Aligning Your Giving with God’s Heart

WHEN IT COMES to charitable giving, many of us are drawn to causes that resonate with our personal passions or interests. While that’s certainly understandable, it’s important to ask whether we’re starting with the right question. Instead of asking where we want to give, shouldn’t we first ask where God wants us to give? Putting God at the center of our financial decisions ensures that our giving reflects His priorities rather than just our preferences.

God calls us to be generous stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. When we honor Him with our finances, we reflect His generosity and experience the fullness of life He intends for us. As we seek to obey God and reflect His love, giving becomes a powerful way to glorify Him and be a part of expanding His kingdom.

Where Does God Tell Us to Give?

In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs His disciples to be witnesses in three areas: Jerusalem (local), Judea and Samaria (regional), and the ends of the earth (international). This geographic framework is helpful in shaping an approach to giving, encouraging us to think beyond our immediate surroundings.

God has a heart for all people—locally, nationally, and internationally. As we consider where to give, it’s important to evaluate whether our generosity is reaching all three of these areas. We are called to support efforts that advance God’s kingdom in our local communities, our nation, and around the world.

In addition to geographic considerations, Scripture points us toward two eternal priorities: God’s Word and people. The Bible clearly states that both are central to God’s purposes and should be central to our giving. Supporting the translation, distribution, and teaching of Scripture is one way we can advance God’s Word.

Another way is by supporting people who are sharing the gospel, particularly missionaries and Christian workers (3 John 5-8). When we give in these ways, we honor God’s kingdom priorities.

To Whom Does God Tell Us to Give?

While the Bible may not provide an exhaustive list of specific recipients for our giving, it does offer clear principles regarding who is on God’s heart. Five key groups of people are repeatedly mentioned throughout Scripture as being worthy of our financial support.

THE POOR AND OPPRESSED

God expresses special concern for the poor and vulnerable, particularly within the Christian community. We are called to care for orphans, widows, the hungry, the sick, and others in need (James 1:27; Matthew 25:34-40). When we give to support those who are suffering or marginalized, we reflect God’s heart for justice and mercy.

CHRISTIAN WORKERS

The Bible instructs us to support those who dedicate their lives to teaching, preaching, and spreading the gospel. Pastors, teachers, and missionaries often rely on the financial support of others to continue their ministry (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). Giving to Christian workers helps advance God’s kingdom and ensures that His Word continues to reach new people.

FAMILY MEMBERS

Scripture emphasizes the importance of caring for our families, both immediate and extended. 1 Timothy 5:8 teaches that providing for our relatives is a practical demonstration of our faith. Ensuring that our loved ones are cared for is a form of generosity that honors God.

KINGDOM WORK

Beyond supporting specific people, we are encouraged to give toward efforts that advance God’s kingdom. In the New Testament, the early church collected offerings to help those in need (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). Today, we can similarly give to causes that reflect Christ’s love and promote His mission.

SPECIAL CALLS FROM GOD

Sometimes, God may place a specific burden on our hearts to give toward a particular cause, whether through a Christian organization, a secular group doing good work, or even directly to an individual. By staying attuned to God’s leading, we can respond in obedience when He prompts us to share our resources in unexpected ways.

Giving with a Generous Heart As we consider where to give, it’s important to align our hearts with God’s priorities. While the categories mentioned above offer a helpful framework, they are not exhaustive. Giving is a deeply personal act, and God often calls us to respond creatively and specifically to the needs around us. Ultimately, Jesus reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). When we invest our resources in ways that reflect God’s heart, we not only glorify Him but also experience the joy and fulfillment that come from aligning our giving with His purposes.

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This article was published in our Faithful Steward magazine, a quarterly publication filled with encouraging stories, biblical teaching, and practical tools to help you grow as a wise and joyful giver. If you'd like to begin receiving Faithful Steward, consider becoming a FaithFi partner.