In a world that runs on money and material gain, the Christian call to give seems countercultural. Yet giving is at the very heart of Christian discipleship. From the first offering given by Abel to the generous sacrifices of the early church, we see a consistent theme: God’s people give because God gave first.
But in practical terms, many believers ask:
“How much should I give?”
“Do I really have to tithe?”
“What about promises or vows to God?”
“Should all giving go to the church?”
This article seeks to answer those questions by diving deep into the Scriptures and providing a practical, Spirit-led approach to giving for today’s faithful believer.
1. The Biblical Foundation of Giving
Giving is not a man-made concept—it’s deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects God’s generous nature. The Bible shows us two primary types of giving:
- Tithes: A tenth of one’s income or increase, given as a holy portion to God.
- Offerings: Free-will gifts given beyond the tithe, based on love, faith, and compassion.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
– Proverbs 3:9 (ESV)
The tithe was a starting point under the Old Covenant (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10), supporting the Levites, temple service, and the poor. In the New Testament, while Jesus did not command tithing for salvation, He affirmed its value (Matthew 23:23) and highlighted the deeper matter: the heart behind giving.
2. What About Today? Should Christians Still Tithe?
While we are no longer under the Mosaic law, many Christians today see the tithe as a baseline—a training ground for generosity. It’s not about a legalistic percentage but about prioritizing God in our finances.
Here’s a healthy model:
Tithe (10%) to your local church
Your church is your spiritual home. It’s where you grow, worship, serve, and receive care. Supporting your church enables it to run ministries, outreach, pay staff, and maintain the building.
Give offerings as you are led
Above the tithe, give to ministries, missions, the poor, or people in need. These are expressions of love and generosity that reflect God’s heart.
Give regularly and cheerfully
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
3. Should Christians Give Promises or Make Vows to God?
Sometimes, during times of desperation or gratitude, people say things like:
- “Lord, if You heal me, I’ll give You everything.”
- “If I get this job, I’ll donate half my first paycheck.”
- “If You save my loved one, I promise to give to missions.”
This is called a vow—a solemn promise made to God. And the Bible talks clearly about this practice.
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.”
– Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NIV)
“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
– Ecclesiastes 5:5
So should we make promises or vows when we give?
Here’s a balanced perspective:
Yes, if led by the Holy Spirit—but take it seriously.
If you make a vow to give something to God, keep it. God honors integrity. Don’t speak rashly or emotionally—mean what you say and follow through.
No, if it’s manipulative or impulsive.
God is not a vending machine. Making vows to twist His arm into answering your prayer is not true faith—it’s bargaining. He sees the heart.
Instead, practice surrendered giving.
Rather than making a vow to get something, let your giving be an act of worship, trust, and obedience. You don’t need to promise in order to give—just give faithfully and joyfully.
4. How Much Should a Christian Really Give?
There is no fixed rule in the New Testament about exact percentages, but here’s a principle to follow:
Give in proportion to how God has blessed you.
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income…”
– 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV)
For some, 10% is a good starting point. For others, it may be more or less depending on their financial situation. What matters is the attitude of the heart and the obedience to God’s leading.
5. Where Should Our Giving Go?
Faithful Christians are called to give to:
- The local church – where we are spiritually nourished.
- Missions and evangelism – spreading the Gospel globally.
- The poor and oppressed – reflecting God’s justice and mercy.
- Christian ministries and outreach – supporting Kingdom work.
Use discernment. Not all ministries are fruitful or aligned with God’s truth. Give to places that preach the gospel, operate with transparency, and bear good spiritual fruit.
6. Practical Tips for Faithful Giving
Giving doesn’t happen by accident—it must be intentional.
Here are some ways to build a lifestyle of giving:
Budget for generosity
Treat giving like any essential expense. Plan for it.
Automate your giving
Many churches and ministries accept online giving. Set it and stay consistent.
Pray regularly about your giving
Ask God where He wants you to sow. He may lead you to bless a person in need or a missionary in the field.
Give anonymously when possible
Jesus taught that the best giving is quiet and humble (Matthew 6:1–4).
Teach your children to give
Help the next generation value giving over getting.
7. The Blessing of Giving: Why We Give
We don’t give to get rich. That’s the error of the “prosperity gospel.” We give because:
- God gave first (John 3:16)
- We trust Him to provide (Philippians 4:19)
- We want to be part of building His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
When you give, you participate in something eternal. You help the church grow, lives change, the gospel advance, and needs be met.
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)
Conclusion: A Heart That Gives, Lives Free
Faithful Christians are called not just to give—but to live generously. Whether you tithe faithfully, offer beyond your income, or feel led to promise something to God—do it with a heart full of love and honor.
- Don’t give to impress.
- Don’t give to earn favor.
- Don’t give out of fear.
Give because God gave His Son.
Give because it’s a joy to bless others.
Give because this world is not your home.
Let your wallet reflect your worship. Let your giving reflect your gratitude. And remember: in God’s economy, no gift is ever wasted, and no generous heart goes unnoticed.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15
