What does the Bible say about giving to others in need?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God’s people should gladly and generously share their resources with those in need, trusting God as the faithful giver of every good gift. Jesus says that generous giving reflects a heart open to God’s mercy and receives His blessing (Luke 6:38), while Acts 20:35 reminds us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Believers give not to earn God’s favor, but because grace has already changed them; God loves cheerful, willing generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). We should not withhold good when it is in our power to act (Proverbs 3:27), doing good and sharing as sacrifices pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16), confident that He will supply every true need (Philippians 4:19).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Luke 6:38 4 votes
"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."
- Acts 20:35 3 votes
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.'"
- James 1:17 3 votes
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.
- Philippians 4:19 3 votes
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Hebrews 13:16 3 votes
But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 3 votes
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
- Romans 12:8 2 votes
or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
- Colossians 3:17 2 votes
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
- Proverbs 3:27 2 votes
Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do it.
- Proverbs 28:27 2 votes
One who gives to the poor has no lack; But one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
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