In today’s unpredictable economy, officials at charitable organizations are concerned about “donor fatigue.” This term describes what happens when people grow weary of repeated requests for contributions. Translated, they stop giving!

With so many pressing needs in the world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our own inadequacy. Yet it’s a biblical command to give generously to those in need (see Deuteronomy 24:19-22 and Matthew 5:41-42), as well as to support God’s servants.

Two questions come to mind:

•    How do we distinguish between those with a genuine need and those who are “sponges” or con artists?

•    What if we don’t have anything to give? Interestingly, we don’t have a record of Jesus giving anything out of His own pocket to anyone else while He walked on earth. In fact, He relied on the kindness of others. He had a uniquely divine way of taking what others were willing to give and multiplying it miraculously (Mark 6:31-44; 8:1-9).

In Exodus 35, we gain insight into the concept of God-pleasing giving. It was time to build God’s tabernacle. Only those “whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved” were the ones who gave (v.21). God didn’t demand that everyone contribute. Only the ones with willing hearts pitched in. And they didn’t just give financially. Skilled craftsmen and artisans gave of their talents and time.

If we operate from the premise that everything we have is God’s, we’re far less likely to cling to our meager goods when someone in genuine need requires our help. The point is, everyone who has a “willing heart” can give something of value. Give willingly of what you have. Then leave the miraculous results to God.