How to Become a Generous Giver

“So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:5-11‬ NLT

I don’t naturally have the desire to give big. My natural desire has been to give what is comfortable and what is a pre-planned amount. I prefer to know what to expect, so when someone, aka my husband, challenges me to give more than what we planned or what I had thought, I fight the urge to give grudgingly. Instantly when I feel this way, I hate it. I love giving, but the moment the amount changes or challenges me, my attitude starts to slip into a decline.

I want to be a cheerful, generous giver. I want to live a life full of generosity. I want to trust God, no matter the amount.

But sometimes, it’s just plain hard to do.

Can you relate? Then, friend, we are in this together! Or maybe you’re a huge cheerful giver. In that case, I am learning to become more like you.

So now what?

What if we switched our focus? What if we changed the way we thought about money, possessions and even our time?

What if we looked at our finances, possessions, time, and heck, even life itself as the Lord’s and not ours? And that everything we do have is only to be used as a tool to build His kingdom. That may sound a bit drastic, but seriously, would having that mindset change our attitude towards giving? I can only speak for myself, but when I keep those thoughts in my head when I am about to give something out of my comfort zone, it does make it easier to give cheerfully and generously.

The Lord knows our hearts. He sees our needs. He is faithful to provide.

We can trust that if we sow generously, we will reap generously. The Bible says so, and I’m clinging on to that. He will never leave me high and dry. I may not understand how the Lord will show up, but He is faithful to provide, even in the most unexpected ways. And the same goes for you! He will meet you where you are and take care of all your needs! Friend, we serve a faithful, loving, and generous God who takes care of His children.

Let’s not forget who gave us all that we have. Let’s not live a life of forgetfulness and ungratefulness. Instead, let’s thank God for what He has given us and be that same generous giver to others.

Reflection:

How is your attitude when you hear someone fundraising money for a particular cause?

How can you make giving (money, time, resources, etc.) more a part of your everyday life?

As you give, take a moment to thank God for all he has given you and thank him for the opportunity to give.

Related Posts: The Beginner’s Guide to Where to Start Reading in the Bible

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