because we are image bearers of God, who himself is a giver. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift and we have nothing that we have not received (cf. Js 1:17; 1 Cor. 4:7). So every time we give we recognize all things come from God and resemble the God who created us in His own image and likeness (cf. Gn. 1:26-28).

One of God’s gifts far exceeds all the others; this points us to a third reason we give – because of the radical generosity displayed for us in the gospel. John 3:16 reminds us of the greatest gift God could ever give us, his only Son.

God gave his only Son, Jesus, so that we might have eternal life. This character of generosity is reflected in Jesus himself as he willingly laid down his life for us (cf. Jn. 10:18); though he was rich with the glories of heaven, he put on the rags of earth that we might be reconciled back to God the Father (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9). Both God the Father and God the Son exude generosity in giving us God the Spirit, who himself gives us his very indwelling presence.

God the Father is a giver who gave us his Son. Jesus is a giver who gave us himself. The Holy Spirit is a giver who gives us new life that we might delight in Jesus Christ to the glory of God. We give in worshipful response to God because of the good news that He first gave to us.

Fourth, we give because God promises blessings to those who are generous (cf. Lk. 6:38). When we sow generously, we should expect to reap generously (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7-8; Gal. 6:7-8). This does not mean we will receive numerous material possessions. The blessings referenced here are sometimes specifically referenced as treasure in heaven, and other times they are simply called blessings. But what is clear is that if we give we will be blessed – that is, be in the place of God’s favor. We give because there is reward for those who do, and seeking that reward is a godly motivation for giving.

Finally, we give because that’s the biblical pattern.[1] Throughout the entirety of the Bible, God’s people give money and material resources to support God’s mission. Today it’s no different – God uses the generosity of His people to support the local church as it advances the gospel into the lives of believers and unbelievers alike.

So we give to show the surpassing worth of God, and in doing so we demonstrate the character of our Creator and show our appreciation for the radical generosity he has displayed for us in Jesus. Following the biblical pattern set before us, we give expectant of the blessings God pours out on those who are generous.

[1] Additional posts will spell this out in greater detail