I hear complaints and questions like these from Christians frequently:

• "Churches today only care about money."

• "There is too much abuse and misuse of church funds. Why should I give?"

• "How do I know the money will go to a good cause?

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We don't give to the pastor. We give our offerings to God alone. In fact, the Bible teaches us to give for our own good and for our own blessing, from a cheerful heart.

What Does the Bible Say About Church Giving?

Don't take my word as proof that God wants us to give. Instead, let's look at what the Bible says about giving.

First and foremost, God wants us to give because it shows that we recognize he is truly the Lord of our lives.  

 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17,NIV)

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Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." (Mark 12:41-44, NIV)