Lessons of charity and giving stretch throughout the Bible. As Paul notes in Acts 20:35, “… we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’” (GNT)

It’s no surprise, then, that results from a recent survey suggest those who actively engage with Scripture are likely to embrace these important lessons by supporting charitable causes.

A new question in American Bible Society’s fourth annual State of the Bible survey examines the relationship between Bible engagement and charitable giving. The responses indicate that Bible lovers are more likely to donate to nonprofit organizations than Bible skeptics.

The survey results show that those who regularly read Scripture gave an average of $3,259 per year to charitable organizations. Respondents who expressed the most skepticism about the Bible averaged just $584 in nonprofit donations.

“Care for one’s neighbor and support of one’s faith community are themes that run throughout Scripture,” says American Bible Society Executive Vice President for Mission Advancement R. Mark Dillon. “It makes sense that those who spend time in God’s Word will be more inclined to live out its principles.”

Interested in this article? Check out the full State of the Bible report.