God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Giving makes us more like God, our Father. God gave us his first and best gift through giving us his Son, Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

We know that God gave us the greatest gift, yet we are tempted to live contrary to this reality in our own life. There is nothing greater for us on this side of heaven so with that understanding we can freely give to those for a greater purpose. With every practice in giving our life is being made more like Christ. One of the ways God sanctifies us, or makes us holy as he is holy is through caring for the needs of others. We are encouraged to give to those who need it. Christians shouldn’t hoard but give as much as God directs. It is God’s money.

Giving Tests our Faith

His rewards outweigh the cost.

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

1 John 3:17

One of the ways we test that we truly belong to Christ is to identify the fruits of our confession. The Macedonian church was proven to have a genuine faith in God through the testimony of Paul. He witnessed firsthand their generosity and faith through their works.

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Who can look at your life and say that you care for the needs of others?

Chasing the Wind

We must continually pray that God will help us trust him and believe that he is able to do more with the gifts we give. With so many temptations around us it is easier to focus on gaining more so that others can glorify us. It is natural for us to convince ourselves that we need the newest car, the best quality food (because only organic will do), the best quality furniture set, more clothes (because we’re competing with “enter name”), a larger retirement fund, a larger TV, the latest diet trend, adding to our endless beauty collection etc.. When does it end?

Sometimes being around each other is competition in itself. It takes a strong mind to stand firm and not fall to the temptation of keeping up with the Joneses or better yet, Kardashians. As a stay at home mom I find that many times I’m not even thinking about the newest trends because I don’t see what everyone else is doing. But as soon as I get out and about and begin having conversations or attending outside events regularly, I fall victim to the competition bug.

Lord help us keep our eyes on you.

God Changes our Desires

God can and will change your heart to enjoy the blessing of giving. Listen to the encouragement of Paul after seeing the faith of the Macedonian church:

10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.

2 Corinthians 8:10-11

God will bless us with the desire as we start giving, he actually matches our readiness with a desire to give in the completion of the work. This is another humbling reality. We can trust that although it’s not natural, when we submit to the Holy Spirit, God can ultimately give us a greater gift by changing our desires.

Where to Start

You are not alone. We all have to submit our wills to the will of God. Remind yourself that giving is more than a recommendation; it is proof that we belong to God. Practically look for how you can start sacrificing your giving to the Lord. Giving 10% to your local church is a great starting point, it is an investment to the spreading of the gospel to your community. I want to really encourage you to start here, not only is the cost of living affecting you but it’s affecting those who are full-time invested in the work of ministry to your community. As a pastor’s wife I can tell you first hand that the idea is great to lessen the costs of ministry, but to have a functioning church in the 21st century American church, it requires a variety of costs, salaries of the leadership, mortgage of the facility, resources for those within the church body and reaching those without in the surrounding community. Value the time and space that others can access locally so that others can be refreshed in the faith. Our church community is vital to the perseverance of the saints and the gospel going forward consistently is the only way people can truly be changed with eternal consequences and significance.

But you don’t have to stop there. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “ in keeping with income” (On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:2). The Israelites when being sanctified from the surrounding nations were shown how to give. We know that the 10% was a pleasing aroma to God. Giving a percentage of our income teaches us how to prioritize God in our life. Whatever struggle this recommendation gives you, give it to God, he is able to free you from whatever bondage the love of money gives.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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.

2 Corinthians 9:6–8

I encourage you to trust the gut feeling. If it’s an uncomfortable idea, give the burden to God, he promises to give us rest, his yoke is easy and burden is light (Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

How to Start Today

Here are ways you can practically give, prayerfully trust God and start today.

Support your local church
Give to gospel ministries
Resource those in need
Help friends and family
Support a cause
Volunteer you time and talents