Charitable Giving

Charitable giving refers to any donations besides tithes and offerings given through an organization or directly to someone in need. Lovingly giving your property, such as money, good-quality clothes, a vehicle, household items, land, hospitality, talents, or whatever you have, constitutes charitable giving. Volunteer time is also a valuable charitable gift. In so doing, the donor receives nothing of value in return, except the joy of knowing that he/she has made a difference for the better in the recipient’s life. More effective charitable giving happens when we empower recipients, over time, to be givers themselves.

For charitable giving to be truly “charitable, the donor must willingly give with a charitable (loving) heart. (1 Cor. 13:3).

What does the Bible say about charitable giving? Let’s explore a few of the many Bible references related to charitable giving.

First, what is charity? (1 Cor. 13; Acts 9:36).

Depending on your Bible translation, “charity” and “love” are used interchangeably. In 1 Corinthians 13, they are translations of the Greek word agape. Dorcas was full of good works and charity. The Greek word here (eleāmosunon) means charitable giving, sympathy, and compassion. Charity isn’t only about money; it can be about giving whatever you have as in the scripture Acts 3:6. Sometimes we give donations to a “charity” to support a worthy cause, such as helping the poor and needy. However, there is more to charity than that, although giving to a “charity” is included.

Bible references to charitable giving

See (Deut. 24:19-22; Prov. 19:17; Luke 10:25-37; Rom. 12:7, 8; James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:17, 18)

God is the supreme example of charitable giving when He lovingly gave His Son as a saving gift (John 3:16). It is natural for His followers to follow His example through charitable giving. We give to God as our response to His love for us (1 John 4:19).

In ancient times the Jewish temple had special storehouses to receive tithes of the harvest. If God’s people were not faithful, the priests could not serve and continue their duties (Malachi 3:10).  Nowadays, a tithe of our income is to be brought into the storehouse (church) for support of those who are in full-time ministry so that they can serve and continue to perform their duties. Offerings are for the support of the church’s operation and mission. Charitable giving provides for people who need help. However, it is not God’s plan that church members neglect tithes and offerings and only give charitable donations.

Our attitude when giving is crucial, as supported by these Bible verses:  (Matt. 6:2-4; Matt. 19:21; Luke 12:32-34; Rom. 12:7, 8; 1 Cor. 13:3; 2 Cor. 9:7; Phil. 2:3, 4).

Giving with humility rather than to be noticed, or to feel good about ourselves. Giving sacrificially, when necessary. Giving generously. Giving cheerfully. “It were better not to give at all than to give grudgingly; for if we impart of our means when we have not the spirit to give freely, we mock God.” This quote is in the context of freewill offerings for the church, but can be applied to any gift given for God’s kingdom. Giving with humility and unselfishly, regarding the recipients as more important than you.

When we give to those in need, we must remember to give them the gift of dignity also. When we empower them to provide for themselves and others, their dignity is restored, and they personally experience the blessing of giving. “When recipients remain recipients and givers are content to remain givers, good has become the enemy of best." Perhaps the best giving is the kind that enables the poor to know the blessedness of being givers. 

A suggestion would be to put into your budget a “be-a-blessing” or "special needs” fund that you regularly set aside and allocate when you do your monthly budget. Then when a need comes up, you have something available to give. Of course, there are other ways to give too, as previously mentioned. However, money is always needed. The “self-denial box” recommended by Ellen White is another example of “setting aside” money for giving. Ellen White believed that one should not spend an entire income, that a reserve should be kept for when a need arises. She had a sock in her kitchen cabinet where she would secretly place money that she pulled out of her income. God may impress upon you to start a charitable nonprofit organization/foundation.

Planning for charitable giving in the future (Luke 12:16-31)

Charitable giving is a blessed practice for the present, but you should lay plans for charitable giving in the future. Yes, the rich man was wise in planning for the future by storing his bountiful crops in larger storehouses. But unfortunately, he was also foolish because his planning was all about him. He had no plans to share with others in need. All he thought about was that he had many good things stored up that would provide for him for many years, and that he could then “rest and relax, eat, drink and be merry (celebrate continually)” (Luke 12:19 ). God called him a fool. He was not “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21, NKJV).  “Practical godliness is the only kind of religion recognized at the judgment bar of God.” 

Charitable giving in all its forms is a serious eschatological issue: “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: and before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another. Thus, Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great judgment day. He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering.”

The Positive Impact of Giving Back

The positive impact of community involvement in charity extends beyond immediate benefits. Engaging in local charity initiatives cultivates empathy and compassion, qualities essential for a harmonious society. It also instils a sense of pride and ownership in community members, encouraging ongoing participation in community development.

Moreover, these efforts provide individuals with personal growth opportunities. Volunteering can develop new skills, enhance social networks, and even improve mental health by reducing stress and increasing happiness. People who give back often find a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment.

A call to serve

Since the establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service (SAWS) in 1956, the Adventist Church has continually prioritised humanitarian aid and community development.

Today, Adventist humanitarian work reaches into more than 120 countries and serves tens of millions of people every year. This priority springs from a deeply held belief in service. Throughout the Old Testament, God made provision for the poor and less fortunate living in Israel. In the New Testament, the writings of the apostle Paul show a Christian church that gave willingly and generously to support the needy among them (Deuteronomy 15:1-11, 2 Corinthians 8:8-15).

Our world is full of wars, natural disasters, poverty and famines, and we are motivated to reach out to the suffering in the name of Jesus. Our faith inspires us to show Christ’s love to the world around us. Faith expressed by action may require sacrifice, but it is only by selflessly serving others that we become a true reflection of Christ.

Our active faith is expressed personally in daily service to those around us and corporately in humanitarian organizations such as the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and Adventist Community Services (ACS). For Adventists, it is not enough to acknowledge that poverty exists. We must live a life in which the grace God has given us flows on to others in the form of love, care and generosity (Matthew 25:31-45).

In today’s fast-paced environment, the importance of community empowerment through charitable efforts is immense. Local charity initiatives form the backbone of societal improvement, bridging gaps and fostering unity.

Wrapping Up

Empowering our local community through charity is a powerful way to make a difference. By taking practical steps volunteering, donating, participating in events, supporting local businesses, and advocating for change, each person can contribute to creating a thriving, cohesive community. These efforts address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for sustainable development.

Now is the time to get involved. Explore volunteer opportunities, connect with local charities, and discover how you can contribute to community empowerment. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for all.