Does God Care Where We Give? with David Wills

Jun 25, 2024

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The Bible clearly says that Christians are to give…but is it always as clear about where we should give?

We all have to decide where we will give from our limited resources. So, a good question to ask is, “Does God care where we give?” I’ll talk about that today with David Wills.

David Wills is President of The National Christian Foundation (NCF). He is also the co-author of Investing in God’s Business (The “How To” of Smart Christian Giving) and numerous articles and lectures nationwide.

A New Perspective on Giving

A recent article titled “Does God Care Where We Give?” appeared on the NCF website and challenges a common misconception: that our personal passions should solely drive our giving. Instead, we should place God at the center of our giving decisions.

Determining God's Will in Giving

While we often give to areas we care about, it’s crucial to consider what God thinks. How do we determine this? God cares about each of us and allows us to steward financial resources for His glory and our good. By obeying God and reflecting His love, we gain supreme motivation, and our giving can glorify God.

Biblical Guidance on Where to Give

God’s Word offers guidance on where to give. Acts 1:8 provides a model with three geographic areas: Jerusalem (local), Judea and Samaria (national and regional), and the ends of the earth (international). This model challenges us to think strategically about our giving on these levels.

Focusing on Eternal Investments

Two things will last forever: God’s Word and people. Therefore, supporting the translation, distribution, teaching, and preaching of Scripture and aiding those spreading the gospel aligns with God's priorities. 3 John 5-8 underscores the importance of supporting workers who spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Specific Groups to Support

The Bible also identifies specific groups we should care for: the poor and oppressed, orphans, widows, the hungry, thirsty, strangers, the naked, the sick, prisoners, refugees, and victims of calamity. These groups repeatedly surface as recipients of giving in the Bible, indicating God's special concern for them.

Laying Up Treasures in Heaven

While these categories don’t exhaust all giving possibilities, they guide us to support what God cares about locally, nationally, and internationally while leaving room for creative freedom in our giving.

As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” By focusing our giving on what aligns with God's heart, we can experience greater joy and fulfillment.

For more details, be sure to check out David’s article, “Does God Care Where We Give?”

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I recently learned that I will soon receive an inheritance of $200,000. Since my husband and I plan to retire in five years, how can I save or invest this money? What are some options for me to consider with this timeframe in mind?
What would be a good amount for me to invest in an annuity? I was told that if I invested $200,000, I would get a guarantee of $16,200 in return each year. Given my situation, what are your thoughts on investing that amount in an annuity?

Resources Mentioned:

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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