Topical Bible: Lying About Giving

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Definition and Context:
Lying about giving refers to the act of deceitfully misrepresenting one's contributions or donations, particularly in a religious or charitable context. This behavior is addressed in the Bible, where it is depicted as a serious offense against God and the community of believers.

Biblical Example:
The most notable biblical account of lying about giving is found in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts. The account of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit in the early Christian community.

Acts 5:1-11 :
The account of Ananias and Sapphira is recorded in Acts 5:1-11. Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. However, they conspired to keep back part of the proceeds for themselves while pretending to donate the entire amount to the apostles. When Ananias presented the money, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted him:

"Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.'" (Acts 5:3-4)

Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. Later, Sapphira also lied about the amount, and she too fell dead after Peter confronted her. This event instilled great fear in the church and underscored the seriousness of lying to God.

Theological Implications:
The account of Ananias and Sapphira highlights several key theological points:

1. Integrity in Giving: The narrative emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in financial dealings, especially within the church. The act of giving is not merely a transaction but a spiritual act of worship and obedience to God.

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The passage illustrates the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church. Lying to the community is equated with lying to the Holy Spirit, indicating the divine nature of the church's mission and the seriousness of deceit.

3. Consequences of Sin: The immediate and severe punishment of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin. It underscores the holiness of God and the expectation of purity among His people.

4. Community Impact: The fear that spread throughout the church following this incident reflects the communal nature of the early Christian community. The integrity of each member was vital to the health and witness of the entire body.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral and ethical standpoint, lying about giving is a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), as it involves deceit and misappropriation of resources. It also breaches the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness" (Exodus 20:16), by presenting a false image of generosity.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to give with a sincere heart, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7 , "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." This principle calls for transparency and honesty in all acts of giving, ensuring that contributions are made willingly and truthfully.

In summary, lying about giving is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of the individual and the community. The biblical account of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honesty and the fear of the Lord in all aspects of life, including financial stewardship.

Topical Bible Verses

Acts 5:1-5
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
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God Giving Himself.
... The Master Passion God Giving Himself. ... And its companion scene comes with it, of
Elisha lying prone upon the child, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, hand to hand ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/god giving himself.htm

John Chapter xix. 31-42, and xx. 1-9.
... Truly it pointed to a great good, prior to the great evil of the transgression
(in the guise of one thus lying asleep ... What more health-giving than such a wound? ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxx john chapter xix.htm

True Prudence
... Get up, and go on. You may be sorely bruised, and soiled with your fall, but is
that any reason for lying still, and giving up the struggle cowardly? ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxx true prudence.htm

Of Flattery.
... Lying, Servility, and Treachery, which being detestably deformed single must in
conjunction make up ... both: for whether you take it as it is the giving of praise ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

On the Other Hand, those who Say that we must Never Lie...
... also in giving precept for the putting off of the old man, under which name all
sins are understood, says straightway, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak ye ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 6 on the other.htm

Of the Source from which Covetousness Springs, and of the Evils of ...
... For this it shrinks not from the crime of lying, perjury, and theft, of breaking
a promise, of giving way to injurious bursts of passion. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter vii of the source.htm

I am Joseph of Arimath??a, who Begged from Pilate the Body of the ...
... to the miracles done by Him, nor that he might confess Him, but that he might betray
Him to them, wishing to catch up some lying word of Him, giving him gifts ...
/.../unknown/the narrative of joseph of arimathaea/chapter 1 i am joseph.htm

The Mother of all Love-Words.
... Brooding is love at its tenderest and best It is love giving its best, and so ... And
the best there is lying asleep within the thing so brooded over awakes. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the mother of all love-words.htm

Faustus Repels the Insinuation that the Prophecy of Paul with ...
... 1. Faustus said: You apply to us the words of Paul: "Some shall depart from the
faith, giving heed to lying spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in ...
/.../faustus repels the insinuation that.htm

On the Source and Cause of True Joy, --The Example of the Joyous ...
... not only for that he was thoroughly steeped in mirth, I torn to pieces with cares,
but he, by giving good wishes, had gotten wine, I, by lying, was following ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter vi on the source and.htm