In the Christian faith, the act of giving is not merely a transaction or a duty but a reflection of the heart's posture towards God and others. The Bible provides extensive guidance on the motives that should underpin the act of giving, emphasizing sincerity, love, and a desire to honor God.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures consistently highlight the importance of the heart's intention in giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the Apostle Paul writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This verse underscores that giving should be voluntary and joyful, stemming from a heart that delights in generosity rather than obligation.

Jesus Himself addressed the motives behind giving in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:1-4, He warns against performing acts of righteousness to be seen by others: "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Jesus encourages giving in secret, ensuring that the act is directed towards God rather than human approval.

Examples of Right Motives

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who gave with pure motives. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes a poor widow who contributes two small coins to the temple treasury. Despite the meager amount, Jesus commends her, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." Her giving was sacrificial and sincere, reflecting a heart fully devoted to God.

Another example is found in the early church, where believers sold their possessions to support those in need. Acts 4:32-35 describes how "no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned." This communal spirit was driven by love and unity, demonstrating a collective commitment to the well-being of the community.

Warnings Against Wrong Motives

Conversely, the Bible also warns against giving with improper motives. In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira are struck down for lying about the proceeds from a sale, attempting to appear more generous than they were. Their account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and hypocrisy in giving.

Similarly, in Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Their actions were motivated by a desire to uphold religious appearances rather than genuine devotion to God's commandments.

Principles for Giving with Right Motives

1. Love and Compassion: Giving should be motivated by love for God and compassion for others. As 1 John 3:17 states, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"

2. Gratitude: Recognizing that all we have is a gift from God fosters a spirit of gratitude. In 1 Chronicles 29:14, David acknowledges, "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand."

3. Faith and Trust: Giving with the right motives involves trusting God to provide for our needs. Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages believers to "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."

4. Humility: True giving is marked by humility, recognizing that our acts of generosity are ultimately for God's glory. In Matthew 6:3-4, Jesus instructs, "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. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

In summary, the right motives in giving are characterized by a heart aligned with God's purposes, seeking to serve and bless others while glorifying Him. The Bible calls believers to examine their intentions, ensuring that their generosity reflects the love and grace they have received from God.