Giving is supposed to be a source of great joy for God’s people. But sometimes, we act like it’s just another pain in our wallet.
Christians are supposed to be generous, but maybe you’re having trouble getting excited about the idea. Today, we’ll point you back to the radical joy of godly generosity.
Has Your Giving Become Automatic?
Let’s start with an honest confession—has your Sunday donation become a routine, more about the habit than the heart? Or maybe you’ve been cutting back on giving due to financial challenges, and guilt is starting to creep in. Perhaps you and your spouse are facing tension over financial decisions, making discussions about giving stressful and uncomfortable.
If your generosity feels stale or joyless, it’s time to hit reset. A renewed perspective on giving can not only restore your joy but also realign your heart with God’s purposes.
Christian Generosity Is Different
Unlike the world’s view of generosity, where recognition, self-esteem, or even a building with our name on it might be the end goal, Christian generosity is rooted in serving a different Master. It’s not about impressing others; it’s about imitating Christ.
Ephesians 5:1 reminds us:
“…be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Jesus’ love for us led him to give everything on the cross, and we follow his example when we give radically, sacrificially, and joyfully.
Sometimes, the action of giving must come before the feeling. Even when joy is absent, continue to give in faith. The joy will come because generosity pleases God, and He is faithful to guide your heart as you seek Him in this area.
Cultivating a Biblical Attitude About Giving
What does biblical giving look like? It’s more than just putting money in the offering plate. Scripture teaches that our giving should be secret, open-handed, cheerful, loving, and sacrificial.
1. Secret, Not Showy
Jesus calls us to give in secret so that the glory goes to God, not ourselves. In Matthew 6, He warns us to “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them…But when you give to the needy, do not let your right hand know what your left is doing.”
2. Open-Handed, Not Stingy
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 encourages us:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
What we have isn’t ours—it’s God’s. Knowing that He is our provider allows us to give freely, whether it’s our time, talents, or treasure.
3. Cheerful, Not Reluctant
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Cheerfulness in giving may not come naturally, but God can transform your heart. Pray for Him to help you find joy in generosity because this is His desire for you.
4. From Love, Not Obligation
Giving that pleases God flows from love—love for Him and love for others. It’s not something we manufacture; it’s the Holy Spirit working in us, cultivating a heart of love and compassion.
5. Sacrificial, Not Convenient
Sacrificial giving stretches us to become more like Christ. 2 Corinthians 8:9 reminds us:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
Giving sacrificially is an act of trust, believing that God will meet our needs while we meet the needs of others.
Giving That Glorifies God
To sum up, giving that honors God will be secret, open-handed, cheerful, loving, and sacrificial. As you embrace these attitudes, you’ll find spiritual growth and joy because ultimately, it’s all about God receiving the glory. John 3:21 says:
“Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
As followers of Christ, we desire to be more like Him in every way, including how we give. But sometimes, we might find ourselves giving out of guilt, reluctance, or a desire to impress others. If that’s where you are today, ask Jesus to transform your heart. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you practice Christian generosity, knowing that God will not only provide for your needs but also bless others through you.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- I have $30,000 I'd like to invest, but I need to figure out where to put it. Where should I invest the money?
- My brother and sister have a trust with three houses in it. My sister has since died, but my brother is still alive, and the trust has money in it already. He is thinking about selling one of the houses. Does the money have to go to the trust, or can he keep it?
- I'm a retired widow, and when my husband was living, we had just gotten another car. Now that I don't have his income, I am drawing some widow benefits from him. I keep getting mail to refinance at a cheaper rate because I'm trying to build my credit. Will that hurt my credit if I get it refinanced?
- How much can I leave and still have enough for long-term care? I want to leave money to a charity through my required minimum distributions.
Resources Mentioned:
- Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD.
- List of Faith-Based Investments
- Bankrate.com | NerdWallet
- Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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