8 Bible verses that encourage you to give more than you take

There’s a profound difference between giving and taking.

Giving, in essence, is an act of selflessness, a way to show love and kindness to others. Taking, however, can sometimes lean towards selfishness if it’s all we ever do.

The Bible, a source of age-old wisdom, has a lot to say about this. It encourages us to give more than we take, and you’d be surprised how much joy and fulfillment that simple act can bring.

Now, let me share with you eight Bible verses that beautifully emphasize this message. These passages will inspire you to adopt a lifestyle of giving more than taking. They’re not just words; they’re life lessons wrapped in divine wisdom. Let’s dive in!

1) Acts 20:35

The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s a guide to life. And one of the most profound lessons it teaches is the joy of giving.

Take Acts 20:35, for instance. This verse speaks directly to our topic: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

What a powerful message! It’s not just about giving; it’s about working hard to help those in need.

This verse encourages us to be proactive in our generosity. Not just waiting for opportunities to give, but actively seeking them out.

And the reward for such selflessness is a blessing. The Bible tells us that it’s more blessed to give than receive. That’s an idea worth embracing, don’t you think?

Remember, it’s not about manipulation or trying to win favors. It’s about living a life of purpose and joy through selfless giving. And what better way to start than with this verse?

2) Proverbs 11:24-25

Allow me to share a personal story inspired by Proverbs 11:24-25: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

A few years back, I found myself in a financially tight spot. As a freelance writer, work was inconsistent, and I was barely making ends meet. During this time, a friend was raising funds for a charity that supports children’s education in underprivileged communities.

Even though money was tight, I felt compelled to contribute. It wasn’t much, just a small amount that I could spare, but I gave willingly.

A few weeks later, out of the blue, I landed a big writing project. It was more than enough to pull me out of my financial rut. It seemed as though the more I gave, the more came back to me.

This personal experience reinforced my belief in Proverbs 11:24-25. When we give generously and willingly, we’re not just helping others but also opening doors of blessings for ourselves. So, let’s try to give more than we take and enjoy the prosperity and refreshment it brings.

3) Luke 6:38

Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

This verse beautifully illustrates the principle of reciprocity in the Bible.

Did you know that this principle is also recognized in many other cultures around the world? For instance, in Buddhism, the law of Karma operates on a similar premise: that our actions, good or bad, return to us in kind.

The verse from Luke encourages us to give generously and assures us that our generosity will not go unrewarded. It’s like a divine guarantee that what we put out into the world will come back to us in abundance.

So, let’s strive to give more than we take. It’s not just a moral choice; it’s a universal principle that promises great rewards.

4) 2 Corinthians 9:7

Another inspiring verse is 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

This verse is a beautiful reminder that it’s not just about giving, but about the spirit in which we give.

It’s easy to give out of obligation or to keep up appearances, but that’s not what true generosity is about. The Bible encourages us to give from our hearts, cheerfully and willingly.

So when we give, let’s do it with joy and not out of duty or pressure. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

5) 1 John 3:17

1 John 3:17 poses a poignant question: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

This verse really hits home for me and, I’m sure, for many of you as well. It paints a vivid picture of the responsibility we have towards our fellow human beings.

It’s not just about having wealth or possessions; it’s about recognizing the needs of others and responding with compassion. The Bible tells us that if we’re indifferent to the suffering of others, we’re missing a vital aspect of God’s love.

So let’s strive to give more than we take. Let’s open our hearts to those in need and share what we have with love and compassion. In doing so, we’re not just giving material things; we’re sharing the love of God.

6) Matthew 5:42

Matthew 5:42 states, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

There was a time when I was hesitant to lend, fearing I wouldn’t get back what I gave. I’d worry about being taken advantage of or ending up short. But over the years, I’ve learned that holding on too tightly to what I have doesn’t bring me peace or happiness.

Instead, embracing this verse has brought a sense of liberation. By giving or lending without reluctance, we not only help others but free ourselves from fear and anxiety about our possessions.

So let’s follow this verse and give freely. After all, our possessions are temporary, but the impact of our generosity can last a lifetime.

7) Proverbs 19:17

Proverbs 19:17 reads, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

This verse turns our perspective on giving upside down. It suggests that when we’re kind to the poor, we’re not just helping them; we’re lending to God!

And God, being the ultimate paymaster, promises to reward us for our kindness. This isn’t about expecting a reward but understanding that our acts of kindness and generosity don’t go unnoticed.

So, let’s continue to give more than we take. Let’s lend to the Lord through our kindness to those less fortunate and trust that our rewards will come in ways we can’t even imagine.

8) Luke 21:1-4

Luke 21:1-4 tells the story of the widow’s offering. Despite her own poverty, she gave all she had to the temple treasury, while the rich gave only a fraction of their wealth.

This story underscores an essential truth: it’s not about how much you give, but how much of yourself you put into giving. It’s about the sacrifice, not the size.

The widow’s offering was small in monetary terms but enormous in spirit. Her act of giving stands as a testament to selfless generosity, a shining example for all of us.

So, if there’s one thing to take away from this exploration of Bible verses about giving, let it be this: give from the heart, give selflessly, and give more than you take. For in doing so, you’ll discover the true richness and blessing of a generous life.

Final thoughts: The Heart of the Matter

At the core, the Bible’s teachings on giving and taking are deeply intertwined with the essence of humanity and the principles of love and kindness.

Remember Matthew 22:39, which says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is more than a command; it’s an invitation to live a life of generosity, to extend our hearts to others in ways that enrich not just their lives but ours as well.

In giving more than we take, we’re not just performing acts of charity; we’re living out the values that define us as compassionate beings. We’re fostering connections, strengthening communities, and making the world a little better—one act of giving at a time.

Each Bible verse shared here carries a profound lesson that goes beyond the physical act of giving. It’s about the spirit with which we give—the love, kindness, and selflessness we put into each act of generosity.

So as you reflect on these verses, consider what they mean for you. How can you give more than you take in your own life? How can you infuse your actions with the love and generosity these verses advocate?

Ponder on this. And remember, every act of giving is a step towards a more compassionate world.