What does the Bible say about gift giving?
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The Bible teaches that giving is a joyful response to God’s grace, marked by generosity, wisdom, and love rather than pride or pressure. God is the giver of every good gift (James 1:17), and supremely gave His Son for sinners (John 3:16). Therefore believers should give freely and cheerfully, trusting God’s provision rather than seeking recognition or return (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Scripture commends using wealth to do good, share with others, and store up true treasure in eternity (1 Timothy 6:18-19). Gifts may express honor and worship, as the Magi’s gifts to Christ show (Matthew 2:11), while all our ability to prosper comes from God (Deuteronomy 8:18).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you."
- James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.
- John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- Matthew 2:11
They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
- Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as at this day.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
- 1 Timothy 6:18-19
[18] that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
- Proverbs 18:16
A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
- Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this," says Yahweh of hosts, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for.
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