Is this teaching biblical?
Jakes reframes charitable giving as a financial investment with expected returns — a prosperity gospel tactic that transforms worship into a transaction. Biblical giving is sacrificial, cheerful, and directed toward God's glory — not an investment portfolio for personal gain. This language exploits the poor while enriching the preacher.
What did TD Jakes say?
"I'm not asking you to give to the church, I'm asking you to invest in your future."
Speaker: TD Jakes
Source: Fundraising appeal
What does Scripture actually teach?
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
— NKJV
Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly treasure. Jakes promises earthly returns for giving — the exact opposite of what Jesus teaches. Biblical giving stores treasure in heaven, not on earth.
Acts 8:20
"But Peter said to him, 'Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!'"
— NKJV
Peter's rebuke of Simon Magus applies directly: God's gifts cannot be purchased or 'invested in.' The idea that giving money secures divine blessing is simony — a sin condemned since the early church.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."
— NKJV
Biblical giving is from the heart, without compulsion or expectation of return. It is not an 'investment' strategy — it is an act of worship and generosity. Jakes' language introduces financial motivation into what should be spiritual devotion.