Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do we give an offering to God?”
It’s a question that has echoed through generations, a question that every believer, from the earliest days of the Bible to today, has faced at some point.
The act of giving—of releasing a portion of what we hold dear and placing it at the feet of our Creator—can be one of the most beautiful expressions of faith.
But it’s also one that’s deeply personal, sometimes even challenging. So, why exactly do we do it?
If we look through the pages of Scripture, we see that offering was an inseparable part of the lives of countless men and women of faith.
Abel gave his best, Noah sacrificed after the flood, Abraham offered his son, and the people of Israel brought sacrifices in every season.
We even see it in the New Testament, where Jesus commends a widow’s small offering over larger sums given without true devotion.
Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through three powerful reasons why we give an offering to God.
We’ll see how offerings are not simply transactions; they’re profound acts of worship, trust, and love.
And as we delve into these reasons, perhaps you’ll find a renewed understanding and joy in giving back to the One who’s given us everything.
1. Giving an Offering is an Act of Worship
When we think of worship, we often picture a congregation singing in harmony, lifting hands in praise, or bowing heads in prayer.
These are beautiful expressions of reverence and honor to God. But worship is much more than our songs, our words, or even our posture—it’s our whole-hearted dedication.
True worship touches every aspect of our lives, and it naturally extends to our possessions.
Take, for instance, the story of the wise men in Matthew 2. They journeyed from afar, following a star that led them to a young Jesus (Yahshua).
They didn’t just fall to their knees in adoration; they brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
These weren’t casual presents; they were valuable treasures fit for a king, and offering them was an act of profound worship.
In their gifts, these wise men expressed a recognition of Jesus’ divine worth.
They gave, not because He needed their gifts, but because giving was a way to honor and acknowledge who He was.
In our own lives, we give as a reflection of this worship.
Imagine it this way: when we give to God, we’re saying, “Lord, You are worth more to me than the things I possess.”
In a world that teaches us to clutch onto what we have, God invites us to open our hands and offer back to Him.
Proverbs 3:9 echoes this sentiment: “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase.”
This is why, when we give an offering, it’s not just another item in our budget or a ritual we perform. It’s a deep, heart-level declaration that God is our treasure.
2. Giving an Offering is an Act of Trust
Have you ever found yourself hesitating to give?
Maybe you’re in a season where money feels tight, and you wonder if giving is the right decision.
The truth is, giving from our abundance can feel easy, but when we give from scarcity, it becomes a matter of trust.
Consider the story of the widow’s mite in Mark 12:41-44.
Jesus observes as wealthy individuals bring their offerings, some giving large amounts. But then, He sees a poor widow drop in two small coins—barely anything in monetary value, but everything she had.
Jesus points her out to His disciples, noting that she gave more than anyone else. “She, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on,” He said.
What motivated this woman to give all she had?
It was her trust in God.
She knew that while money could sustain her physically, only God could sustain her soul.
Her giving was a statement that she relied on God more than on what little she owned.
When we offer something to God, especially when it’s a sacrifice, it’s a tangible way of saying, “Lord, I trust You to take care of me.” This trust is more than wishful thinking.
It’s anchored in the promises of a faithful God.
Psalm 4:5 reminds us, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.”
This act of trusting God through our giving has real-life implications.
Imagine someone who has just lost their job yet continues to tithe or support a ministry.
It’s a profound testament to faith in God’s provision. They’re saying, “My situation may be uncertain, but my God is not.”
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3. Giving an Offering is an Act of Love
Love is often defined by what we’re willing to give up for someone else.
Think about it: parents work long hours to provide for their children, friends make time for each other in busy schedules, and spouses go out of their way to care for one another.
True love sacrifices.
One of the most beautiful examples of this is found in John 12:1-8.
Here, Mary of Bethany takes a costly jar of perfume—worth an entire year’s wages—and pours it on Jesus’ feet.
Judas scoffs at her, saying the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
But Jesus defends her, recognizing the act for what it truly is: a lavish display of love and devotion.
For Mary, this act wasn’t just about pouring perfume. It was about pouring her heart.
She gave something costly because she loved Jesus deeply and wanted to honor Him in the best way she knew how.
Her offering was a way to show her adoration, her love, her respect.
When we give to God, we’re doing something similar.
We’re taking what we hold valuable—our money, our resources, our time—and placing it in His hands as a gesture of love.
Think of it this way: if we truly love God, we won’t be stingy with Him.
Just as we freely give to those we care about, our offerings to God reflect our desire to honor Him, to bring joy to His heart, and to draw closer to Him.
Practical Examples of Offering as Worship, Trust, and Love
Sometimes, it’s helpful to think about how these principles play out in real life. Let’s look at a few modern-day examples.
- Worship through Giving: Many people set aside a portion of their income for their local church or a charity. Perhaps, a family decides to give their monthly “coffee budget” as an offering. It’s a small sacrifice, but it’s a way of worshiping God with the “firstfruits” of their increase. By placing God above their cravings and desires, they make their offerings a sacred act of worship.
- Trust in Lean Times: A single mother on a tight budget may choose to continue tithing, even if it means cutting back on non-essentials. In doing so, she’s trusting that God will fill the gaps in her finances. Each month, she’s reminded of God’s promise to provide, and her faith deepens as she watches God meet her needs, often in unexpected ways.
- Love in Giving: A young couple may set aside part of their savings to help a mission trip or support a child through sponsorship. For them, this offering is a way of expressing love to God by serving others. They recognize that by pouring out love on others, they’re showing love to the One who called them to care for His people.
Letting Your Offerings Speak: Making a Lasting Impact
Imagine this: What if, like the widow or Mary, your offering could inspire generations to come?
What if your children, seeing your faith, grew up with a deep desire to give?
What if your generosity inspired a friend to give, and that gift became the catalyst for someone’s life-changing moment with God?
God doesn’t overlook any act of love, worship, or trust.
Just as He remembered the widow’s two mites and Mary’s perfume, He sees every offering we bring to Him.
Each gift, no matter the size, holds a story, and each story is woven into the bigger narrative of His kingdom.
Giving an Offering to God from a Grateful Heart
In the end, offerings are about much more than money.
They’re about giving a part of ourselves.
They’re an invitation to partner with God, to place our faith in Him, and to reflect His love back into the world.
Whether it’s through money, time, or resources, each offering is an opportunity to say, “Lord, You have given me everything. This is my small way of saying thank you.”
So next time you’re faced with the choice to give, remember these three things: Worship, Trust, and Love.
Let these guide your heart and give with joy. God delights in a cheerful giver, and through our offerings, we draw nearer to Him, becoming more like Christ—the ultimate Giver.
