The Power of Giving in Times of Financial Uncertainty
As Christians, we often face the challenge of giving to others when our own financial resources are scarce. Our bank balances may be hovering near zero, our jobs may be uncertain, and the bills may be piling up. Yet, our pastors encourage us to think about giving, not just as a wealthy few, but as a community of believers.
A Biblical Perspective on Giving
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “God loves a cheerful giver.” The Bible’s teaching on giving is not about guilt, anguish, or doubt, but about opportunity, joy, and faith. Giving is not just about the amount we give, but about the attitude with which we give it. God cares about the why behind our giving, not just the what.
Why Should We Give?
Jamie Dunlop, author of “Why Should I Give to My Church?”, argues that giving to the local church is spiritually rewarding, accomplishes God’s purposes, and brings God glory. Giving proclaims that God is good and that putting money towards His purposes is a great and exciting thing to do. On the other hand, begrudging giving says that there was a better use of our money, but our greedy God wants it, so we’ll comply.
The Power of Giving in Scarcity
It’s not the giving of the wealthy that makes a beautiful statement about God’s goodness, but the giving of the poor. The Bible’s heroes of giving were mainly poor, such as the freed Egyptian slaves in Exodus 36, the widow in the temple in Mark 12, and the impoverished Christians of Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 8. Their giving was noteworthy because it was given in a severe test of affliction.
Five Questions to Guide Our Giving
So, how much should we give in times of financial uncertainty? Here are five questions to guide our giving:
- Do I want to give?
- Am I giving out of scarcity or abundance?
- Am I giving to gain something in heaven that can never be taken away?
- Am I giving to set my heart on the things of heaven?
- Am I giving cheerfully, joyfully, and by faith?
Conclusion
Giving in times of financial uncertainty is not just about the amount we give, but about the attitude with which we give it. It’s about proclaiming that God is good and that putting money towards His purposes is a great and exciting thing to do. May we follow the example of the Macedonian Christians, who gave out of their extreme poverty with an abundance of joy and a wealth of generosity.
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