The spiritual gift of Giving is the Spirit-given ability to joyfully, freely, and sacrificially share one’s resources—time, talent, and treasure—for the work of God and the good of others. While all Christians are called to be generous, those with this gift experience extraordinary eagerness, joy, and discernment in giving.
Their posture is not, “How much must I give?” but “How much do I need to keep?”
Key Scriptures:
- Romans 12:8 — “If your gift is giving, then give generously.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:7 — “See that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “God loves a cheerful giver.”
- Proverbs 11:25 — “A generous person will prosper.”
Giving as Spirit-Empowered Generosity
Those with the gift of giving have:
- A heightened awareness of others’ needs
- A deep desire to invest in God’s work
- A joyful willingness to sacrifice
- A talent for identifying opportunities to bless
- A natural inclination to give without hesitation
- A resistance to recognition or public praise
Giving for them is worship, not obligation.
They understand that everything belongs to God, and they see themselves as managers, not owners.
Two Expressions of the Gift
This gift often appears in two complementary forms.
1. Personal Giving
This includes:
- Going far beyond the tithe
- Living frugally so they can give more
- Finding joy in meeting needs directly
- Giving privately, quietly, and cheerfully
- Experiencing deep satisfaction from generosity
- Embracing simplicity so others may flourish
They frequently ask:
“How much can I release for the Kingdom?”
2. Cultivating Resources
Some with this gift excel at:
- Raising funds for ministry
- Inspiring others to give
- Exercising discernment about needs
- Creating connections and partnerships
- Communicating vision clearly
- Stewarding money with wisdom and integrity
This is not manipulation—it is Spirit-led, joyful persuasion.
They often have the God-given ability to create resources, not just distribute them.
Motivations Behind the Gift
A giver’s heart is shaped by:
- Gratitude — recognizing God as the source of all blessings
- Faith — trusting God to provide for future needs
- Compassion — seeing tangible ways to relieve suffering
- Eternal perspective — investing in things that last forever
- Humility — refusing credit or recognition
- Joy — experiencing spiritual delight when giving
Their generosity is contagious, strengthening the entire church’s faith.
Pitfalls and Misuse of the Gift
Like all gifts, giving has potential dangers:
1. Overextending Financially
They may give beyond wisdom or ability.
2. Feeling Responsible for Every Need
Because they see needs clearly, guilt can build.
3. Resentment When Others Do Not Give
They may forget that not all believers share this gift.
4. Using Giving to Influence Decisions
Even unintentionally, giving can become leverage.
5. Neglecting Their Own Needs or Family
Their sacrificial nature can push healthy boundaries.
Giving must remain Spirit-led, not impulse-driven or guilt-driven.
Biblical Examples of the Gift
- The Macedonian believers (2 Cor. 8–9): gave joyfully out of poverty
- Barnabas (Acts 4:36–37): sold land to supply needs
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10): invested time, emotional energy, and money
- Lydia (Acts 16): opened her home and resources to the church
- The widow and her two coins (Mark 12): a model of sacrificial faith
These examples reveal giving as a reflection of God’s generous heart.
Historical Perspectives on the Gift of Giving
Martin Luther
Luther taught that giving must be:
- Cheerful, not pressured
- Motivated by love and gratitude
- Voluntary, not coercive
- Directed toward the poor and the work of the Gospel
He pointed repeatedly to the widow’s mite, affirming that sacrificial giving reveals true devotion.
John Wesley
Wesley emphasized giving as:
- Evidence of holiness
- A practical expression of love
- An act of stewardship and discipline
- A responsibility of all believers
- A catalyst for social justice
Wesley’s famous exhortation captures his theology of giving:
“Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.”
He viewed generosity as essential Christian discipleship.
The Catholic Church
Catholic teaching views giving as:
- A participation in God’s generosity
- A way to strengthen the common good
- A spiritual discipline shaped by compassion
- An offering of time, talent, and treasure
- An act of responsible stewardship
Tithing is a guideline, but giving is ultimately shaped by love and personal circumstances.
Healthy Practices for Those With This Gift
To use this gift well, givers should:
- Pray before committing resources
- Establish financial boundaries
- Seek accountability in giving decisions
- Give anonymously when possible
- Support ministries with transparent stewardship
- Balance generosity with personal obligations
- Avoid codependency or burnout
- Celebrate God’s provision without pride
When healthy, this gift transforms churches and communities.
People With This Gift Often…
- Manage their finances to maximize generosity
- Live simply so others can be blessed
- Give without expecting anything in return
- Fund ministry initiatives joyfully
- Meet practical needs with compassion
- Inspire others through their quiet example
- Possess a unique ability to acquire resources
- Trust God deeply for provision
- Give anonymously, cheerfully, humbly
- View giving as a calling, not a duty
Bible References
| Matthew 6:1-4 | Do not do your acts of righteousness in front of men |
| Matthew 25:14-30 | Parable of the Talents |
| Mark 12:41-44 | Widow and her two small coins |
| Luke 14:12-14 | When you have a banquet, invite the poor and you will be blessed |
| Acts 20:35 | It is more blessed to give than receive |
| Romans 12:8 | Paul mentions the gift of giving |
| 1 Corinthians 13:3 | Without love, giving is meaningless |
| 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 | Excel in giving as much as you excel in anything |
| 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 | Sowing generously |
The Spiritual Gifts Project is always looking for personal perspective about the spiritual gifts. If you would like to share your experiences and help further all of our understanding about a particular spiritual gift, please visit our feedback page.
- Luther/Pauck, 337-339
- Stanley, 70-82
Other Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Knowledge
- Spiritual Gift of Discernment (Distinguishing of Spirits)
- Spiritual Gift of Faith
- Spiritual Gift of Miracles
- Spiritual Gift of Tongues
- Spiritual Gift of Helping
- Spiritual Gift of Healing
- Spiritual Gift of Exhortation
- Spiritual Gift of Compassion and Mercy
- Spiritual Gift of Servanthood
- Spiritual Gift of Leadership
- Spiritual Gift of Wisdom
- Spiritual Gift of Administration
