Giving

Giving is a relational issue with God.

Many see the responsibility of giving as a burden. How sad that is in light of Paul’s reminder that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:6-7). Giving is actually a relational decision. In the process of making giving decisions we really establish our agreement with God about stewardship. As we continually decide to give, we constantly affirm how much we value our relationship to God as His children. The Bible teaches that Christian giving is an act of worship (1 Cor. 16:2) and should be done in accordance with our means (2 Cor. 8:12).

An amazing benefit of giving as stewards is that it releases us from the real burden of our own financial needs. As we learn to trust God through giving, we can live confidently on what is left because we know that God is taking care of that. Giving is a freeing experience as it connects us more closely to God relationally. The ultimate outcome is that those who give as stewards experience a sense of intimacy with God that all followers of Christ long for. Giving becomes worship. Giving becomes a way of saying thanks to God for His grace and promised provision. Giving becomes a deep part of our personal connection to God.

The Lord Jesus expects and requires us to give (Matt. 6:2), He warned us not to give for the sake of being admired by men (Matt. 6:1).

We pray that we will give as we ought, for the right motives, that we may give joyously and extravagantly.