Some days I find only one. Other times they fill my mailbox. Not to mention the phone calls. Help the children, feed the homeless, care for the wounded. Worthwhile requests, yet it’s impossible to meet them all. Even with the contributions we make, I feel strangely guilty whenever I throw away a letter requesting donations or when I tell a contribution-seeking caller: “No, thank you.” The tension I experience is another reminder of the calling I must live out in a less-than-perfect world. Give selflessly, just like Jesus.
It’s my conviction that true giving is what we contribute beyond our tithe. Still, we might ask: Should our giving be determined by the need or the available resources? Paul tells us that the churches in Macedonia “gave not only what they could afford, but far more” (2 Corinthians 8:3). There are times when God calls us to step out in faith and give, even though it may not seem practical (1 Kings 17:12-14). By the same token, Scripture teaches that our first responsibility is to meet the needs at home (1 Timothy 5:8,16).
When Jesus taught His disciples to give what had been freely given to them, He also revealed that selfless giving occurs when we see God as our provision, regardless of the instrument He may choose to use (Matthew 10:8-10).
Two principles, however, were to guide their actions: First, they were to give only what had been deposited into their lives, be it tangible or intangible. Reiterating this idea, Paul said, “Give in proportion to what you have” (2 Corinthians 8:11). Second, Jesus’ disciples knew that biblical giving came from a desire to advance the work of God’s kingdom, not the intentions of men.
What will you give today?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 17:20-37
More:
Read Proverbs 11:23-25 and consider how we must challenge ourselves not to think like secular society when it comes to giving.
Next:
The Bible tells us that giving can result in blessing, but what should be our primary motivation? How are you making a financial investment for the kingdom of God beyond your tithing?
Sandy on August 21, 2013 at 6:12 am
Regina, I’m so glad you wrote this. I have been struggling with “how much”. There are many well-intentioned opportunities to give, but honestly, it becomes a burden. I’m not sure it’s what Jesus had in mind. I want to give and to help; to rely on God’s provisions to do so…but I still struggle. My decision is to give only when I can with a humble heart to those I know will enlarge God’s kingdom. To feed the hungry, to minister to the broken-hearted, to give words of encouragement in order to set the captive free.
regina franklin on August 21, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Sandy–Your feedback reminds me that when we feel directed not to give to a particular area, that we should be able to say no without guilt. It makes me examine the motives of my heart: Do I fear telling people no because I fear they will misunderstand my heart or my desire to give? To fear man’s appearance is to look at the face of man above the face of God. Thanks for making me think about this one.
Gene on August 21, 2013 at 7:02 am
This is a very relevant topic, Regina. I believe our tithes and offerings, along with our attitude, are a barometer of our Christian walk. Besides tithing, we weigh our giving priorities by mission areas we believe God has called us to, but can’t actually go ourselves. It could be a people group or cause laid on our hearts. A specific example is U.S. military stationed overseas. We can’t go at this point in our lives, but we can help support a missionary.
regina franklin on August 21, 2013 at 11:33 pm
Gene–you present an interesting idea. That God will give us a heart of investment in the places where He wants us to make a financial investment.
ehdlive on August 21, 2013 at 8:02 am
Thanks for sharing this, Regina. I’m reminded of what Sir Winston Churchill had said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
regina franklin on August 21, 2013 at 11:28 pm
Powerful quote, Edhive!
jennifer benson schuldt on August 21, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Regina,
What an important message! I just read an account of a young woman who visited a family in Uganda. (She was a teacher there at the time.) The mother cooked a special dinner. The meal was a feast of boiled plantains and rice. Sharing their food with their teacher likely meant the family would have much less to eat themselves–probably for the entire day, or longer. Still, they received the young woman with joy and hospitality. I’m thankful for that example of generosity (Acts 2:44-47) and all that it challenges me to do in my world.
P.S. The name of the book I was reading is: Kisses from Katie. 🙂
regina franklin on August 21, 2013 at 11:29 pm
What different thinking than how we approach issues in the US! It also makes me think about the motive in our giving–not from a place of obligation but out of a desire to honor the Lord and His purposes in those He brings across our paths.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places on August 21, 2013 at 9:08 pm
It is actually a good thing to be torn between deciding who to give to,which ministry to donate to, which missionary to support – it means you have a heart to give! God will give us an extra nudge or burden for the ones we are to give to, at least that has been my experience.
regina franklin on August 21, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Kathy–I agree that the Lord confirms the direction He wants us to take. Hearing His voice is so key, especially as He may call us to change the direction of our giving in different seasons.
mike wittmer on August 23, 2013 at 9:16 am
Thank you for this wise and biblical advice. I often avoid this topic because I usually end up feeling guilty that I haven’t given more. It’s so hard to give in grace rather than legalism.
winn collier on August 27, 2013 at 3:56 pm
This is such a difficult place of discernment it seems. Thanks for giving us pause to consider it more deeply.