One cannot rightly object to properly motivated giving and the receiving of gifts. The Scriptures speak of ‘carrying a gift into Jehovah’s courtyards,’ and God is described as the Giver of ‘every good gift and perfect present.’ (Ps. 96:8; Jas. 1:17)

Neither did the early Christians hold gambling events to obtain funds for religious purposes. Instead, they made voluntary contributions. Wrote Tertullian: “Even if there is a chest of a sort, it is not made up of money paid in entrance-fees, as if religion were a matter of contract. Every man once a month brings some modest coin​—or whenever he wishes, and only if he does wish, and if he can; for nobody is compelled; it is a voluntary offering.” (Apology, XXXIX, 5) That harmonizes with Paul’s advice: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”​—2 Cor. 9:7.