Money and giving
How much should I give, and to whom?
Short answer
There is no price list. Give in proportion to what you have, plan it, start with your local church, and keep an open hand for people in need.
The Bible sets no fixed amount for everyone. It asks for giving that is planned, in proportion to what you earn, and from a willing heart. If the willingness is there, Paul says, a gift is welcome according to what a person has, not what they don't have.
Jesus watched a poor widow put two small coins into the offering and said she had given more than all the rich, because she gave out of her poverty. God measures a gift by the heart and by what it costs you, not by its size.
To whom? The New Testament points three ways: to those who teach you God's word and to your local church, to believers in need, and to doing good to everyone, especially the family of faith. Many Christians give most to their church and add gifts for the poor and for mission.
This week, look at what comes in each month. Choose an amount or a percentage you can give gladly and regularly, set it up, and keep a little aside for needs you meet along the way.
My verses
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.