Exploring W.I.S.E. Generosity with Chris Gabriel

Aug 19, 2025

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Have you ever noticed how some people light up when they give, while others treat it like just another transaction?

Maybe the difference isn’t in the amount they give—but in how God designed them to give. What if discovering your God-given giving style is the key to finding joy in generosity? Today, Chris Gabriel joins us to unpack the idea of W.I.S.E. Generosity.

Chris Gabriel is a philanthropic leader and financial advisor with over 30 years of experience. A Yale and Oxford graduate, he created the WISEgenerosity framework to help individuals and institutions give well. Chris leads a thriving wealth management practice and is the author of WISEgenerosity: A Guide for Purposeful and Practical Living and Giving.

From Inspiration to Application

Generosity isn’t just about giving money—it’s about connecting your giving to your God-given identity and calling. Generosity is an essential virtue of a life well lived. It’s also perhaps the aspect of God’s nature that’s closest to our own. We’re made in His image, and that means we’re made to give.

While many Christians feel a tug toward generosity, few know how to give in a way that aligns with their values, financial situation, or spiritual identity.

God plants seeds in our hearts, but we also have a responsibility to be wise stewards of our resources. WISEgenerosity is designed to help people take those seeds and apply them intentionally based on their unique circumstances.

The W.I.S.E. Framework

The heart of the book is captured in the acronym W.I.S.E., which stands for:

Well-Grounded – Giving that is both spiritually rooted and practically planned. It’s based on God’s truth, but also on the real resources and capabilities you have.
Inspired – This is where giving intersects with personal identity. We each have a unique calling from God, and when our giving aligns with that, it becomes deeply meaningful.
Satisfying – Generosity brings joy when it flows from being grounded and inspired. The blessings are bountiful, not just for others, but for the giver.
Effective – This is about wise stewardship—giving in a way that meets real needs and aligns with God’s purposes in the world.

Discovering Your Personal Giving Identity (PGI)

One of the most powerful tools is the Personal Giving Identity (PGI). Much like a personality test, the PGI helps individuals uncover their unique generosity “type” and how it connects to biblical truths.

There are four generosity personalities:

Focused Givers – Like Joseph, they’re results-driven and strategic.
Expressive Givers – Like David, they’re creative and people-oriented.
Considerate Givers – Like Ruth, they’re relational and emotionally attuned.
Disciplined Givers – Like Daniel, they’re measured, analytical, and intentional.

Each of these biblical characters reflects traits we see in modern givers. When we understand our PGI, we can give in a way that’s aligned, impactful, and joyful.

The PGI tool doesn’t stop with individuals. Couples can benefit from it too. The spousal comparison tool helps partners understand each other’s giving styles and how to complement one another in shared generosity.

God brings couples together to align their capabilities and calling. Understanding how we each approach giving can deepen unity and effectiveness in our marriages.

Strategic and Systematic Giving

While spontaneous giving is beautiful, we also should embrace strategic and systematic generosity.

Just like with other areas of life, awareness and planning elevate our impact. Some givers are driven by their hearts, while others are more analytical. Both are needed—but what matters is that we give with intention and trust.

Coming this fall is Advance, a new toolkit designed for churches, ministries, and financial advisors to help others walk through the WISEgenerosity framework in community.

Whether you're an individual, a couple, a ministry leader, or a financial professional, this resource will provide practical tools, spiritual insight, and relational wisdom to guide your giving.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore your personal giving identity or learn how to make your generosity more purposeful, visit WiseGenerosity.com. You’ll find:

A free PGI assessment
Bible study tools
Teaching resources for churches and ministries
Information on Chris’s book and upcoming toolkits

In a culture that often views giving as transactional or occasional, WISEgenerosity reminds us that giving is a deeply spiritual act—one that reflects the heart of God, shapes our identity, and brings lasting joy.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I’m the legal guardian for my 97-year-old father. I recently sold his property and now need to complete a Medicaid spend-down. Where should I direct his remaining funds?
I’ve been studying the Bible for over a year and now have a better understanding of tithing. I want to make sure I’m doing it biblically—who should receive my tithe according to Scripture?

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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