What Does the Bible Say About Being Generous?
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. — Proverbs 11:24, NIV
Generosity matters to God. Throughout Scripture, we read numerous Bible verses about giving, including:
Luke 6:30 (NIV): Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV): 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.
Acts 20:35 (NIV): 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.”
Luke 12:33 (NIV): Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
The Bible is clear: We’re meant to give to those in need around us, cheerfully and without restraint. And when we give freely, our offerings will be blessed, helping us store up treasures in heaven that won’t fade away. That’s great news!
No Act of Generosity Is Too Small
When you hear “give generously,” what do you think of? Maybe you think of someone smiling behind one of those giant checks written for thousands of dollars. Perhaps you’re reminded of one of those TikTok videos where someone hands $1,000 to a random person walking through the grocery store.
While these are great examples of generosity, it’s important to remember: No act of generosity is too small. Giving a meal, a kind word or a couple of dollars can be just as powerful. And God’s Word proves it.
In Mark 12, Jesus watched as rich people threw large amounts into the temple treasury. But soon, an impoverished widow came and put in two copper coins, which were worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.” — Mark 12:43-44, NIV
You see, God can and will use anything we give to change the lives of others. The One who can multiply a few loaves and a couple of fish can multiply your generosity too. Let that truth inspire you to be generous in your own way.
How to Be Generous: 10 Everyday Ways
Knowing that anything we give with a generous heart can make a difference, we find it’s easy to live generously in day-to-day life. Here are ten simple ways to be generous starting today.
1. Listen Well
Being generous doesn’t mean just sharing your finances. You can also be generous with your attention. When someone confides in you or during conversations with friends, give them your undivided attention. Put down your phone. Listen intently. When we listen, we show others they’re valued instead of ignored or unimportant.
2. Send a Bible Verse (or Two)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.“ — Psalm 119:105, NIV
God’s Word brings light, even during the darkest of times. It provides encouragement, hope and direction. And who wouldn’t want to share that?
Send a Bible verse to a friend going through a hard time. Or share a couple of verses of encouragement with your spouse. God’s Word is powerful — you may never know the impact you’ll have by sharing it with others.
Looking for the right Bible verses? Check out:
3. Pray for Others
One of the most powerful things you can do for those around you is to hit your knees on their behalf. Nothing says, “you matter to me,” like praying for someone. Take time each day to pray for your friends and loved ones. You can also share your prayer time with those around the world by praying for children in poverty.
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” — Jeremiah 29:12, NIV
4. Volunteer Locally
Another way to show generosity is by giving up your time. And there are so many ways to do just that in your community. For example, you could volunteer at a food bank or charity, donating your time to help them help others.
You can find volunteer opportunities near you by using websites like Idealist or Volunteer.gov and by checking bulletin boards at your local library or community center. You can also check the specific websites of local organizations you’d like to volunteer for.
Did you know that you can also volunteer with Compassion? Volunteer to serve during our live events or even at Compassion headquarters. Your yes to volunteering will help us release even more children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
5. Share a Kind Word
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.“ — 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV
Life is hard, and all of us could use an encouraging word or two. Text a family member and tell them you love them. Share a compliment on a friend’s photo on social media. Send a message to a co-worker letting them know you appreciate them. As Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) tells us, kind words are “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
6. Give to a Cause
If you have the financial means, you can make an impact on the lives of many by donating to a cause you care about. For example, you could donate to provide disaster relief or even medical care to children in desperate need.
Whether you have $5 or $500, your generous donation will combine with the donations of others to multiply and provide hope. Not sure what cause is right for you? Check out this list of life-changing causes to donate to.
7. Share a Meal
In the Bible, we see that Jesus really enjoyed sharing meals with his followers. For example, before his death on the cross, he shared intimate time with his disciples during the Last Supper.
Why is sharing meals important? Breaking bread together deepens relationships, builds unity and empowers us to serve those around us. It gives us an opportunity to be generous with the blessings God has given us.
You can be generous with your blessings by offering to cook a meal for a friend or even hosting a meal for your church small group.
8. Give Your “Extra”
All of us have extra things around us that we no longer use or need. And many of those things could benefit someone else. Instead of throwing things out or letting them sit around without purpose, why not donate them to someone in need?
For example:
Donate the clothes that no longer fit to charity.
Give your unused canned goods to a local food bank.
Pack up and deliver the books you’ve already read to your local library.
Share extra diapers and other baby items with local shelters.
Give one of your extra Bibles to someone without one.
9. Ask How You Can Help — And Follow Through
Many times, opportunities to be generous find us. Other times, we must seek them out. One way to do that is to ask those around you how you can help, then fulfill that need.
For example, maybe you have a friend who’s sick or a co-worker who just had a baby. Take the time to ask them how you might be able to best support them, then do just that. They’ll be grateful for your thoughtfulness.
10. Sponsor a Child
Around 412 million children live in extreme poverty across the globe, surviving on less than $3 a day. At Compassion International, we’re working to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. But we can’t do it without the generosity of supporters just like you around the world.
Through child sponsorship, we provide the love and practical care children need to thrive. We share the hope of the gospel and offer essentials like medical care, nutritious meals and education.
With this care, children can become thriving followers of Jesus, empowered to overcome poverty and help others do the same. And it all begins with your yes to a simple act of generosity: becoming a sponsor.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.“ — Proverbs 19:17, NIV
Everyday Generosity Changes Lives
At Compassion, we see the impact of everyday generosity in the lives of the children we serve. Simple acts, like sharing a meal, provide hope despite the dark circumstances of poverty. For the following three children from Honduras, simple generosity has resulted in real-life change.
The Gift of a New Bed Helps Eyden Rest
Eyden received a new mattress from his Compassion sponsor, Paul. While he once shared a worn, cramped bed with his siblings, he now sleeps peacefully and comfortably. This bed is a simple reminder to Eyden that he matters and deserves comfort and care.
A Warm Meal Brings a Smile to Jazmin’s Face
Children living in poverty feel the constant ache of hunger. But at local Compassion centers, children like Jazmin receive nutritious meals and are protected from malnutrition. In Honduras, a favorite meal is catrachitas, a crisp, fried tortilla topped with warm beans and shredded cheese. This meal fills Jazmin’s heart with hope and joy.
A Simple Hygiene Kit Restores Daniel’s Dignity
Eleven-year-old Daniel remembers the moment he opened his very first hygiene kit. Inside was a bright blue toothbrush (his favorite color), toothpaste, soap and a soft loofah. His eyes widened, and he smiled brightly because he had never owned something so personal.
Now, Daniel carries his hygiene kit to the shower with pride. When he catches his reflection in the mirror, he beams with confidence. This simple kit, provided by donations made to his Compassion center, continues to build his dignity and improve his health.
Remember: No act of generosity is too small. Today, practice generosity by putting a couple of the above ideas into practice. While you’ll surely brighten someone’s day, your kindness might also change their life.
