Introduction

The act of giving gifts is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's generosity and love towards humanity. Gift-giving is portrayed as an expression of love, gratitude, and fellowship among believers. It is also seen as a means of supporting the work of the church and aiding those in need. This entry explores the biblical perspective on giving gifts, highlighting key passages and principles.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, gift-giving is often associated with offerings and sacrifices to God. The Israelites were commanded to bring offerings as a form of worship and thanksgiving. In Exodus 35:29 , it is recorded, "So all the men and women whose hearts were willing brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do." This demonstrates the voluntary nature of giving, motivated by a willing heart.

Gift-giving also played a role in social and familial relationships. In Genesis 32:13-15 , Jacob prepared gifts for Esau as a gesture of reconciliation: "He spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau." This act of giving was intended to mend a broken relationship and express goodwill.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament expands on the concept of giving, emphasizing the spiritual and communal aspects. Jesus taught about the importance of giving with the right heart attitude. In Matthew 6:3-4 , He instructed, "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This teaching underscores the importance of humility and sincerity in giving.

The early church exemplified communal sharing and generosity. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers' practice: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This reflects the spirit of unity and mutual support within the Christian community.

Spiritual Gifts

In addition to material gifts, the New Testament speaks of spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church. These gifts are diverse, including teaching, prophecy, healing, and administration, among others. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Spiritual gifts are intended to build up the body of Christ and serve the community of believers.

Principles of Giving

The Bible outlines several principles regarding the act of giving:

1. Generosity: Believers are encouraged to give generously, reflecting God's own generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , Paul states, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."

2. Stewardship: Christians are called to be good stewards of their resources, recognizing that all they have is from God. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another."

3. Sacrificial Giving: The Bible commends sacrificial giving, as exemplified by the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44 . Jesus observed, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on giving gifts encompasses both material and spiritual dimensions, emphasizing the importance of a willing heart, generosity, and stewardship. Through giving, believers participate in God's work, support one another, and reflect the love and grace of Christ.Matthew 5:42
Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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Luke 12:33
Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
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James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no ficklenss, neither shadow of turning.
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Luke 3:11
He answers and said to them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has meat, let him do likewise.
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1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?
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Romans 12:8
Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
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2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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5332. pharmakeus -- sorcerer.
... that manipulate the Lord into granting more temporal gifts (especially "invincible ...
From pharmakon (a drug, ie Spell-giving potion); a druggist ("pharmacist ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5332.htm - 6k

The Gift that Brings all Gifts
... There is a beautiful contrast between the manners of giving the two sets of gifts
implied in words of the original, perhaps scarcely capable of being ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the gift that brings all.htm

Judging, Asking, and Giving
... which no receiving is possible, and, least of all, the receiving of the gifts of
the ... wise tenderness and desire to bestow which move the hand of the giving God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/judging asking and giving.htm

Gifts to the Prodigal
... forgiveness is ever true which is not, like God's, attended by large-hearted gifts. ...
the offender, then it can scarcely be content with simply giving the debtor ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gifts to the prodigal.htm

Spiritual Gifts.
... According to the natural man, each will be jealous of his brother's gifts and fear ...
they serve one Lord and one flock, and bless God for giving them together ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
... of those special benefits, by spiritual psalms and dances, by mutual feasting, and
sending presents every man to his neighbour, and by giving gifts to the poor ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/of the practice of piety 2.htm

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we Receive Prepare us for ...
... Against Heresies: Book V Chapter VIII."The gifts of the Holy Spirit which we receive ...
they have adopted the lives of swine and of dogs, giving themselves over ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii the gifts of the.htm

1 Cor. xii. 1, 2
... much less would That which knoweth the depths of God and needs no actuation for
that knowledge, require any actuating Power in order to the giving gifts to the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 1 cor xii.htm

The Blessedness of Giving
... pity is ever near akin, then these are not examples of the giving on which ... from
contemplating the relief or happiness in others of which our gifts may have ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the blessedness of giving.htm

1872 the Need of a Home Further West --Burning of the Marchmont ...
... a Home further West"Burning of the Marchmont Home"Home restored by Canadian
gifts"Miss Macpherson ... and praise, and I know you will join us in giving thanks ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter iv 1872 the need.htm

Giving God Free Use of Ourselves.
... Each One of Us Giving God Free Use of Ourselves. ... Whatever I am, whatever gifts and
opportunities I have"these I will turn over to God, that He may have the ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/giving god free use of.htm

Should we give gifts at Christmas? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org

Is giving a child a Christian education important? | GotQuestions.org

Giving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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