Giving That Honors God

Restoring the Biblical Priority of Caring for the Poor

Rediscovering God's Heart Through Our Offerings

- By Nicholas Uanikhoba

Introduction: A Call for Scriptural Balance

In many churches today, teachings on giving often focus on ideas like “sowing into ministries” or planting “seeds of faith.” Yet these messages can easily become detached from the real and immediate needs of the poor. While it’s entirely biblical to support ministries, it’s troubling that giving to the poor — which Scripture so directly connects to the heart of God — is often neglected.

The Apostle Paul provides a much-needed corrective. Contrary to popular belief, many of Paul’s teachings on generosity — especially in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 — were not about funding his own ministry, but rather about raising relief for suffering believers, particularly those in Jerusalem. Understanding these texts in their original context brings us back to the biblical center.

1. Paul’s Compassion for the Poor: Giving as Apostolic Work

Paul was not only a preacher of grace — he was also a steward of mercy. Reflecting on his agreement with the other apostles in Galatians 2:10, he writes:

“They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.”

This wasn’t a minor detail in Paul’s ministry. It was central. His letters to the Corinthians display an intentional and organized effort to gather support for believers who were facing intense hardship.

“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people… On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income...” — 1 Corinthians 16:1–2

This was not a personal fundraising campaign for Paul. It was a community-wide relief offering. And it’s within this very context that Paul writes:

“He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6

When Paul speaks of cheerful giving and divine enrichment, he’s talking about a life marked by generosity toward those in need — not a strategy to gain wealth. The promise of blessing is connected to reflecting God’s character through sacrificial giving.

2. God’s Personal Concern for the Poor

Paul's emphasis on helping the poor is consistent with God's own heart, as seen throughout Scripture. In Proverbs, we find a deeply personal connection between God and the act of mercy:

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him.” — Proverbs 19:17

That is a striking truth — when you help the poor, you are, in a very real way, lending to God Himself. This kind of giving isn’t described in relation to temples, priests, or prophets — it is uniquely reserved for acts of compassion.

Jesus affirmed this same principle when He said:

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” — Matthew 25:40

From Old Testament wisdom to the words of Christ, the message is clear: God identifies with the poor, and when we serve them, we serve Him.

3. The Distortion of “Seed Giving” in Modern Teachings

Modern Christian culture often frames giving as “honoring the anointing” or “sowing into a ministry.” While Scripture encourages believers to support faithful ministers (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17), this emphasis can overshadow the more foundational call to mercy and justice.

Jesus rebuked this imbalance directly:

“You tithe mint and dill and cumin, but have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” — Matthew 23:23

In many places today, believers are taught that the key to breakthrough is giving to ministries — often without any concern for the poor. Yet Scripture tells a different story. The one who considers the poor receives God’s promise of protection and blessing:

“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” — Psalm 41:1

This blessing is not exclusive to ministry givers or large donors — it belongs to anyone who lives with compassion toward the least.

4. Re-centering Biblical Generosity in the Church

The Church must return to a scriptural balance in teaching on giving. This includes:

• Supporting ministries that faithfully preach and care for God’s people.
• Giving to the poor as a sacred, God-ordained act of worship.
• Understanding these two forms of generosity not as rivals, but as co-laborers in building the Kingdom.

As Paul organized intentional collections for the poor, so too should today’s churches establish structures, funds, and teachings that prioritize mercy. These efforts must not be rare exceptions but normal, visible expressions of gospel living.

Conclusion: Give Where God Is Watching

Paul’s work to assist the poor wasn’t a side task — it was a vital part of his calling. That same spirit must guide us now. We should honor ministries and ministers, yes — but never in a way that causes us to overlook or ignore the poor.

Giving to the poor is not only compassionate — it’s deeply spiritual. It reaches the heart of God. May we return to this truth, and rediscover the joy, reward, and righteousness that come with a life shaped by mercy.

“He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

— 2 Corinthians 9:9 / Psalm 112:9