Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Generosity is always encouraged in the Bible. Our giving is to be done discreetly: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4 ESV).
Jesus tells us to lay up our treasures in heaven, for the things here on earth will be consumed by moths and will rust. Jesus said that “you cannot serve God and money” (vs. 24). Over and over Jesus gave example after example of helping people and being generous with both time and money. The reason we give is to help people who are in need, thereby reducing the amount of needs people have.
Paul says that giving should not be under compulsion: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving should be a joy, it should be generous, and it should never be motivated by guilt or compulsion. Remember, God loves the cheerful giver!