In Christ’s death and resurrection, we find the ultimate expression of God’s grace and generosity. Therefore, Christians have far greater reasons than the saints of old to give, “for [we] know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for [our] sake he became poor, so that [we] by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). The recognition of God’s grace in Christ produces an “abundance of joy” that “overflow[s] in a wealth of generosity” (2 Cor. 8:2).

Before Christ, God’s people were commanded to tithe, which means to give one-tenth of their income. By tithing to God, they recognized God’s kingship and rule over them. As Matthew 6:24 puts starkly, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” When we give to God, we similarly acknowledge Him as our Lord.

They also brought to God the firstfruits of their produce and livestock–the first fruits, not the last remaining fruits. Likewise, we do not offer what is expendable to us, but what is precious to us. Jesus taught that “where [our] treasure is, there [our] heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Our hearts follow our treasures. Therefore, giving is an essential act of worship that ensures that our desires, priorities, and commitments reflect the heart of God.

The psalmist exclaims, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Ps. 24:1). Offering is a small and partial acknowledgement of this reality that everything we have is a gift from the Lord. We are not, ultimately, owners, but stewards of God’s wealth. We give to God out of what is His, and therefore, as we give, we express our faith that he who first gave can give again to meet all our needs (Phil. 4:19).

This is why 1 Timothy 6:17-19 teaches us not to set our hope on the “uncertainty of riches,” but on the certainty of the “God, who richly provides,” so that we can “be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” The Bible draws a clear line between the use of earthly wealth and eternal rewards, and Jesus calls us to use our temporal means to acquire heavenly riches (Luke 16:1-13). To those who are faithful stewards of the riches of earth, God will entrust the riches of heaven.