Were Significant Givers Honored by God in Scripture? Question 29.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks whether God honored significant givers in Scripture. Citing the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 and the centurion’s generosity in Luke 7:1-5, he argues that honoring givers is biblical and suggests that ministries are justified in recognizing donors with thank-you gifts.

While the Bible commends sacrificial and generous giving, Shuttlesworth’s argument lacks nuance. His interpretation overlooks the centrality of motive in giving and the potential dangers of recognition as a tool for financial manipulation. This blog critically examines his claims, contrasts his interpretations with Scripture, and provides a biblically sound understanding of generosity.

1. Shuttlesworth’s Use of Scripture

Mark 12:41-44: The Widow’s Offering

Shuttlesworth highlights the widow’s sacrificial offering and Jesus’ recognition of her gift.

Contextual and Hermeneutical Analysis

1. Faith, Not Financial Amount:

   • The widow’s gift is celebrated because it reflects total trust in God, not because of its monetary value. Jesus contrasts her offering with those who gave out of their abundance, emphasizing her sacrificial faith.

     
     

2. Jesus’ Focus:

   • Jesus does not commend the act of giving for recognition but highlights the widow’s heart posture. This account serves as a lesson on sacrificial trust, not a call for ministries to reward givers.

     
     

Luke 7:1-5: The Centurion’s Generosity

Shuttlesworth also points to the centurion who built a synagogue for the Jewish people, whose generosity is mentioned by those advocating for Jesus to heal his servant.

Contextual and Hermeneutical Analysis

1. Faith Over Wealth:

   • While the centurion’s generosity is acknowledged, his extraordinary faith in Jesus’ authority is the central theme of the passage (Luke 7:9).

     
     

2. God’s Sovereignty:

   • The healing of the servant is attributed to the centurion’s faith, not his financial contributions.

     
     

2. The Motive Behind Giving

Biblical Emphasis on Heart and Intent

1. Cheerful Giving:

   • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “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.”

     
     

     • Giving is an act of worship, motivated by love and gratitude, not a means to seek recognition or financial return.

       
       

2. Warnings Against Wrong Motives:

   • Matthew 6:1-4: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

     
     

     • Jesus warns against giving to gain public approval or status, highlighting the danger of using recognition as an incentive for generosity.

       
       

3. The Dangers of Honoring Givers

Favoritism and Division

Publicly honoring significant givers can create hierarchies in the church, favoring the wealthy and marginalizing those with fewer resources.

• James 2:1-4: “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”

  
  

  • The church is called to reflect God’s impartiality, valuing all believers equally regardless of their financial contributions.

    
    

Encouraging Transactional Giving

Offering thank-you gifts or other forms of recognition risks turning giving into a transactional act, contrary to the spirit of biblical generosity.

• Acts 8:20: Simon the Sorcerer is rebuked for attempting to buy spiritual power, illustrating the dangers of transactional thinking in matters of faith.

  
  

4. Biblical Examples of Sacrificial Giving

The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44)

Her giving was celebrated because of her faith and trust, not because she sought recognition.

The Macedonian Churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)

The Macedonians gave generously out of extreme poverty, motivated by joy and a desire to support God’s work. Their giving was an act of worship, not a means to gain recognition.

5. A Biblical Perspective on Honoring Givers

True Recognition Comes from God

• Matthew 6:4: “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

  
  

  • The Bible encourages believers to give in secret, trusting in God’s ultimate recognition rather than seeking human approval.

    
    

Encouraging Generosity Without Manipulation

1. Teach the Joy of Giving:

   • Generosity should be inspired by a love for God and others, not by external rewards.

     
     

2. Focus on Stewardship:

   • Church leaders should emphasize the eternal rewards of faithful giving and the responsibility to steward resources for God’s glory.

     
     

6. Addressing Shuttlesworth’s Argument

While it is not inherently wrong to thank donors, Shuttlesworth’s focus on honoring significant givers risks emphasizing human recognition over God’s. By equating biblical commendations of faith and generosity with modern practices of donor recognition, he distorts the text’s intent and downplays the importance of motive.

Conclusion: Were Significant Givers Honored by God?

Yes, the Bible acknowledges acts of sacrificial giving, but these are celebrated for their heart posture, faith, and obedience to God—not for the sake of human recognition. The widow’s offering and the centurion’s generosity highlight trust and humility, not financial amounts or external rewards.

Shuttlesworth’s interpretation overlooks the dangers of favoritism, transactional giving, and misplaced motives. True biblical generosity reflects a heart aligned with God’s purposes, seeking His glory and eternal treasures over human recognition.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)