The question of how much Christians should give away and keep for themselves is an important one that the Bible addresses in various passages. There are some biblical principles that can help provide guidance on this topic.
Generosity and Giving Encouraged
The Bible encourages generosity and giving to those in need. Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Luke 18:22). He said it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23-24). Paul said God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) and giving generously will result in blessings from God (2 Corinthians 9:6). Believers are instructed to do good and share with others (Hebrews 13:16). The early church shared their possessions and gave to anyone who had need (Acts 2:44-45). So the Bible clearly promotes generous giving and caring for the poor and needy.
Ownership and Stewardship
However, the Bible does not forbid personal ownership and possessions. Scripture teaches that God owns everything (Psalm 24:1) and we are managers or stewards of what belongs to Him (Matthew 25:14-30). What we own is entrusted to us by God to use wisely and generously. But we have individual responsibility for managing possessions, as seen in various parables (Matthew 20:1-16, 25:14-30). So while giving generously is encouraged, complete renunciation of ownership is not necessarily mandated.
Balance and Moderation
There are also principles of balance and moderation. Paul said that those unwilling to work should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He instructed believers to work and provide for their families (1 Timothy 5:8). Jesus told his disciples to provide food and supplies for their ministry travels (Luke 22:35-36). So there appears to be a balanced approach between giving generously while also providing for oneself and one’s family.
Heart Motives
The Bible emphasizes that motivations of the heart are most important when giving. Giving should be done cheerfully and generously, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead, not for withholding possessions, but for lying about giving all the proceeds (Acts 5:1-11). So the heart’s motivation and attitude are key.
Radical Discipleship
While complete renunciation of possessions is not commanded for all believers, Jesus did call some to a radical lifestyle of discipleship. He told the rich young ruler to sell all he had (Luke 18:22). Jesus urged his disciples to leave everything and follow him (Luke 5:11, 27-28). So this more radical approach of giving up all possessions may be appropriate for some Christians, such as those called to missionary or ministry work.
Wisdom and Liberty
Overall, the Bible gives principles of wisdom and liberty when it comes to possessions. Believers should be generous and seek to advance God’s kingdom, while also providing for family needs. Some are called to radical discipleship, while others have freedom in Christ to retain possessions. The key is being a wise steward who generously shares, rather than hoarding possessions selfishly.
NT Teachings on Possessions
Here are some key New Testament passages that provide teachings on possessions:
- Luke 12:33 – Sell possessions and give to the needy.
- Acts 2:44-45 – Believers shared possessions and gave to anyone with need.
- Acts 4:32-35 – No one claimed private ownership, shared all possessions.
- 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 – Give so there may be equality among believers.
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Be rich in good works, generous, ready to share.
- James 1:27 – Pure religion is to care for widows and orphans.
- 1 John 3:17 – If you have material possessions and see a brother in need but have no pity on him, how can the love of God be in you?
These and many other passages encourage generous giving while also recognizing legitimate ownership. Wisdom and discernment are needed to apply biblical principles on when to give or keep possessions.
Tithing vs. Giving
Tithing was an Old Testament practice where Israelites gave 10% of their income/possessions to support the Levites and priests (Leviticus 27:30-32). Tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament. However, Christians are encouraged to give generously, in proportion to what one has (2 Corinthians 8:12). Giving 10% can be a good guideline, but should not be a legalistic requirement.
Storing Up Treasures
Jesus instructed his followers not to store up treasures on earth but to store up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). This relates to being generous with material resources now, which will reap eternal rewards rather than hoarding possessions selfishly. Our heart’s affection should be set on the eternal, not earthly things.
Taking Care of Family
While giving generously is encouraged, believers also have a responsibility to provide for their families. 1 Timothy 5:8 says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” So Christians should balance providing for family while also being generous to others.
Trusting God’s Provision
An important related principle is trusting God to provide our needs when we give generously. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” As we give freely, we can trust God to supply our needs.
Key Principles
In summary, here are some key principles on possessions from Scripture:
- Be generous and give to those in need
- Care for your family’s needs
- Use possessions wisely as a stewardship from God
- Radical discipleship may require selling possessions
- Give cheerfully and motivated by love
- Trust God to supply needs when we give generously
- Find balance between providing for oneself and giving to others
The Bible gives wisdom and principles for possessions, while recognizing believers have liberty based on conscience and calling when deciding whether to give all or keep some possessions.
Applying These Principles
Putting these principles into practice requires prayerful wisdom and discernment. Here are some factors that can help determine how to apply biblical teachings on possessions:
- Consider your financial responsibilities – Do you have a family to provide for? Debt to pay off? Basic needs to meet?
- Evaluate your heart motives – Is your heart clinging to possessions? Do you find your identity in what you own?
- Assess your giving habits – Are you currently generous with what you have? Do you give regularly?
- Determine your life calling – Are you called to vocational ministry or missions where giving up possessions is prudent?
- Seek godly counsel – Get advice from mature believers who know your situation well.
There is no cookie-cutter formula that applies to every believer. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance for your personal situation. The goal is clinging loosely to this world while using what God has given us generously for Kingdom purposes.
Potential Dangers of Extremes
When applying these principles, it’s important to avoid extreme positions that can be harmful:
- Legalism – Mandating exact standards of giving not expressly commanded in Scripture.
- Asceticism – Practicing self-denial at the expense of caring for one’s body and health.
- Neglecting family – Giving away so much that the needs of one’s family are not adequately met.
- Unwise finances – Giving so much that it leads to excessive debt, bankruptcy, etc.
- Pride – Giving out of a prideful desire to be seen as super spiritual or radical.
Biblical principles on possessions should be applied with wisdom, not legalistically. And our motives must be rooted in loving God and others, not pride.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible advocates radical generosity and caring for the poor. Believers are stewards who should hold possessions loosely. While giving substantially is encouraged, most NT passages do not mandate complete renunciation for all Christians in all situations. Wisdom, discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit are needed to apply biblical principles on when to give or keep possessions. The key is generous and joyful giving motivated by Christ-like love, not legalistic requirements or selfish hoarding of possessions.
