This webpage offers a very short introduction to giving as a part of a lived-out Christian faith.
The Bible & Historical Practice
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. James 1:17a
Generosity and giving have been a part of lived Christian faith since the church was founded. This has always been a two-fold generosity - towards the church and towards those in need in the world around us. Many of us will be familiar with the story of generosity towards the church in Acts 2:44 where the new Christians are said to have held all their resources in common but the Letter of St James also reminds us about generosity towards those in need, remarking that true worship is be found in the love and humility that cares for those less fortunate than ourselves: the poor, the orphaned, and the widowed.
Three hundred years later St John Chrysostom reminded his congregation that generosity towards those in need must accompany generosity towards the church because they are both a part of a lived out faith:
God does not want gold vessels but gold hearts. I am not trying to prevent you from using gorgeous vestments but only asking you also, and first, to give alms. The Lord accepts the ornaments, but he is much more eager for the alms. Only the offerer profits by the adornments; both the giver and the receiver profit by the alms. Sermon 50 on Matthew[1]
In the 21st century the Church of England still holds to this idea of generosity committed to the church and to those in need, recommending that half of your financial giving goes to charity and half to your church, or, if you can afford to tithe, 5% of your post-tax income to charity and 5% to church.
This is why we encourage Christians to think of Generous Giving as a part of their personal discipleship. The act of giving locates one within this tradition of generous faith that goes right back to the foundation of the church. It is an act of personal discipleship because it is an attempt to live an active Christian faith and, through that, to develop and grow one’s own spiritual response to Christ.
More Resources
Generosity Small Group Sessions
If you'd like to dig deeper into the spirituality of generosity and giving you could have a look at our series of small/home group sessions. This six-week course considers how Jesus calls his followers to be generous, covering themes including: charity, prayer, money, and evangelism. Each week will explore a different theme and provide lots of opportunity for discussion and activity.
Sermon starters
You might like to have a look at our resource Preaching on Generous Giving: Five Sermon Ideas. This looks at five Bible passages and points out some of the key messages about giving.
Living Generously
The Diocese of Oxford has produced seven reflections on the theme of living generously, based on the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet. You can download them in pdf format here.
Giving to your church
If you are interested in giving to your church, why not look them up on the Parish Giving Scheme website or find them on A Church Near You.
Encouraging giving
If you are a church leader who would like to know more about encouraging giving to your church you can find further information on our webpages: motivating giving to church and promoting regular giving.
[1] From Benedictine Daily Prayer, ed. Maxwell E. Johnson and Monks of St John’s Abbey (Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2005), 743-44