How to Give 101

December 6, 2019

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, 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

“Do I have to tithe, be a 10 percenter, in order to be obedient?” “Do I tithe on my gross or my net?” “How should I give?” “Is there a difference between a tithe and an offering?” The questions about separating ourselves from our money are many. The amount of questions is an indicator of what a struggle letting go of our money can be. 


Whatever questions you might have about giving, the verses above address them in principle. Paul tells us several principles about our giving that help us:

  • The way I give determines the way I will receive. If I only give sparingly, my results will be small as well. He uses the sowing and reaping analogy to illustrate the point. If I sow one hill of corn, my crop will be much smaller than if I plant an entire row.
  • What I give doesn’t flow ultimately from rules but from what I have decided in my heart. The decision is mine. I shouldn’t just casually throw in a gift. I should consider what God has given me and how I want to return to God and share with others from His generosity to me. It’s a decision I need to make. No one else can do it for me.
  • My attitude matters. Giving grudgingly, wishing I didn’t have to, negates my blessing. Feeling obligated to give destroys God’s intent. God loves a cheerful giver. He wants us to be happy, satisfied, even thrilled with the decision we have made and our actions.
  • God is committed to bless me ABUNDANTLY—more than I could imagine, overflowing. He is committed to bless my obedient generosity CONSISTENTLY—in all things, at all times, I will have all I need. 
  • His intent is that His constant supply of all I need will make my life be characterized by generosity and good works. I will abound in every good work. To abound means to be present in large quantity. Isn’t that the way you would like to be known?

My own personal supply, my satisfaction, and the character and reputation of my life are all determined by the way I handle my resources and the opportunity to give. This holiday season is a tremendous opportunity to start abounding!

  • Take time to consider, pray, and decide what your year-end gift of Thanksgiving will be! Make it generous, as God’s giving is to you.