The Joy of Giving

The Joy of Giving
By Dr. Greg Hinnant

Scripture Focus

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

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Devotional

Giving is not a church invention—it is a God idea, rooted deep in Scripture and revealed fully in Jesus Christ.

The first recorded tithe appears in Genesis 14:20, when Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of victory to Melchizedek, priest of God Most High. This moment predated the Law, revealing that giving flows from faith, not obligation. Abraham represents the people of faith; Melchizedek foreshadows Christ. The message is clear: God’s people honor Him by returning a portion of what He has already provided.

Scripture reminds us that everything belongs to God. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Even our lives are not our own—we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). We are not owners, but stewards, entrusted with God’s resources and responsible for how we use them.

Giving is not just about amounts—it is about attitude. Scripture calls us to think spiritually, with the mind of Christ (Romans 8:6; Philippians 2:5). Jesus does not measure generosity by display or recognition, but by humility and obedience. When we give quietly, faithfully, and with pure motives, God sees—and God rewards (Matthew 6:2–4).

The motive of giving is love: love for God, love for His people, and love for the lost. Jesus was moved with compassion to feed the multitudes (Mark 6:34). Faith expresses itself through generosity.

The purpose of giving is practical and eternal:
•To build places of worship—not idols (Exodus 25–36)
•To meet the needs of God’s people in crisis (Acts 11:28–30)
•To support ministry so leaders can devote themselves to prayer and the Word (Acts 6:4)

Jesus Himself is the Lord of Giving. He gave His time, strength, compassion—and ultimately His body and blood for our salvation (Matthew 20:28). When Christ asks us to give, He asks nothing He has not already done Himself.

God promises provision and assurance to faithful givers. “My God shall supply all your need” (Philippians 4:19). David testified that he never saw the righteous forsaken nor their children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25).

Giving also activates God’s principle of reciprocity. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). This is not manipulation—it is divine order. God supplies, we steward, we give, and He multiplies so we can give again.

Ultimately, giving shapes our legacy and rewards. Christ is coming soon, bringing reward for faithful obedience (Revelation 22:12). What we do with what God has entrusted to us matters—now and forever.

And the invitation is simple: just do it. Step into the joy, freedom, and blessing of generosity.

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Application
•Have I acknowledged that everything I have belongs to God?
•Is my giving faithful, joyful, and prioritized—or occasional and hesitant?
•Do my financial decisions reflect trust in God or trust in money?
•What step of obedience is God asking me to take in giving right now?

Choose today to give willingly, generously, and consistently—and experience the joy Jesus promised.

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Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for giving everything for me—especially Your Son.
Help me to see my life and resources as Yours, not mine.
Teach me to give with faith, humility, and joy.
Free my heart from fear, greed, and hesitation,
and help me trust You fully as my Provider.
May my giving honor You, bless others, and build Your Kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, amen.