Discover the 7 types of giving in the Bible and their spiritual significance. Learn how each type of giving draws you closer to God, with reflection questions, prayer points, testimonies, and group activity ideas for a deeper Christian walk.
Giving is at the very heart of Christianity. The Bible teaches us that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), and throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of generosity transforming lives. Giving is not just about money—it is an act of worship, obedience, love, and faith.
The Bible highlights different types of giving that believers are encouraged to practice. Understanding these types of giving helps us to grow in faith, deepen our trust in God, and live a life of blessing and impact.
In this devotional guide, we will explore 7 types of giving in the Bible, reflect on their importance, and learn how we can apply them practically today. Each section comes with reflection notes, prayer points, real-life testimonies, and group activity ideas—making this a resource for both personal devotion and church study groups.
Key Takeaways
- Giving is worship — it honors God as the source of all blessings.
- There are many forms of giving — tithe, firstfruits, alms, seeds, offerings, sacrifice, and grace-led giving.
- Every type of giving has a blessing attached — spiritual growth, financial provision, joy, and closer intimacy with God.
- Generosity transforms lives — both for the giver and the receiver.
- God’s economy never runs dry — what you give in faith, He multiplies.
What Are the 7 Types of Giving in the Bible
1. Tithes (Giving a Tenth of Your Income)
- Scripture Reference: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” — Malachi 3:10
Reflection:
Tithing is an act of faith and obedience. It reminds us that everything we have belongs to God and that we are simply stewards. Giving the first 10% of our income is not about losing but about honoring God as our Provider.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, help me to tithe faithfully and joyfully, trusting You as my source of provision and abundance.”
Testimony:
A young believer shared how she struggled with tithing when her income was small. But as she obeyed, God opened doors for a better job, and she experienced supernatural provision that exceeded her expectations.
Group Activity Idea:
Invite group members to share their personal testimonies of tithing. Discuss the fears people often have about tithing and how God has proven faithful.
2. Firstfruits Giving
- Scripture Reference: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” — Proverbs 3:9–10
Reflection:
Firstfruits giving is about dedicating the first portion of our increase (salary, harvest, or business profit) to God. It demonstrates trust that He will bless the rest.
Prayer Point:
“Father, teach me to honor You with my firstfruits, acknowledging that every good thing comes from You.”
Testimony:
A farmer shared how he offered the first portion of his harvest to God. Despite a challenging season, his remaining crops flourished beyond expectation, and he had more than enough for his family and community.
Group Activity Idea:
Encourage members to share creative ways they can honor God with their first increase this year (salary, business profits, or even non-financial blessings like time and skills).
3. Almsgiving (Giving to the Poor)
- Scripture Reference: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17
Reflection:
Giving to the poor is giving directly to God. It shows compassion, humility, and love. Jesus emphasized this type of giving, reminding us that our acts of kindness matter deeply to Him.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, open my eyes to see the needs around me, and give me a generous heart to bless the poor.”
Testimony:
A man once shared how he gave a meal to a homeless person despite barely having enough for himself. Days later, he unexpectedly received financial help from a friend, more than covering his needs.
Group Activity Idea:
Plan a group outreach where members can collectively give to a needy family or visit an orphanage/hospital to share food and gifts.
4. Seed Offering (Sowing in Faith)
- Scripture Reference: “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” — 2 Corinthians 9:10
Reflection:
Seed offerings are gifts given in faith, expecting a spiritual or physical harvest. They remind us that giving is never in vain—God multiplies what we sow.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, as I sow seeds in faith, let me reap a harvest of blessings that glorify Your name.”
Testimony:
A woman sowed a financial seed for her child’s education. Shortly afterward, her child was awarded a full scholarship, showing how God honors seeds sown in faith.
Group Activity Idea:
Encourage members to write down what they are believing God for, then prayerfully sow a symbolic seed (it could be money, time, or service) towards that breakthrough.
5. Freewill Offering
- Scripture Reference: “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” — Deuteronomy 16:17
Reflection:
Freewill offerings are voluntary gifts given out of love and gratitude, not obligation. They reflect the joy of giving from the heart.
Prayer Point:
“Father, may my giving always come from a place of joy, love, and gratitude, not compulsion.”
Testimony:
During a church service, a man felt led to give an offering far above what he had planned. Days later, God provided him with a business contract he had been waiting on for months.
Group Activity Idea:
Encourage members to write personal notes of gratitude to God and attach them to a small offering. Share how giving connects to thanksgiving.
6. Sacrificial Giving
- Scripture Reference: “They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” — 2 Corinthians 8:3–4
Reflection:
Sacrificial giving is when we give beyond our comfort zone. It reflects true devotion, selflessness, and deep trust in God’s provision.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, help me to trust You enough to give sacrificially, knowing You will never leave me in lack.”
Testimony:
A family once gave away their last savings to support a church building project. Within weeks, a relative surprised them with a gift that was ten times greater than what they had given.
Group Activity Idea:
Share stories of times when giving sacrificially brought spiritual or physical blessings. Discuss how sacrificial giving strengthens faith.
7. Grace Giving (Spirit-Led Generosity)
- Scripture Reference: “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” — 2 Corinthians 8:7
Reflection:
Grace giving goes beyond rules—it is Spirit-led generosity inspired by love. It flows naturally when we recognize God’s grace in our lives.
Prayer Point:
“Holy Spirit, teach me to give freely, cheerfully, and abundantly, reflecting Your grace in my life.”
Testimony:
A church member shared how God placed it on her heart to bless a struggling widow. Later, the widow testified that her need had been met at the exact moment she prayed for help.
Group Activity Idea:
Practice spontaneous giving in your study group. Each person gives something small (money, food, or even encouraging words), and collectively bless someone in need.
Closing General Prayer
“Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us about the different types of giving in Your Word. Help us to be cheerful, obedient, and Spirit-led givers. May our giving draw us closer to You, bless others, and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Group Activity Ideas
- Giving Challenge: Encourage members to practice one type of giving during the week (tithe, alms, offering, etc.) and share testimonies at the next meeting.
- Role-Play Exercise: Act out biblical stories of giving (e.g., the widow’s mite, the Good Samaritan).
- Blessing Chain: Each group member blesses another member secretly during the week.
- Giving Journal: Start a journal to record acts of giving and how God responded.
