FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
Kingdom Giving
In Christian teaching, “Kingdom Giving” refers to the act of giving with a mindset rooted in the values of God’s Kingdom, as revealed in Scripture. Unlike mere charity or philanthropy, Kingdom Giving goes beyond meeting immediate material needs. It reflects a heart aligned with God’s eternal purposes and seeks to advance His Kingdom on earth. This type of giving is motivated by love for God, love for others, and the desire to see God’s will being done.
The concept of Kingdom Giving is closely tied to generosity, a key virtue in the Christian faith. Scripture teaches that all we have belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” affirming that we are stewards of God’s resources. As stewards, we are called to use our possessions – money, time, talents – in ways that reflect God’s heart. Jesus taught extensively on generosity, warning against storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21) and calling His followers to be rich in good deeds (1 Timothy 6:18). Kingdom Giving flows from the recognition that earthly wealth is temporary, but investments made in God’s Kingdom have eternal value.
One of the key principles of Kingdom Giving is that it often involves sacrifice. The biblical story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 illustrates this well. While others gave large sums from their abundance, the widow, in her poverty, gave two small coins – everything she had. Jesus commended her because she gave out of faith, trusting God to meet her needs. Sacrificial giving, therefore, demonstrates trust in God’s provision and acknowledges His sovereign control over our lives.
Another striking example of sacrificial giving is found in the early church. Acts 2:44-45 describe how believers sold their possessions to provide for one another’s needs. This radical generosity was fueled by their shared mission and a Kingdom-centered view of wealth.
Kingdom Giving is not simply about charity or addressing immediate needs – it is about advancing the purposes of God. This includes supporting the work of the church, spreading the gospel, and caring for those who are marginalized. Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) calls Christians to go and make disciples of all nations. Our giving, whether in finances, time, or resources, should aim to further that mission.
Paul commends the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel through their financial support of his ministry (Philippians 4:14-19). Their generosity was seen as an offering to God, pleasing to Him and essential to the spread of the gospel. Similarly, today, Kingdom Giving might involve supporting missionaries, ministries like Forge, or the church you attend that are focused on proclaiming the gospel and serving those in need.
While Kingdom Giving brings blessings, it is not driven by a prosperity mindset where giving is done to get something in return. Instead, the blessing comes from participating in God’s work and aligning with His heart. Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The blessing of Kingdom Giving is found in knowing we are contributing to something eternal and making a difference in God’s redemptive plan.
However, along with blessing comes responsibility. Christians are called to be wise stewards, ensuring that their giving reflects a Kingdom mindset. This requires discernment and prayer, seeking to align one’s giving with God’s purposes. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that “God loves a cheerful giver,” implying that our attitude in giving is as important as the act itself.
Kingdom Giving is ultimately an act of worship. Just as the Israelites brought offerings to God as an expression of their devotion (Deuteronomy 16:17), Christians today give as a response to God’s grace and goodness. Romans 12:1 urges believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Our giving is an outward expression of our inward devotion and trust in God’s promises.
Joe Bouch
