As the Director of Education and Development at Petros Network, I wrote this blogpost to provide a better understanding of biblical giving. My goal is to show how Christian philanthropy is grounded in God’s word and His promises, not just in secular notions of charity. By recognizing that our resources are gifts entrusted to us by God for the benefit of others, we can better support the advancement of His Kingdom and bring Him glory.
“Charity, in short, is not just a good deed but a declaration of belief about the world and the God who created it.” — Gary Anderson
In today’s world of material abundance and stark inequality, the Christian call to charitable giving plays an important role. It’s not just about writing checks, pushing a button online, or dropping money in collection plates—it’s about participating in a divine economy of grace, where giving becomes an act of worship and where we encounter God in the faces of those we serve.
The Biblical Foundation of Giving
In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter writes “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” This verse reminds us that everything we possess – our wealth, talents, and resources – are gifts from God, entrusted to us for the benefit of others.
This understanding frees us from the burden of ownership and opens us to the joy of giving. We are not owners but managers of God’s resources called to distribute them wisely and generously. But there is more to it than just giving away what we have and experiencing the joy of giving.
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus makes a profound statement that revolutionizes our understanding of charity: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This verse reveals an extraordinary truth – when we serve the poor, we are literally serving Christ himself.
This understanding transforms our perspective on giving. The poor are not merely recipients of our generosity; they are an act of worship; they are where we encounter the divine. When we give sacrificially to those in need, we are not only reflecting the heart of our Heavenly Father, but we are also positioning ourselves to experience His presence in profound ways.
“Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” — Mother Teresa
Every act of giving becomes a sacred encounter, every donation a form of worship, and every moment of service an opportunity to meet God.
The Transformative Power of Giving
When we embrace giving as an act of worship, it transforms both the giver and the receiver. The apostle Paul captures this in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This blessing isn’t just about feeling good – it’s about being transformed into the image of Christ, who “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” — 2 Corinthians 8:9.
Modern theologian Miroslav Volf writes, “Giving is the basic movement of the Christian life… We give because God first gave to us, and we give so that God’s giving might flow through us to others.” This cycle of giving creates a beautiful economy of grace where everyone is blessed, and God is glorified.
Living a Life of Purpose Through Giving
The call to charitable giving isn’t just about occasional donations – it’s about orienting our entire lives toward generosity. Jesus taught, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” — Matthew 6:21.
“When we invest our resources in Kingdom purposes, our hearts naturally follow, leading to lives of greater meaning and purpose.” Ray Noah
As we navigate our lives in an increasingly complex world, we must embrace this sacred understanding of giving. We must see our resources not as personal possessions, but as divine gifts entrusted to us for the blessing of others. In doing so, we not only fulfill our Christian calling but participate in the divine work of bringing God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Give a Gift with Purpose
In a world often darkened by despair, poverty, and hopelessness, you have the opportunity to restore hope by providing a gift with the purpose of sharing the Gospel to those who have never heard it. You’re not just making a donation—you’re helping people understand God’s love, joy, and peace so they can live life fully today.