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What does the Bible say about giving gifts?

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The Bible teaches that giving is a joyful response to God’s grace, offered freely, generously, and for his glory rather than human praise. God is the giver of every good gift, and above all he gave his Son for sinners (James 1:17; John 3:16). Believers are therefore called to share what they have, do good, and remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Hebrews 13:16; Acts 20:35). Giving should be cheerful and willing, not reluctant or compelled, because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus also warns against giving to be seen by others, directing his people to seek the Father’s reward instead (Matthew 6:1-4).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 13:16

    But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

  • Acts 20:35

    In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

  • Matthew 6:1-4

    [1] "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. [2] Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most assuredly I tell you, they have received their reward. [3] But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does, [4] so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

  • 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.

  • 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."

  • 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.

  • Matthew 6:3

    But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does,

  • Matthew 7:11

    If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

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