It’s my Money: How Well Do I Give?

Giving is not one of the most popular discussed topics when it comes to religion, especially our monetary gift. However, giving is an essential item of worship in which is frequently referenced in biblical scripture. Giving is exemplified in New Testament texts such as 2 Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 6:3–4, Luke 6:38, Mark 12:7, etc.

The question is raised, “How well do I give?”. Are you considered a person who rarely gives? Are you a person who gives grudgingly? Are you a gracious giver?

Let’s carefully examine each type of giver and identify which type of giver are you.

Those who are of the first giving category are considered those who rarely give. You may be a person who is actively affiliated in your congregation and attend services weekly, but still find yourself rarely giving.

We should not be intimidated by those who are outspoken in the Church when it comes to making decisions about giving. God looks at our giving individually, and do not base our giving on the perception of others. If giving is motivated by the perception of others we may find ourselves missing the mark.

We must recognize that every person who displays a righteous perception in the Church are not always the cheerful giver that we read about in the New Testament Church. Be sure not to be intimidated by people’s false perceptions.

You may be one who gives grudgingly. You must realize that God loves a cheerful giver with the right attitude(2 Cor 9:7 NASB). All the monetary gains we have is a blessing that God allows us to have. It’s important to understand that God does not need our monies because he is ultimately the owner.

The motivate for our giving should be thankfulness. Giving back to God is an opportunity for us to show God how thankful we are for his gifts he has bestowed upon us.

Don’t fall into the category of feeling as if our giving is a burden, but let our giving be truthful and from the heart with the meaning of appreciation.

Therefore, be motivated to give with a cheerful attitude realizing that God is the source of our blessings.

Lastly, some give graciously. The word graciously is the sum of giving without expecting anything in return. Giving a friend a helping hand without expecting any recompense is an example we can relate to and may have experienced.

Being a gracious giver should be a spiritual goal for every saint.

The gospel according to Mark 12:41–44 tells the story of the widow who gave two mites. To gain better meaning from the story we should understand the two mites were equivalent to a cent in today’s time. You may say that was not much, but this widow had the right attitude when she gave.

Despite all the large sum that was given by those who were rich, the bible says “this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury” because she gave graciously. Her giving exemplified sacrifice which is the moral of the story.

When we give to God we should understand that he can bless us with so much more. The biblical principle, “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” is true in many aspects today (2 Corinthians 9:6 NASB).

We can take away from 2 Corinthians 9:6 the idea that if we don’t plant a seed then don’t expect to harvest a plant!

What type of giver are you?

Will you be willing to follow biblical teachings to better your attitude when it comes to giving?

I encourage you to challenge yourself and grow from your bountiful decisions.