What the Bible says about “Love – our Motivation for Giving”

“If I give all I possess to the poor . . . But have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV

Why some Christians Give Some give out of duty The Bible is very clear about our duty to give! But giving strictly out of duty is not God’s will – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Why some Christians Give Some give out of guilt They give because they feel guilty for having so much Giving out of guilt is not God’s will either – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Why some Christians Give Some give out of pride They give to be honored by men – Matthew 6:1-4; Acts 5:1-11 God will not bless those who give out of pride!

“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 NIV

The Motivation God desires Giving out of love for God We give because we really appreciate all that God has given to us! – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; James 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:17 We give because we want to please God! – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 3:16-18

The Motivation God desires Giving out of love for others We give because we truly care about others! – Luke 10:25-37; James 2:14-17 We give because we want to help others – Galatians 2:10

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV

Learning to Give out of Love Remember the sowing principle If we sow sparingly we will also reap sparingly – 2 Corinthians 9:6; Luke 12:13-21; 16:19-31; Proverbs 21:13 If we sow generously we will also reap generously – 2 Corinthians 9:10-11; Luke 6:38; 1 Timothy 6:18-19; Proverbs 19:17

Learning to Give out of Love Consider the amount you will give Our giving should be thoughtful and reasonable – 2 Corinthians 9:7a; 1 Corinthians 16:2 If we really believe in what we’re giving to we will give generously! – 2 Corinthians 8:12

Learning to Give out of Love Don’t give grudgingly or out of compulsion These are feelings we must work through – 2 Corinthians 9:7b God doesn’t want us to feel pressured into giving – it is totally voluntary! – 2 Corinthians 8:8

Learning to Give out of Love Give with a cheerful heart Taking time to really know what we’re giving to will ensure it’s something we feel good about – 2 Corinthians 9:7c Give because you really want to!

Learning to Give out of Love Enjoy God’s blessings! God has promised to bless those who give with the right motives – 2 Corinthians 9:8; Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 It really is more blessed to give than to receive! – Acts 20:35