Christianity and Giving

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:36-40

To the Christian, there can be no question about the importance of charity and giving.  It springs from the very core of Christianity itself.  After all, Jesus set the ultimate example of giving through His ministry culminating in the voluntary sacrifice of his own life for the salvation of believers. 

Biblical scriptures abound in instructions and teachings concerning this subject (see the reference section for a few of these).  An important consideration is that God actually created and owns everything we have (Psalms 24:1).  The Bible teaches that we are entrusted and responsible for the stewardship of all our gifts, not just finances, but also, our time, talents and spiritual gifts.  Therefore, all aspects of giving should be carefully considered, planned for, and incorporated into the Christian’s life. 

Besides responding is obedience to God’s word, our giving results in a better world, both for the giver and the recipient.