Published October 17, 2023
Did you know that there are four types of giving as written in the Bible? You must know all of these. If you understand the differences of each, then you will see how these acts can reward you in life.
The 4 Types of Giving
Here are the four types of giving according to the Bible:
1. Tithes
Tithes often get confused with offerings, but both are very different from each other.
According to the Bible, tithes are 10% of your income (Leviticus 27:30), which can’t count as an offering. Anything you give more than the required tithe counts as an offering.
Remember that God gave the land and all its fruits. It’s our way of recognizing Him as the provider of all things.
But tithes are more than an act of recognition. It’s also a way of giving thanks for all the blessings that you are receiving. All your income came from God. So, you can think of the tithe as a way of giving back in gratitude for what we received.
Tithing was mentioned in the Bible a couple of times. But the first act of tithing was done by Abraham. He just came from battle and was met by the Priest/King Melchizedek, who attributed his victory to God and blessed him for it. Then Abraham gave him a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:19-20).
Though tithing was commanded in the Old Testament, the New Testament tells us we should not neglect the weightier issues. Yes, it’s good to offer a portion of our income to God, but we should not forget to offer justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). These should go hand in hand. We can’t practice one while neglecting the other.
For this type of giving, here are things you can do:
- Set aside 10% of your monthly income and donate it to your local church or religious organization.
- Contribute some of your earnings to support charitable causes that align with your faith.
2. The Seed or Offerings
As mentioned, offerings differ from tithes. Unlike tithing, which has a required amount of how much you should give, offerings are more of a free will. It’s up to you how much seed you want to share.
Although the more you give, the more you will receive (Luke 6:38). The more seeds you sow, the more plants you harvest.
So, where should you give your offerings or plant your seed? The Bible says that the source of your spiritual food should receive your offerings (1 Corinthians 9:11).
For this type of giving, here are things you can do:
- Donate to nonprofits or charities that align with your values and causes you are passionate about.
- Support crowdfunding campaigns for individuals or projects in need.
3. The First Fruits
The first fruits are usually done once a year or for every new blessing you receive (Deuteronomy 14:22).
For example, the house of God should receive the total amount of your first salary that you get from your new job. An increase in your salary should also be given to your spiritual storehouse.
Any new blessings you receive are a first fruit, so all these should be offered to God (Proverbs 3:9).
Giving your first fruits once a year will show how grateful you are for the blessings you received from Him.
For this type of giving, here are things you can do:
- Give a percentage of your first salary from a new job to your place of worship or spiritual community.
- Donating a portion of any financial windfall (such as a bonus, inheritance, or unexpected income) to a charitable organization.
4. Alms-giving
Unlike those three types of giving above, which you should give to God, alms are for humankind. Your compassion and sympathy will lead you to help the less fortunate and those in need.
There are many ways you can give alms. Many soup kitchens help the less fortunate, where you can donate food, clothes, and cash.
Although most people do alms-giving, many do it the wrong way.
In the Bible, it says that you should give alms in secret so you can protect the dignity of those in crisis. Many are helping others but are bragging about it as well.
All of us can help people in need, but only a few can help others with the purest intentions.
For this type of giving, here are things you can do:
- Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, providing food, clothing, and support to those in need.
- Making regular donations to organizations that provide aid and assistance to vulnerable populations, such as refugees or victims of natural disasters.
When you practice all these types of giving, you can control your financial life. But remember, you need to have the right intentions and motivations when giving.
Your heart should be pure when doing such selfless acts, and God will bestow more blessings upon you.
Wrapping it up
According to the Bible, understanding the four types of giving can profoundly impact our lives. By practicing these different forms of giving, we not only show our devotion to God but also make a positive impact on others. Giving with a pure heart is essential, without expecting anything in return. When we do so, we invite more blessings into our lives.
Remember, these acts of giving extend beyond financial contributions. Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are equally important. So, let us be mindful of practicing all these acts of giving and strive to make a difference in the lives of others. In doing so, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from selfless acts of generosity.
