10 Bible Scripture About Giving to Others and Why It Matters Today
- Ashland Watson
- Nov 12
- 8 min read
Giving is more than a kind gesture; it reflects God’s love at work through us. Whether it’s offering time, resources, encouragement, or prayer, the Bible reminds us that generosity isn't about the size of the gift but the heart behind it.
In seasons of plenty or moments of uncertainty, we all wrestle with what it means to "live well." Maybe you're wondering how to live generously when life feels stretched. Or maybe you're simply seeking a deeper understanding of why giving matters to God and us.
The good news? Scripture doesn’t shy away from these questions. It meets us there with truth, encouragement, and practical wisdom for everyday life.
The Best Bible Verses about Giving to Others
Here are 10 Bible scripture about giving to others and why their message still speaks so powerfully today.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Let’s just start with one of our favorites. This verse is an amazing one about giving. God’s not after guilt-giving. He’s after joy. He wants generosity that bubbles up, not from pressure, but from a heart that knows who holds the provision anyway.
“But a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins… Jesus said, ‘This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.’”
Sometimes, the most generous person in the room is the one with the least to give. It’s not the amount... it’s the sacrifice. This widow had nothing flashy, but her heart made heaven pause. God measures differently than we do.
“When you give… do not be like the hypocrites do in the synagogues... But when you give… your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
You don’t need a platform to make your giving matter. You don’t need to start a YouTube channel to record your acts of kindness. God sees. He really does. And your quiet giving isn’t invisible, it’s eternal.
“Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This one's perfect for when your Venmo balance is low, but your fridge is full. Whether it’s a meal, a ride, a prayer, or a really meaningful text, generosity always finds a way. And when you refresh others, you get refreshed, too.
“Command those who are rich… not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain… to be generous and willing to share… and take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Let’s just say it: our culture’s relationship with money is… tense. But Paul reminds us that the good life, the real good life, doesn’t come from stock portfolios or side hustles. It comes from generosity and an eternal perspective.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
These words from Jesus remind us that there is a unique kind of joy and blessing that comes through giving. It may not always be easy, especially when we’re giving out of sacrifice rather than surplus, but often, those moments become the most meaningful. They draw us closer to God, deepen our trust in Him, and leave a lasting impact on the lives around us.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
God isn’t asking for perfection... He’s asking for participation. Just do good work and share what you can. Generosity doesn’t have to be grand to be Godly. Sometimes, giving looks like babysitting your friend’s wild toddlers. (And yes, that totally counts.)
“Give, and it will be given to you… good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.”
Ever open a bag of chips and feel wildly disappointed by how empty it is? God’s not like that. When you give, He gives back... pressed down, shaken together, and spilling over. His generosity outpaces yours every single time.
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
God doesn’t just give for you; He gives through you. He’s the supplier and multiplier. Every act of giving plants a seed. And those seeds? They turn into harvests, not just of resources, but of righteousness, joy, and purpose.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Notice how many of these giving verses are in 2 Corinthians 9? Paul was on fire here. Generosity is part of your good work... your purpose. It’s part of how we live out God’s love in a world that desperately needs it.
So… Why Does This Matter Now?
We live in a culture that constantly tells us to hoard, hustle, and hold on tight. But Scripture says the opposite: Open your hands, loosen your grip, and trust the God who sees in secret and promises to supply and multiply.
Giving is how we push back against fear and scarcity. It’s how we step into the life that is truly life. And let’s be clear: giving isn’t just about money. It’s also your time. Your words. Your wisdom. Your attention.
Final Encouragement
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have enough to give, remember the widow’s two coins. If you’ve ever felt unnoticed, remember the Father who sees in secret. If you’ve ever doubted whether it matters, remember the harvest of righteousness on the other side.
Giving isn’t about being rich. It’s about being ready.
And when we give freely, cheerfully, and with trust in the God who multiplies… we step into something way bigger than ourselves.
Looking for a way to live generously this week?
Send an encouraging text. Pick up a coffee for someone. Donate to a ministry. Or just listen well. Remember... every seed counts.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:9-10
Learn more about Mosaic here.
Take Your Generosity Further: Become a Mosaic Ambassador
Throughout Scripture, we see that giving isn't just about what we offer, it's about the ripple effect of generosity that flows through us to others. When you give your time, share a story, or inspire someone else to take action, you're multiplying impact in ways only God can measure.
That's exactly what Mosaic Ambassadors do.
As a Mosaic Ambassador, you become a messenger of hope, sharing stories of transformation, mobilizing others to pray and give, and helping bridge the gap between those who can help and communities in need. You don't need a large platform or special qualifications. You just need a heart for service and a willingness to let your light shine.
Whether you're hosting a small gathering, sharing impact updates on social media, or simply encouraging others to join God's work, your voice matters. Every conversation planted, every story shared, every person mobilized becomes part of the harvest of righteousness.
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." - 2 Corinthians 5:20
Ready to use your voice for lasting change? Learn more about becoming a Mosaic Ambassador and discover how your generosity can inspire others to give, pray, and take action.
Frequently Asked Questions: 10 Bible Scripture About Giving to Others and Why It Matters Today
What does "God loves a cheerful giver" mean?
The phrase "God loves a cheerful giver" comes from 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says we should give "not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This means God isn't looking for forced generosity or guilt-driven giving. Instead, He delights in gifts given with joy and freedom. When we give cheerfully, we reflect His heart and experience the blessing of trusting Him as the God who richly provides for all our needs.
What did Jesus Christ say about giving in secret?
In Matthew 6:2-4, Jesus Christ warned against giving like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by others. Instead, He taught, "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." The message? God values humble generosity over public displays. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, and when we give quietly, we store up treasures in heaven.
What does Hebrews 13:16 teach about sharing?
Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." This verse shows that every good work of generosity, whether it's sharing resources, time, or encouragement, is a sacrifice that honors God. We don't need grand gestures; simple acts of sharing are valuable in His eyes.
Why does Acts 20:35 say it's better to give than receive?
Acts 20:35 records Paul remembering the words of the Lord Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This reminds us that giving brings a unique blessing and joy that receiving cannot match. When we give sacrificially, we experience spiritual growth, deeper trust in God, and the fulfillment that comes from reflecting Christ's love to others.
What does 1 Timothy 6:17-19 say about the wealthy?
First Timothy 6:17-19 instructs those who are rich not to be arrogant or put hope in uncertain wealth, but to "be generous and willing to share." Paul encourages believers to be rich in good deeds, using their resources to take hold of "the life that is truly life." This passage reminds us that true wealth isn't measured by what we accumulate, but by how generously we live.
How does Proverbs 21:13 connect to giving?
Proverbs 21:13 warns, "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." This verse challenges us to respond with compassion to those in need. Similarly, Proverbs 19:17 teaches that "whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord," showing that generosity toward the vulnerable is actually an investment in God's kingdom.
What does "lay down our lives" mean in the context of giving?
First John 3:16-18 teaches that just as Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for one another. This doesn't always mean literal death, it often means sacrificial giving of our time, resources, and love. The passage continues: "If anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" True love shows itself through action.
How should we balance remembering the words of Jesus about giving with our own financial needs?
Remembering the words of the Lord Jesus about giving doesn't mean ignoring practical wisdom. Throughout Scripture, we see that God who richly provides for us also calls us to trust Him as we give. The key is giving "as he has decided in his heart" prayerfully, intentionally, and joyfully, rather than out of compulsion. When we trust God as our provider, we can give generously even when resources feel limited.
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