Giving is an act of love. It is voluntary.

But we cannot give what we don’t have.

If we give something that is not voluntary, then that is not real giving. We only adhere to the true essence of giving if it came from our heart’s decision. Otherwise, if someone dictated us to give or just dictated what we will give, then it is not true giving. True giving is voluntary.

When the people of Israel was enslave in the land of Egypt, they were forced to do heavy labor. They give themselves to work but with heavy burden. They did not volunteer to do the heavy works. They did not like it. They were forced to do those things until such a time that God freed them from that bondage.

Giving something to others requires sacrifice. Thus, the essence of giving is sacrifice. To sacrifice means to give something that we need, yet we give for the sake of others who may need them.

Giving is Voluntary

When Jacob made a promise to God, the act of giving was his decision.God did not ask him to give tenth of everything he has.

Gen 28:20  Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and will watch over me on my trip and give me food to eat and clothes to wear,

Gen 28:21  and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the LORD will be my God.

Gen 28:22  This stone that I have set up as a marker will be the house of God, and I will surely give you a tenth of everything you give me.”

Paul advises the members of the church of God in Corinth to give. But when they give, they must be a happy giver. They will decide for what they will give. 2Co 9:7 Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn’t be sorry that you gave or feel forced to give, since God loves a cheerful giver.

Giving is an act of Faith

In serving God, giving is an act of faith. We give and help the church because our faith tells us to give and help. The teachings we learn from the Bible tells us to open our hearts and help with the works of the church. A sign of a righteous person is giving according to the Bible. Psa 37:21  A wicked person borrows, but he does not repay. A righteous person is generous and giving.  

And as what Apostle Paul mentions in his letters, doing good is a must for all Christians especially in the household of God which is the church of God. Giving is doing a good thing. Gal 6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.