What Does the Bible Say About Money?
Learning to Steward Well What God Has Given Us
At Church of Grace, we believe every part of our lives—including our finances—can be a reflection of God’s grace, truth, and generosity. Money can often feel like a complicated and/or taboo topic, but Scripture offers incredible clarity, not only about how we handle money—but how we honor God through it. Money, what we do with it, is a big part of what we love and worship.
Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, saving for the future, or wondering how generosity fits into your life, the Bible speaks directly to it. Let’s take a look together at what God says about money—and how we can live in freedom and faith, not fear or guilt.
Money Is a Tool—Not a Master
Money is powerful, but it’s not ultimate. The Bible never says money is evil—it’s the love of money that becomes dangerous.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...”
– 1 Timothy 6:10
Jesus also made it clear: you can’t serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). In other words, money makes a terrible master—but it can be a wonderful servant when used for God’s purposes.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
– Matthew 6:21
Your bank statement doesn’t just reveal spending habits—it reflects what you value. When we surrender our finances to God, we’re really saying, “Lord, I trust You with everything.” One way of looking at it is that if you value God – your bank account will reflect that.
God’s Heart Is for Generosity
At the heart of biblical money management is generosity. Why? Because our God is extravagantly generous.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
– Proverbs 11:25
When we give—whether to our church, to someone in need, or to a mission we care about—we mirror God’s heart. And the beautiful thing? Generosity isn’t about the amount. It’s about the attitude.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give... for God loves a cheerful giver.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:7
When we give joyfully and sacrificially, we get to be part of something bigger—lives changed, needs met, and God glorified. Every dollar we give goes to war against the powers of darkness and is used as a tool to win others to Christ.
Tithing: Trusting God with the First
Tithing simply means giving the first 10% of your income back to God. It’s a biblical principle rooted in trust—not obligation.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... Test me in this,” says the Lord,
“and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”
– Malachi 3:10
Tithing isn’t about checking a box. It’s about saying, “God, You go first. I trust You to provide.” Jesus Himself affirmed tithing—but reminded us that our giving should always come from a heart full of love and justice (Matthew 23:23).
At Church of Grace, we don’t tithe to earn something. We give because we’ve already received everything in Christ.
But isn’t tithing under the Law? Aren’t we free from the Law? Great questions, the answer is simple: tithing was before the Law (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), under the Law, and after the Law (Hebrews 7). Tithing is for our benefit and an act of worship to God.
Caring for the Poor: Reflecting God’s Compassion
The Bible is filled with God’s concern for the poor—and our calling to care for them. When we give to those in need, we’re not just being kind—we’re honoring God.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.”
– Proverbs 19:17
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me.”
– Matthew 25:40
In the early church, generosity wasn’t a program—it was a lifestyle. Acts 2 tells us believers sold possessions to meet each other’s needs. At Church of Grace, we believe every act of compassion makes the love of Jesus visible and tangible.
Stewardship: Managing What Belongs to God
Here’s a truth that shifts everything: everything we have is already God’s.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
– Psalm 24:1
Our role isn’t ownership—it’s stewardship. We’re called to manage God’s resources wisely and faithfully. Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) reminds us: what we do with what we’ve been given matters. Whether it’s money, time, or talents—use it well, use it for Him.
“It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
– 1 Corinthians 4:2
Giving as Worship
Giving isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a spiritual one. When we give, we’re worshiping God, declaring He is our Provider and our priority.
“This service... is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:12
It’s not about the amount—it’s about the faith behind it. The widow in Mark 12 only gave two coins, but Jesus praised her because she gave out of her heart.
Practical Ways to Honor God with Money
Here are some simple, grace-filled steps you can take to live out these principles:
- Create a Budget
Stewardship starts with clarity. Plan how you use what God provides. - Start Tithing Faithfully
Trust God with your first 10%, and let it be an act of joyful surrender. - Give to the Poor Regularly
Make generosity a rhythm in your life. Even small acts of kindness matter. - Avoid Debt Where Possible
Live within your means. As Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” - Pray Over Your Finances
Ask God to guide your decisions, provide for your needs, and show you how to be a blessing to others.
Final Encouragement
Money isn’t the enemy—and it isn’t the goal. It’s a tool we’ve been given to bless, build, and glorify. When we honor God with our finances, we find peace, purpose, and freedom.
At Church of Grace, we believe generosity is a joy, not a burden. Stewardship is an invitation, not a rule. And every dollar surrendered to God can be multiplied for Kingdom impact.
So, what does the Bible say about money?
Use it. Don’t worship it.
Give it. Don’t hoard it.
Manage it well—for God’s glory and others’ good.
Let’s live open-handed lives—because our God is a generous God.
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Yorba Linda