Understanding The Profound Act Of Giving An Offering To God

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Published by Kimberly Wall

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Co-Founder, Disciple Group Leader, Author

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The act of offering to God is an ancient tradition that many religions worldwide have practiced. In the scriptures, it is found throughout the Old and New Testaments. An offering is a gift or sacrifice given to God as an expression of devotion, obedience, and gratitude. It is important to note that an offering must come from a sincere heart to be pleasing to God.

Offerings can take many forms, such as material goods and services. In the Bible, people made offerings of animals and grains to worship God and show gratitude for His blessings. The act of offering was also used to ask for forgiveness or protection. Offerings were often accompanied by prayer and fasting.

Key Takeaways

  • Offerings to God are described as gifts or sacrifices given out of devotion, obedience, and gratitude, emphasizing that they must be sincere to be pleasing to God. These can include material goods, services, prayers, and acts of kindness, underlining the importance of the heart’s intention over the offering’s form.
  • Offerings serve as a reflection of love, gratitude, and obedience to God, with references from both the Old and New Testaments to illustrate how offerings and sacrifices are integral to a relationship with God.
  • True offerings that please God are those made with a thankful and humble heart, beyond mere obligation. Spiritual sacrifices, such as prayer and thanksgiving, are highlighted as desirable to God, showing that offerings are not limited to material gifts but include acts of faith, love, and sincere devotion.

What Does The Bible Say About Tithes And Offerings?

The Bible has much to say about tithes and offerings. In the Old Testament, tithing[1] was a regular practice in Israel and was seen as an act of devotion and obedience to God. The Hebrew word for tithe means “a tenth” or “tenth part,” but it came to stand for giving a tenth of all the yield and produce of one’s labor to the Levites and other religious leaders.

Tithing was an offering of thanksgiving, a reminder that everything comes from God, and an acknowledgment that He is the source of all good things. The first reference to tithing in the Bible occurs in Genesis 14:20.

This is where Abraham gives a tithe of all he has to Melchizedek, the high priest of God. In Leviticus 27:30–33, the Lord commands that “all the tithe of the land, whether of seed from the ground or fruit from the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to Him.” This was a tithe of all the produce of the land. The New Testament also contains references to tithing and offerings.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus speaks about tithing and offering messages, emphasizing that they should be done with justice and mercy. He says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith.” The New Testament also speaks about giving offerings out of our material possessions (1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:7).

two hands are extended forward as a sign of offering, with a soft glow emanating

What Is The Purpose Of Giving An Offering To God?

The purpose of giving an offering to God is rooted in worship. The Bible has a lot to say about offerings, and their importance lies in expressing love, gratitude, and obedience to God.

Offerings come in many forms; they can be financial or material possessions, time spent in service to Him, words of adoration, prayers, or even simple acts of kindness. In the Bible, offerings are often associated with a sacrifice—giving up something valuable that will bring glory to God and show Him our commitment to Him.

In the Old Testament, Israelites frequently gave offerings as a sign of their gratitude for God’s blessings and protection for all nations. They brought offerings of grain and wine, first fruits, incense, animals, and other gifts. These offerings were an outward sign of the Israelites’ inward commitment to live according to God’s will.

In the New Testament, Jesus, His one and only son, taught that a good foundation for true worship is a spiritual offering—it comes from our hearts and brings glory to God when we give out of our surplus. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). In other words, if we give out of our abundance for God’s glory, it shows that our hearts are set on Him.

In the book of Hebrews 13:15–16, it says, “Through him, then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

This verse reminds us that our offerings should be more than just material things; they should also be an attitude of thanksgiving and a willingness to serve the Lord with our time, energy, and resources.

What Is The Offering That Pleases God?

The Bible is clear that offering something to God is one way we can glorify Him, express our appreciation and love for Him, and demonstrate our faith. In fact, throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous references to how offerings were made to God by the Israelites, typically as a form of worship to produce thanksgiving or gratitude.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this concept when He says, “This glorifies my Father, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples” (John 15:8). This implies that offering something to God is an act of bearing fruit—a way of being obedient and providing glory to Him.

The Bible also speaks about the types of offerings with which God is pleased. The best offerings come from a thankful and humble heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). This type of offering is an act of selfless love, not something done out of obligation or compulsion. God is pleased with any gift given in faith and sincerity, no matter how small it may be.

The Bible also talks about offering spiritual sacrifices, such as prayer and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15). These are the types of offerings that one’s life and God desire from us—those that demonstrate our faith and trust in Him. He is pleased when we lift His name with praise, give thanks for His blessings, and come before Him in prayer.

How To Give An Offering To God?

Giving an offering is a great way to show our gratitude and faith in God. Doing so also helps us to remember that everything comes from God and the Holy Spirit, and we must give back some of what He has given us. This can be done during church services in a variety of ways, and all the congregation of God will delight in it.

One of the most traditional and meaningful ways to give an offering to God is through prayer and worship. Taking time out of your day to pray, meditate on scriptures, or simply express appreciation for what He has done can be a powerful way to honor Him. It is also important to recognize that prayer doesn’t necessarily have to be a long, drawn-out affair. Even just taking a few minutes each day to address God and thank Him for His presence can be an offering.

Another way to give an offering is by giving away material items to a needy person, such as money or food. Though this type of giving may not always come from the most generous heart within, it still has the potential to bless and honor God and make a difference.

a person stands outside a cathedral, holding a woven basket overflowing with ripe fruits, in the early morning

3 Offerings That God Wants From Us

God wants us to bring our offerings to Him through love, obedience, and humility. In Luke 10:27, Jesus Christ says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” This shows us that we must love God with all our being, and through this offering of love, we can express our joy in Him.

Obedience to God is another offering He desires from us. In Deuteronomy 10:12–13, it is written, “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, live in a way that pleases him, and love and serve him with all your heart and soul.” This verse shows us how important it is to obey His commandments and show Him we trust Him by following His commands.

Lastly, humility is an offering that God desires from us. Proverbs 3:34 reads, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” This verse serves as a reminder that our pride can be an obstacle in our relationship with God, and humility is needed for us to serve Him better. It should also serve as a reminder of how much greater God is than us and that our own greatness comes from Him.

By offering good gifts of our love, obedience, and humility to God, we can show Him how much we trust and appreciate Him. Through these offerings, we can demonstrate the depth of our devotion and respect for Him.

Our offerings will remind us that God is always there no matter what happens in life, and His love endures forever. He wants us to bring these offerings to express our love and loyalty. As Christians, we can ensure eternal life if we continuously offer our gifts to God through love, obedience, and humility.

7 Powerful Bible Scriptures About Offerings

When it comes to offering, the Bible speaks volumes about its importance in providing for God’s people. In the Old Testament, offerings were regularly given to support the priests and their families (Numbers 18:11–13). In addition, tithes were used to provide for those who were less fortunate among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 14:28–29).

In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus affirmed the importance of offerings to support the church (Matthew 23:23). There are many powerful Bible verses that speak to how we are to carry out our offerings.

  1. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9–10).
  2. Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:8–10).
  3. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it” (Psalm 50:12).
  4. “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God, which He has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:17).
  5. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).
  6. “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18–19).
  7. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14).

These scriptures remind us of the importance of offering what we can in accordance with God’s will and giving the Lord glory in all that we do. They are a powerful testament to how our offerings can be used to good effect to benefit others and bring glory to our Heavenly Father. As we offer our tithes and gifts, may we do so cheerfully and willingly, knowing that it is pleasing to the Lord.

a close-up of a hand gently gripping an envelope containing tithes

Summary

Offering to God is a fundamental part of living a Christian life and is an essential act of devotion since we are stewards of God’s varied grace. It has been part of the faith since ancient times, with the Bible containing numerous passages highlighting this practice’s importance.

We see in the Bible that God gave us the gift of life and wants us to give it back in return. Offering to God should be seen as a way to express our gratitude for all He has done for us, and it should be done with joy and humility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does The Bible Say About Offering To God?

What the Bible says about offering to God is that offerings are a way for believers to express their gratitude, devotion, and worship towards God. It emphasizes the importance of giving with a sincere heart and as an act of faith. For example, 2 Corinthians 9:7 states, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

How Should We Give Offering To God?

We should give offering to God with a cheerful and willing heart, according to the Bible. It’s not the amount of the offering that matters but the attitude with which it is given. The act of giving should be voluntary and done out of love for God and others, reflecting a spirit of generosity.

What Is The Best Verse For Offering?

The best verse for offering might vary depending on personal preference and the specific aspect of offering one wishes to emphasize. However, a commonly referenced verse is Malachi 3:10, which says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

What Is The Power Of Offering?

The power of offering lies in its ability to demonstrate trust in God’s provision, foster a spirit of generosity, and strengthen the believer’s relationship with God. Offerings can lead to spiritual growth and blessings, not necessarily in the form of material wealth but through the enrichment of one’s life and faith. The act of giving itself can be a powerful expression of faith and reliance on God, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings.

2 thoughts on “Understanding The Profound Act Of Giving An Offering To God”

    • Lord Jesus, I’m so sorry I haven’t been paying my tithes and giving offerings as I should have. Please help me to do better, to do only those things that pleases you. Amen

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