In what ways should Jesus be an example for our giving?
You know the generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ. He left his place of riches and glory and became poor, subject to the frailties of human flesh, so that through his poverty we might be made rich. — 2 Corinthians 8:9
We typically imagine generosity as sharing a little of our time or money to help others in need. But with Jesus as our gold standard for giving, our goal is not philanthropy or celebrity, but rather as an expression of sacrificial love, humility, and compassion.
The abundant life that Jesus promised is found as we follow example for giving.
Jesus Gave Sacrificially
Jesus laid down his life, not because he had to but because he chose to. He gave out of love, not abundance. “Nobody has greater love than this,” he said, “than to sacrifice his life for his friends’ sake” (John 15:13).
Sacrificial giving doesn’t always mean giving everything away, but it does require setting aside our self-serving desires for the sake of others. What Jesus calls “taking up our cross” means to put others before ourselves in very real, sometimes difficult, ways.
Giving out of love always costs something—our time, our finances, or our emotional involvement. If it doesn’t cost anything, it may be an investment, expecting something in return—but not true love.
Jesus Gave Selflessly
Jesus never gave with the expectation of return. His miracles, healings, and teachings were not given for applause or personal gain. Even when people walked away or misunderstood him, he kept on giving anyway. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and shared the truth—not to build his popularity or prosperity but with the hope that people would repent and sin no more.
Giving should be caring about the other person, not about us—seeking impact but no applause.
Jesus Gave Compassionately
If we follow Jesus’ example, we weep with people who are grieving. We’ll do what we can to heal broken hearts. Whatever we give will be with tenderness and grace.
Compassion is much more than handing someone a gift. No, we care deeply enough to notice needs and be sensitive to the heartbeat of others. We don’t just toss a coin in a cup. We look people in the eye. We care. We connect.
Jesus Gave Consistently
Jesus didn’t schedule service once a week and then go about his own business. His entire life was a gift to help others. His style of giving means making generosity a lifestyle, not an occasional event. It means looking for daily opportunities to bless others—at home, at work, in the grocery store.
Jesus Gave Personally
Jesus gave Himself. Not just His things. Not just words or resources. He gave his presence. He walked with people. He touched the untouchable. He dined with sinners and outcasts. He mentored those who wanted to follow him.
People need more than material help. They need hope, love, and connection. That’s what Jesus gave, and that’s what we are called to give too.
God may call us to give in ways that challenge our logic or convenience. It may not make sense. It might seem risky. But when God is leading, we experience the most wonderful form of giving and become more like Christ.
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