³⁸ give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 ESV)

There are many views about giving and what both the Old and New Testaments say about it. This can also be a controversial topic with many Christians, especially when times are hard and money is short. But scriptural giving is not always about money.

Often we may be called on to give of our time or the use of our talents. Both of these are commodities we possess that can be given just as well as money. Thus, the believer is encouraged in scripture to give gladly from all of our earthly treasure. And we can be cheerful in how we provide these things to others as needed, financially, emotionally and spiritually.

We often talk about giving from our “first fruits”. Scripture speaks to this because it points to our need to honor God first and with the best of what we have. Too often giving is an afterthought and not first on our mind. Additionally, we should be being as generous as we can and even giving sacrificially when we do not necessarily have all we need but we have a heart to give to others in need.

In all forms of giving, God will always give us far more than we can give others. Thus, He looks to us to give from a willing and cheerful heart.