Should Wealthy Christians Give More?

Is a wealthy Christian generous simply because he gives more money than someone with very little? Charles Haddon Spurgeon challenged that assumption over 150 years ago. He believed generosity must be considered in light of what a person has been entrusted with—and what it truly costs them to give.

In his sermon A Cheerful Giver Is Beloved of God (No. 835), preached on August 27, 1868, Spurgeon took his text from 2 Corinthians 9:7: “God loves a cheerful giver.” His concern was not simply the amount given but the heart, means, circumstances, and willingness of the giver.

A large gift is not always a generous gift

Spurgeon compared a person with a large income to someone earning only one-tenth as much. Giving the same sum may not represent the same degree of generosity. He also compared someone whose household expenses were small with another supporting a large family.

“To be this, one must give proportionately.” — Charles H. Spurgeon, A Cheerful Giver Is Beloved of God

The question is not merely, How much did I give? It is also, What has God entrusted to me? What responsibilities must I honour? And am I using my resources faithfully?

Spurgeon discussed tithing and the example of ancient Israel, but he did not want Christian generosity reduced to a rigid percentage or public display. His wider argument was that grace should produce sincere and thoughtful generosity.

A willing heart, not constant pressure

One of the most striking parts of the sermon is Spurgeon’s insistence that believers should not need to be continually pushed into giving. He uses vivid pictures of ripe fruit and a honeycomb to describe generosity that flows willingly.

That matters for a website asking readers to consider real Christian projects. No one should be made to feel that refusing a particular appeal amounts to robbing God. Scripture calls us to generosity, but also to wisdom, care for dependants, and honest evaluation of those asking for assistance.

What might this mean for Christians today?

There are needs in local churches and communities, struggling households, worthy ministries, and people attempting to establish an honest livelihood. A Christian with financial means may be able to make a genuine difference—but the best contribution is not always money.

Some can give equipment, practical experience, a useful introduction, mentoring, or time. Others can provide financial assistance after carefully examining the needs, plan, and accountability of a project.

What should change is not merely our opinion of wealth but our willingness to look outward and consider how to serve faithfully with what we have.

What should we do with Spurgeon’s challenge?

First, examine your stewardship honestly. Second, remember the genuine obligations of your family and household. Third, identify a credible need you could help meet. Finally, give or serve freely rather than to satisfy pressure, appearances, or guilt.

Old Time Preaching is highlighting practical Christian projects alongside historic sermons and articles. Our first featured project is an independently owned automotive business seeking to become sustainable and support a family. It is a for-profit business, not a charity; supporting it is a voluntary decision, not a spiritual duty or a tax-receiptable charitable donation.

Editorial note: This article reflects on Spurgeon’s historical preaching. It does not claim that every interpretation or application presented here is binding on every Christian. Read the full sermon and the biblical text for context.