Bible – Bible Society in South Sudan

Remember this Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “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.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. 2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. 7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

7 Bible Verses About the Power of Giving

12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 14 Where no counsel is , the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. 16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. 17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. 20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it . 27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. 28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. 29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. 31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Watch What You Say and Do

1 The Lord hates anyone

who cheats,

but he likes everyone

who is honest.

2 Too much pride

can put you to shame.

It's wiser to be humble.

3 If you do the right thing,

honesty will be your guide.

But if you are crooked,

you will be trapped

by your own dishonesty.

4 When God is angry,

money won't help you.

Obeying God is the only way

to be saved from death.

5 If you are truly good,

you will do right;

if you are wicked,

you will be destroyed

by your own sin.

6 Honesty can keep you safe,

but if you can't be trusted,

you trap yourself.

7 When the wicked die,

their hopes die with them.

8 Trouble goes right past

the Lord's people

and strikes the wicked.

9 Dishonest people use gossip

to destroy their neighbors;

good people are protected

by their own good sense.

10 When honest people prosper

and the wicked disappear,

the whole city celebrates.

11 Good people bring prosperity

to their city,

but deceitful liars

can destroy a city.

12 It's stupid to say bad things

about your neighbors.

If you are sensible,

you will keep quiet.

13 A gossip tells everything,

but a true friend

will keep a secret.

14 A city without wise leaders

will end up in ruin;

a city with many wise leaders

will be kept safe.

15 It's a dangerous thing

to guarantee payment

for someone's debts.

Don't do it!

16 A gracious woman

will be respected,

but a ruthless man

will only get rich.

17 Kindness is rewarded—

but if you are cruel,

you hurt yourself.

18 Meanness gets you nowhere,

but goodness is rewarded.

19 Always do the right thing,

and you will live;

keep on doing wrong,

and you will die.

20 The Lord hates sneaky people,

but he likes everyone

who lives right.

21 You can be sure of this:

All crooks will be punished,

but God's people won't.

22 A beautiful woman

who acts foolishly

is like a gold ring

on the snout of a pig.

23 Good people want what is best,

but troublemakers

hope to stir up trouble.

24 Sometimes you can become rich

by being generous

or poor by being greedy.

25 Generosity will be rewarded:

Give a cup of water,

and you will receive

a cup of water in return.

26 Charge too much for grain,

and you will be cursed;

sell it at a fair price,

and you will be praised.

27 Try hard to do right,

and you will win friends;

go looking for trouble,

and you will find it.

28 Trust in your wealth,

and you will be a failure,

but God's people will prosper

like healthy plants.

29 Fools who cause trouble

in the family

won't inherit a thing.

They will end up as slaves

of someone with good sense.

30 Live right, and you will eat

from the life-giving tree.

And if you act wisely,

others will follow.

31 If good people are rewarded

here on this earth,

all who are cruel and mean

will surely be punished.