Giving money and Generosity: The Bible says
OLD TESTAMENT Verses
Psalm 115: v 5
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
Proverbs 12: v 25
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 22: v 9
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
NEW TESTAMENT Verses
Matthew 5: v 42
Jesus said
"Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "
Matthew 6: v 1, 3 - 4
Jesus said
(1)"Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven......
(3-4) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Mark 12: v 41 - 44
(41) Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.
(42) But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. [5 - 10 cents]
(43) Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
(44) They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
It is interesting to compare giving in Churches with rich members to those with poorer congregations. Often on a per person basis churches with poorer members are more generous in their giving. Hopefully the richer members support charities outside their own church. Only God knows the answer to this.
Luke 3: v 11
John answered "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."
2 Corinthians 9: v 11
" Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
COMMENT: It's great to give to those less fortunate than we are. Even a little money, some groceries or your own time can be a tremendous benefit in helping other people. If you don't presently give to others or charities. Try it! I can recommend it. It may even put a smile on your face and make you feel better. Remember you can't take your money with you when you pass away.
Australian Baptist World Aid (ABWAid) - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. BIG BANG for your $$. Admin fees kept to a minimum
What does the Bible say about Money / Wealth.
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Date of Revision 29 May 2023