In ancient times, people often saw sacrifice as a way to placate or “bribe” the gods of the nations. They thought their sacrifices would earn the favor of their gods or distract the gods from their anger.
But the God of the Bible is different than the gods those people worshipped. Scripture reminds us that God cannot be bribed.
Everything already belongs to Him. As King David said, “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:14).
The writer of 1st Chronicles was not against the sacrifice itself—he was against the idea that anyone could buy God’s favor. God calls His people act justly towards one another, to show mercy and kindness toward others — all the things that reflect His own character. True devotion towards God has never been about earning His approval; it is always about responding to His love.
God doesn’t need our gifts.
But He invites them, because the greatest gift a parent can give a child is the dignity of being able to give. When we offer something back to God—our time, our resources, our obedience, our imitation of His character and values, or our praise—it’s not to meet His need, but to express our love.
Our giving becomes worship when it flows from gratitude, not obligation.
Here are some Scriptures to guide our hearts and minds.
Hebrews 10:10
“We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
1 John 3:16–18
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
Romans 12:1–2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”
Acts 20:35
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Hebrews 13:15–16
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Thinking Through Your Response to God
When you realize the great and loving gifts we have received from the Father and the Son, what ideas come to your mind? What are some ways we can put into practice the type of generous giving we see from our Creator? What an honor to be able to give back to God! Let’s encourage one another, and set the example for each other, by giving back to God what He has so graciously given to us—not to earn His favor, but as an overflowing response to His love and goodness in our lives. With such sacrifices, God is well-pleased.
Baker Heights Member