Faithful Giving or Extractive Religion?

[Chief]

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27, NIV)​

Giving has always been an integral part of Christian worship. From the Old Testament sacrifices to New Testament instructions on stewardship, the Bible consistently teaches that God’s people should honor Him with their resources. Many preachers today encourage sacrificial giving as a way of expressing devotion and advancing the work of the gospel.

However, tension often arises: What happens when the poor and vulnerable are pressured to give beyond their means? When is giving an act of faithful stewardship, and when does it cross the line into exploitation?

A preacher once recounted how he persuaded a poor widow (who had no money at all) to cut down her mature shade trees, sell the timber, and bring the proceeds as her contribution. She complied, possibly out of guilt or fear that withholding would mean failing God. Yet this raises uncomfortable questions: Was this faithful stewardship, or did it mirror the very kind of exploitation Jesus condemned?

The Biblical Call to Giving​

The Bible is clear that giving is part of Christian discipleship.

• Stewardship Principle: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Everything we own ultimately belongs to God, and we are called to be faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2).
• Cheerful Giving: Paul reminds the Corinthians, “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” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• The Widow’s Offering: Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins, noting that she gave more than all the rich because she gave out of her poverty (Mark 12:41–44).

Discussion Prompt: What principles of healthy giving can we draw from these passages? How do they apply in today’s church context?

Warnings Against Exploitation​

Alongside calls to give, the Bible also strongly condemns religious exploitation.

• Defrauding Widows: Jesus warned, “Beware of the teachers of the law... They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers” (Luke 20:46–47).
• True Religion: James defines pure religion as caring for widows and orphans in their distress (James 1:27).
• Shepherd’s Responsibility: God rebuked Israel’s leaders for exploiting the flock: “You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally” (Ezekiel 34:4).

Discussion Prompt: How do these scriptures challenge religious leaders and communities today?

Christ’s Example of Providence​

Unlike leaders who only demand, Jesus demonstrated care for His followers.

In Matthew 17:24–27, when asked to pay temple tax, Jesus didn’t burden His disciples. Instead, He miraculously provided: He told Peter to catch a fish, and in its mouth was a coin sufficient to cover both their taxes. This act shows Christ’s mindful provision and His unwillingness to exploit.

Discussion Prompt: What does this story reveal about the heart of Christ toward His followers, especially the poor?

Case Study: The Widow and Her Trees​

Returning to the story of the widow who was persuaded to sell her trees:

• On one hand, one could argue she showed faith and obedience.
• On the other hand, she may have been compelled by guilt, rather than giving freely.

This story echoes the tension between the widow’s two coins (an example of faith) and Jesus’ warning about devouring widows’ houses (an example of exploitation).

Discussion Prompt: In such a case, do you see her action as an act of faithful stewardship or of manipulation? What makes the difference?

Balancing the Tension​

So, how do we reconcile these two sides; faithful giving and warnings against exploitation?

• Giving is biblical, but it must be voluntary, cheerful, and rooted in faith.
• Exploitation is unbiblical, especially when leaders pressure the poor to give what they do not have.
• True leadership should empower the flock—helping them find sustainable livelihoods and opportunities, not burdening them further.

Reflection and Application​

• Personal Check: Am I giving freely, or out of guilt or fear?
• Community Check: Does my church care for widows, orphans, and the needy as much as it emphasizes offerings?
• Leadership Check: Do leaders model Christ, who provides for His followers, or the scribes, who exploit them?

Discussion Prompt: What practical steps can churches take to encourage healthy, biblical giving while also protecting and uplifting the vulnerable?

True Christian giving flows from gratitude and freedom, not coercion. True religion uplifts the vulnerable, not exploits them. As we reflect on our practices, may our giving (and our teaching about giving) reflect the generosity, compassion, and providence of Christ Himself.