How should we balance gaining wealth and giving to others?

Bible Question:

How do Christians balance gaining wealth and giving to others?

Bible Answer:

Woman Giving Money to Someone

Many Christians have struggled with understanding God’s will regarding the principle of gaining money versus giving money to others. Should a Christian avoid giving money to others in order to have money to buy an important item, buy an automobile, purchase a home, or save for retirement, for examples? Should a Christian give money and valuables to others in order to be a Good Samaritan to someone in need, to help the poor or orphans, or give to a church or to another ministry? What biblical principles should we follow in order to have money for living and also to help others?

First Biblical Principle

The first biblical priniple that we must consider is that God expects husbands and fathers to provide for their family. 1 Timothy 5:8 says,

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 (NASB)

Here God tells us that the husband or father who does not provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever. In fact he has violated the very essence of being a righteous man because a righteous man loves and provides for his own wife and children. The point is that caring for his family is of greater importance than any other relationship, except for his relationship with God.

Another related passage is 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10. In that passage believers are commanded to work or earn their own keep to avoid seeking money or food from others. The verse prohibits men and women from accepting welfare from a church or the government if they are physically able to work. The common message of these passages is God’s will that every believer work to provide for his own family. God places this responsibility on the husband. God has planned for every person to work or to earn their own way. God considers work to be good; He designed work. For example, in Genesis 2:16-17 we learn that God commanded Adam to work. He expects a man to work.

Therefore, the first principle is that believers are to gain enough money sufficient to support their family. That is their priority.

Second Biblical Principle

A second principle that applies to believers earning money is found in the last part of Proverbs 13:22. It is an important verse because it contrasts the good man to the sinner. Here is the verse,

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
Proverbs 13:22 (NASB)

The two lines are in contrast. A good man is contrasted to a sinner. The good man is wealthy at the end of his life, and so is the sinner. From the wealth of the good man, he gives his children’s children an inheritance. This seems to assume that he also gives to his own children. But the sinner’s wealth is stored up or horded. The Hebrew word for “stored up” can also mean to hide. The message is the sinner will seek to horde his money; but in the sovereignty of the Lord, his wealth will be given to the righteous. How this happens, the Lord has not revealed to us. In summary, God expects a righteous man to work to leave an inheritance for his family. The righteous are not to consume all of his wealth on himself or herself.

Therefore, the second principle is that believers are to gain money sufficient to leave an inheritance to their families. Obviously, this means they do not waste money on themselves.

Third Biblical Principle

A third principle we must remember is we are to visit and care for the orphans and widows. James 1:27 says,

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27 (NASB)

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) gives us the principle that we are to care for the poor and needy. Jesus also revealed the characteristics of a true believer in Matthew 25:34-40. That is, believers provide for those in prison, strangers, and the sick. Hebrews 13:2 teaches that we are to provide for strangers and visit prisoners in jail and prison.

Therefore, the third principle is that believers are to give of their time and money to care for others.

Fourth Biblical Principle

The fourth principle is that believers are to give to the Lord. They do this by giving to others in need, to their local church, and to other ministries. That is the message of 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.” Now 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; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NASB)

Notice that God promises that “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.” We are to give “not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” That is, we are to willingly give and not wish to keep all of our own wealth. We must be willing to sacrifice for others. This promise is also echoed in Malachi 3:8-11. God tells us that believers glorify God by “fully supplying the needs of the saints.” When we do, God will supply our needs. Galatians 6:6 tells us that those who teach the Word of God faithfully deserve to be paid. That is, every believer is to give some of their money to those in need, for the support of their pastors, and to various ministries.

We rejoice that the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountibility reports that practicing Christians donate more money to charity than non-Christians. We do not rejoice that Christians give more than non-Christians, but that Christians are more self-sacrificing.

Practicing Christians are 40% more likely to donate to charity than non-Christians, and churchgoers are 75% more likely to donate than non-attendees, according to recent research.¹

Crosswalk reports,

The “State of the Bible: USA 2023” research from the American Bible Society found that 95 percent of practicing Christians say they donated to charity in 2022, compared to 51 percent of non-Christians. Practicing Christians also donated more money ($5,350) on average than non-Christians ($3,163).²

Reports also indicate that those who attend church give about 3.0% of their income. Cultural Christians only give 1.17%.³

The Old Testament taught that the Israelites were to give a portion of their money to the Lord. In the New Testament, the amount of money is not specificied. It is left to each individual believer to determine how much they are to give.

Therefore, the fourth principle is that believers are to willing and gladly self-sacrifice to meet the needs of others, support those who teach the Word of God, and give to other Christian ministries.

Fifth Biblical Principle

The fifth and last principle that will be discussed is given to us in 1 Samuel 2:7.

The LORD makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
1 Samuel 2:7 (NASB)

1 Samuel 2:7 helps us understand that ultimately God determines how much money everyone is able to earn. The verse says, “The LORD makes poor and rich.” So, we are free to invest our money, but ultimately God will determine how much you and everyone else owns. We can try to gain wealth; and if it is God’s will for you to have wealth, then you will gain wealth. We must remember that James 4:13-17 tells us that God is in control of our lives.

Conclusion

So, how do we respond? Pray and seek God’s guidance. He may lead through circumstances or people. Desire first God’s will for your life and not the money! He will determine how much money you have. He did that for King Solomon (1 Kings 3:10-14), and Job (Job 42:12-17). So, work to stay off welfare, provide for your family, provide an inheritance, help those in need, provide for those who teach the Scriptures, and other deserving ministries. For this glorifies God. He will respond by supplying all that you need and more.

God tells everyone, Christian and non-Christian, to give without expecting anything in return. Jesus said this in the Sermon on the Mount.

“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” Matthew 5:46-47 (NASB)

References:

1. What Religion Donates the Most to Charity? Practicing Christians, Research Shows. ECFA. (www.ecfa.org/Content/Practicing-Christians-Are-More-Generous-Givers-Research-Shows)
2. Michael Foust. “Christians Are ‘Significantly’ More Generous with their Money than Non-Christians: Research.” Crosswalk. Dec 14, 2023. (www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/christians-are-significantly-more-generous-with-their-money-than-non-christians-research.html)
3. Matt Holderness. “How much do Christians give? Lifting the lid on Christian generosity.” Stewardship. 05 Jul 2024. (www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/how-much-christians-give)