How we handle money reveals a lot about us, especially when it comes to giving. Those of us who have difficulty with generously giving to God’s church and kingdom work and to others who are in need quite often have more problems than merely financial ones. God’s call to give generously tests our hearts and our faith. Do we really see that God is our Provider whose assets are limitless, or are we bound by only working with what we already have? Those who pass this test find out that generosity opens a floodgate of blessings.
When we cling to what is “ours,” we may end up losing it. That’s one of the paradoxical principles of God’s money system. However, when we give in faith and obedience to the Spirit’s promptings, we may see God work in unexpected ways.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)
It takes faith to give away what it seems that we need for ourselves. God promises to supply our needs, if we trust him as our Provider. Our choice to give generously is evidence that we truly believe this promise. When we give away what we need, it shows that we trust God to replace it and give us even more. The key is faith. God wants us to trust him with all our hearts.
The math of generous giving is not limited to a “closed” system. In a “zero sum” world, there is a limited supply of resources. If we give away what we have, we will have less. But in God’s kingdom, we are not so limited. In fact, the more generous we are, the more we will be blessed.
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 (NLT)
Some people have a true gift of giving. They are internally motivated to be generous. Others of us must choose to be generous, especially if we learned to hold on to what is “ours.”
Over a Barrel
One way to estimate how generous we are is to look at how in debt we are. Indebtedness can come from various reasons. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, but mostly we get into debt by purchasing beyond our income. We are all prone to this, but some make a lifestyle of spending beyond their means. This is a form of greed and eliminates our ability to give generously. Sometimes the only way to break free into generous giving is to eliminate debt first.
Generosity from Poor People
Surprisingly, perhaps, being poor does not limit our ability to be generous. It is really a matter of the heart. The Macedonian church was very poor, but became a biblical model of what it means to be generous. Doesn’t that sound like God?
Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:2-7 (NIV)
The only way we can give “beyond our ability” is by faith. It means we disregard our current circumstances in order to be generous to others, trusting that God will meet our needs. Giving by faith starts with first surrendering ourselves, which includes our finances, to God. Once that is done, God can direct how we use our money as he sees fit. Until that happens, we will self-direct our finances. Paul calls this a “grace of giving.” We should all aspire to excelling in this.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)
The math of generosity is simple: the more we give, the more we receive.
Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. A corollary truth is that only cheerful giving counts for much. No one should try to force someone else to be “generous.” That is a contradiction of terms. Our generosity must be a freewill offering to God, or we are missing the point. Even if we believe that God requires us to give, we should ask his help to be joyfully generous and go beyond what is merely required.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work… 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:8, 11 (NIV)
The math of generosity teaches us that God increases what the generous giver has so that he will have enough to meet all his own needs plus continue to be generous to others.
In other words, he gives us more than we need as we continue to be generous.
Where Do I Begin?
You may ask, where do I begin? Do I give to the poor first? Do I give to the church? The Bible exhorts us to be generous to the poor, which includes the promise that the Lord will care for those who care for those who have not.
If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD— and he will repay you! Proverbs 19:17 (NLT)
In my next article, I will look at the principle of the tithe. Many believe that this is where we should begin. The important thing is that we ask the Spirit and the Word of God to guide us. The Bible has much to say about giving to God’s kingdom work being carried out by the church. More on that next time.
