Giving

Scripture makes it clear the attitude with which we are to give. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 it says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” We believe then that giving is a voluntary matter that originates in the heart and is driven by love, not duty or law.

Scripture tells us that when we give we should give sacrificially. Jesus is our model in this, as he sacrificed himself for us that we might have life in him. When we give then, we give sacrificially. This means we give so that it is costly to us, that we can imitate God’s generosity. It also means when we give we do so quietly without letting others know (Matthew 6:1-4) so only God can see what we give.

Generosity is not something we learn by doing once, but by making a habit just as God has made a habit of loving us. We learn this best when we give on purpose, intentional setting aside money on a regular basis to give to the Kingdom. We learn this by giving progressively. As God provides and moves in our lives, we increase our giving to reflect our gratefulness and dependence on him.