Even if we don’t have surplus money, that doesn’t mean we have nothing to give God. Everyone can give something that shows their gratitude, even without money. When God told the people of Israel how to give their trespass offerings to God, no one was excluded because they were too poor. If you couldn’t offer a lamb, a pair of turtle doves or pigeons was acceptable. If that was still beyond your means, you could offer a measure of flour (Leviticus 5:7,11). No one was told they could offer nothing at all, but even a very small offering was accepted by God.
2 Corinthians 8:12 says, “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” This tells us that God doesn’t expect people to give what they don’t have. Even when we have little, we can follow the instruction of Hebrews 13:16, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” What we have to share may be small in the eyes of others, but it helps us have the right attitude before God. On the other hand, the giving of those who are blessed with abundance should reflect the blessings they have received, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).
For many people in the world, money is in short supply. In some places, money may not be the primary currency used to meet needs. The way to show gratitude when there is no money in the bank could be to share a tangible gift that you do have. People have offered a portion of food or produce grown in a garden to the service of God. Or think of a child who doesn’t have an income, but wants to give something of value to show how much he or she loves God. Giving a favorite toy would be a gift that shows their gratitude more than an offering of money could. In John 6:8–11, a child gave his whole lunch to Jesus and received much more in return. He ate until he was satisfied, and had the privilege of seeing his small gift multiplied in the hands of Jesus.
When we offer our hospitality to someone who is in need of a meal or a place to stay, God is honored by that gift. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Gifts of clothing or labor or helpfulness are also a way to give when God prompts us and we see a need. “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7).
Here are some examples of things that people gave to God in the Bible:
- The magi from the East brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor Jesus (Matthew 2:11).
- The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to help a prophet of God (1 Kings 17:8-16).
- The children of Israel gave costly materials for the building of the Sanctuary (Exodus 35:20–29). They continued to bring their offerings until there was more than enough (Exodus 36:2–6).
- Joseph of Aramathea gave his new tomb to be used by Jesus (Matthew 27:57–60).
- Jesus says that when we feed the hungry, care for the sick, clothe the naked, or visit those in prison, we are really giving those gifts to Him (Matthew 25:31–46).
- In John 12:1–3, Mary gave a gift of costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet.
- In response to the question of what we shall give to God, Micah 6:6-8 answers that God wants us “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Make this a matter of prayer, and commit everything you have been given to God. What matters is that giving comes from the heart. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).