Does God Really Care About How Much Money We Give?

Does God Really Care About How Much Money We Give?

There is a parable that talks about the woman who gives her last mites while others gave regularly. Should we give our all, or does it matter if we give at all? Does God actually care about our giving? Newsflash: God doesn't need anything from us because His character and attributes are fully sufficient.

A Self-sufficient God:

This self-sufficiency, known as aseity, means God doesn't need our money or anything from us. Aseity, the concept that God is self-sufficient and independent, is supported by various verses throughout the Bible. Here are some key passages that highlight this attribute of God: The God of Heaven made the world and spoke it into existence. In Acts 17-24-25 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” This talks about the Lord of Heaven Earth that cannot be contained and doesn’t live in temples built by human hands. In Psalm 50:10-12 it emphasizes that everything belongs to God: “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.” In Romans 11:35-36 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Paul clearly highlights that all things come from God and we cannot even attempt to repay him or give Him something He doesn’t already have. In Colossians 1:16-17 “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Reflecting on Aseity and Giving

Understanding God’s aseity can transform our perspective on giving. Recognizing that God does not need our resources but desires our hearts helps us see giving as a profound act of faith and trust. As we give, we participate in His work and express our dependence on His provision.

In summary, God’s aseity is a powerful reminder of His self-sufficiency and the grace that He extends to us, inviting us into a relationship with Him. Our giving, therefore, becomes a response to His love and a testament to our trust in His all-sufficient nature.

That’s what makes our God so powerful: despite not needing us, He still wants us. This purpose is not for His benefit but for ours. The ultimate way of showing God, we trust Him is through our trust in Him.

The Widow's Mite: A Lesson in Trust

In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes people putting money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts, but a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Jesus called His disciples to Him and 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.”

This parable illustrates that the value of a gift is not in its amount but in the spirit and sacrifice behind it. The widow’s mites were insignificant in monetary terms, but they represented her complete trust and reliance on God. Her giving was an act of worship and faith, not a mere transaction. This is the giving from a place in our heart where we rely on Him.

Trusting God Through Giving

You may not be in that place at this exact moment and that’s okay. God finds a way to allow the Spirit to work on us if we are open to Him working on us. When the moments come that we become more like the widow it gets easier to fully trust in God. When we give, especially sacrificially, we declare our trust in God's provision. It is almost in all human nature that craves control, making it difficult to surrender to God’s plans.

Negative past experiences and feelings of abandonment can also erode our trust, as we might project these experiences onto God. Fear and worry about the future, coupled with anxiety about life’s uncertainties, further complicate our ability to rely on God’s promises. When prayers seem unanswered or delayed, it can be hard to maintain trust in God’s timing and wisdom. Additionally, a distorted view of God’s character—as distant or punitive—prevents us from fully relying on His love and compassion.

Lastly, the cultural influences that promote self-reliance and material success also challenge our dependence on God’s provision. These combined factors create a significant barrier to trusting God, despite His assurances and faithfulness. One the most overused verses but well known doesn’t do any justice unless we believe it to be true: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Others help us understand God is with us: Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." | Psalms 112:7 "They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." | Psalms 37:5 "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."

The Purpose of Giving

Trusting in God is the real purpose for giving. When we get to the place where the Spirit is growing in us and leading us to trusting and submitting to God giving becomes an act of worship. Our “why” becomes stronger on everyday earnings. Giving should be a joyful act of worship, an expression of our gratitude and trust in God. It’s a way to participate in God's work and demonstrate our faith. 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches, “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.”

Conclusion

God doesn't need our money, but He desires our hearts. Our giving is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in Him. The widow’s mite teaches us that it’s not the amount we give but the spirit of sacrifice and trust behind it. In giving, we align ourselves with God's purposes, experience His blessings, and grow in our faith. Remember, it’s never about the money; it’s about the heart.