11 Bible Verses to Inspire More Church Offerings

Money is a delicate subject in our society, and that taboo often carries over to the Church. Most people are uncomfortable discussing finances in an open, honest forum. Because of that stigma, many church leaders—intentionally or otherwise—avoid discussing church offerings unless they have an upcoming project or fundraising initiative that demands attention.

And yet, generosity is a core tenet of faith. Giving is a form of worship, and no matter what form that takes—cash dropped on the collection plate, or a quick button click via an online platform—a tithe or offering is an important spiritual moment on an individual’s path to discipleship. It’s not a topic to be shunned until your ministry mandates the subject be broached.

One of the most powerful transformations that church leaders can ignite within their ministries is to create an open and consistent dialog about tithing, offerings, and financial generosity. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but good news: The Bible provides plenty of guidance for the conversation.

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Why do we give an offering in church?

There is one who is free in giving, and yet he grows richer. And there is one who keeps what he should give, but he ends up needing more. The man who gives much will have much, and he who helps others will be helped himself. -Proverbs 11:24-25

There is tremendous spiritual significance in giving. It’s a reminder that everything we have, first and foremost, belongs to God. We’re only stewards of the material gifts we enjoy in life.

This idea should be front-and-center when you discuss tithes and offerings. We’ve been entrusted with resources so that we may advance His Kingdom. Thus, tithing and offering isn’t a simple financial gesture, but a way for us to transform the blessings He has bestowed upon us into tangible results for our local church and our communities.

But not everyone can make offerings in person or during church service. Fortunately, Pushpay provides church donation software to include all church members of the community, no matter where they are.

What does the Bible say about tithes and offerings?

​​God will be with me and will watch over me… all that You give me I will give You a tenth. -Genesis 28:20–22

While the above verse is one of the first mentions of tithing in the Bible, it’s far from the only one. By some counts, there are over two thousand mentions of money, wealth, and giving.

Scripture doesn’t shy away from the topic of finance. The Bible calls for our love to be expressed through material gifts. And, while much debate surrounds how much should be given, there can be no doubt that tithes and offerings are an important part of our relationship with the Church. 

So, how do we remind our community that gifts should come from a generous and joyous heart? Here are 11 verses about tithes and offerings that you can share during your tithing talk or prayer.

What is the meaning behind tithes and church offerings?

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. – 1 John 3:16–18

Jesus died for us, and our generosity should model our savior’s selflessness. Thoughts and words are not always enough. We can’t simply “feel” love, but must act to benefit others. 

Through tithes and offerings, we express our willingness to sacrifice humbly. In doing so, we simultaneously give thanks for the blessings in our own lives, while mirroring the grace He showed in delivering his only son to us. 

More Bible verses that encourage Church offering

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” -Luke 21:1–4

This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the true nature of sacrifice. The value of tithing and offering isn’t necessarily in the amount, but in what it costs the giver. That’s what reveals how willing someone is to put their faith in God and the Church.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -2 Corinthians 9:7

Put simply, a gift isn’t a gift when it’s rooted in obligation. The Bible stresses that giving a tithe or offering is more blessed when it comes from a place of joy—once again mirroring the willing sacrifice Jesus made for us all.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. -Proverbs 11:24–25

Most members of any congregation have only limited resources, yet scripture reminds us that sharing doesn’t drain us. The gifts we give make us richer in myriad ways, and God will ensure that we’re well taken care of.

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. -Psalm 41:1–3

Those who show mercy and generosity will receive the same from God. We never know when our fortunes in life will change, so when we’re enjoying abundance, we’re called to share that proverbial wealth with the less fortunate.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. -Luke 6:38

Once again, gracious deeds and generosity will be reflected back upon the unselfish. In the spirit of reaping what you sow, whatever you’re willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others now, will bear fruit in your life, community, and in His Kingdom.

If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. –Deuteronomy 15:7-8

We are responsible for our communities, and when we see a need, God asks that we withhold judgment and give freely. Keep in mind, the blessings God has planned for a loved one, church, or specific ministry may be intended to flow through you.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. –2 Corinthians 9:6

A larger harvest requires more planting. With regard to tithing and offerings, we are reminded that the more generous we are with our finances, the greater our spiritual reward.

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. –Matthew 10:42

Wealth and ability are never a barrier to serving his mission. Those who can only give a little are just as valued as those with the means to give abundantly. The size of a gift isn’t what makes it holy, but the generous spirit and sacrificial nature of the offering.

If you’re a church leader who wants to inspire more generosity, consider online giving for churches that can seamlessly integrate with your offline communication workflows. It’s easy to track, manage, and inspire more church offerings when you can rely on faithful church management software to further your mission.

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