Four Expressions of a Giving Heart
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 10/18/2026
Four Expressions Of A Giving Heart
Foundation Scripture:
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 KJV
1. Giving Is.
a. Giving is much more than placing money in an offering.
b. It is a spiritual act that expresses what is in our hearts toward God.
c. When we give according to His Word, we demonstrate our faith, obedience, love, and worship.
d. Our giving is not merely a financial transaction.
e. It is an expression of our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
2. Giving Is an Act of FAITH.
a. Hebrews 11:4 NKJV –– By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
b. Abel’s offering was an expression of his faith in God.
c. Faith believes God’s Word and acts upon it.
d. When we give, we demonstrate that our confidence is in God and not in our possessions.
e. We believe that God is faithful to His promises and that He is our Source and Provider.
f. We give in faith, expecting God to do what He said He would do.
g. Hebrews 11:6
h. Giving in faith means trusting God’s Word, obeying His instructions, and confidently expecting Him to fulfill His promises.
3. Giving Is an Act of OBEDIENCE.
a. Deuteronomy 16:16–17 KJV –– Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose… and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
b. 2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV –– Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
c. God has given us instructions concerning our giving.
d. Obedience is not merely hearing the Word but putting it into practice.
e. We give because we honor God’s Word and submit ourselves to His instructions.
f. God desires willing, cheerful obedience; not reluctant or forced giving.
g. Our obedience demonstrates that we trust God’s wisdom above our own understanding.
h. Isaiah 1:19 KJV –– If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.
i. Giving is an opportunity to put our obedience into action and demonstrate our willingness to follow God’s Word.
4. Giving Is an Act of LOVE.
a. John 3:16 KJV –– For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
b. God demonstrated His love through giving.
c. Love is not merely something we say; it is something we demonstrate through our actions.
d. We give because we love God, love His Kingdom, and love the work of the Gospel.
e. Giving provides an opportunity to demonstrate the sincerity of our love.
f. Our giving should flow from a willing heart, motivated by love and gratitude toward God.
g. 2 Corinthians 8:8 AMPC –– I give this not as an order [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the zeal of others, the sincerity of your [own] love also.
h. 2 Corinthians 8:24 NKJV –– Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
i. Love gives!
j. We demonstrate our love for God not only with our words but also with our actions and our generosity.
5. Giving Is an Act of WORSHIP.
a. Proverbs 3:9–10 KJV –– Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
b. Giving is a tangible expression of our worship and honor toward God.
c. Worship is more than singing songs or lifting our hands; it involves honoring God with everything we have.
d. The wise men worshipped Jesus and presented their gifts to Him.
e. Matthew 2:11 KJV –– And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
f. When we bring our offerings to the Lord, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him.
g. We honor God by giving Him our first and our best, not merely what is left over.
h. 1 Chronicles 29:14 KJV –– But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
i. Our giving is an act of worship because it acknowledges God as our Source and honors Him as worthy of our very best.
6. We Give Because He Is Worthy.
a. As we give in faith, obedience, love, and worship, we can confidently expect God to be faithful to His Word.
b. He is able to supply our needs, multiply our seed sown, and cause us to abound unto every good work.
c. 2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV –– And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
d. We give because we believe Him.
e. We give because we obey Him.
f. We give because we love Him.
g. And we give because He is worthy of our worship!