New testament giving principles

Here are some giving principles based on the New Testament:

  1. Give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7): Give with a joyful heart, not begrudgingly.
  2. Give proportionally (1 Corinthians 16:2): Give according to your means, not just what you can spare.
  3. Give sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:3-5): Give up something you value in order to give to others.
  4. Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-8): Give abundantly, not just a little.
  5. Give with a pure heart (2 Corinthians 9:7): Give without expecting anything in return, motivated by love for God and others.
  6. Give to those in need (James 1:27): Give to those who are poor, widowed, or orphaned.
  7. Give to support the spread of the Gospel (Philippians 4:15-16): Give to support missionaries, pastors, and other Christian workers who are spreading the Good News.
  8. Give with gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18): Give with a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God.
  9. Give without expecting a return (Luke 6:35): Give without expecting anything in return, trusting that God will provide for your needs.
  10. Give as an act of worship (2 Corinthians 9:11): Give as an act of worship to God, recognizing that all we have belongs to Him.
  11. Give to the poor and needy (Matthew 25:31-46): Give to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or imprisoned, as a demonstration of love for God.
  12. Give with humility (2 Corinthians 8:1-2): Give with humility, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God and that we are stewards of His resources.
  13. Give to support the local church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2): Give to support the local church, recognizing that it is the body of Christ and a vital part of our spiritual lives.
  14. Give with a long-term perspective (Matthew 6:19-20): Give with a long-term perspective, recognizing that our giving can have eternal consequences.
  15. Give with faith (Mark 12:41-44): Give with faith, trusting that God will provide for your needs and that your giving will be used to further His kingdom.

These principles are not exhaustive, but they are based on the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian church. They can help guide our giving and motivate us to be generous and faithful stewards of God's resources.