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God is a giver and we are made in his image – so we should reflect that in our lives. But giving is not simply a mechanism of transferring provision from you to another. There is an art to giving. At worst, God can be repelled by our giving; at best, he can delight in it. So how can we excel in the art of giving? Here are ten ways to be a godly philanthropist and raise your standard of giving:
1. GIVE SACRIFICIALLY: By sacrificing a luxury or even a necessity in life in order to bless someone else we are showing the true nature of God. When it seems like you can’t afford to give, that is often the time when you can’t afford not to!
Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NIV)
Jesus looked up and saw some rich people tossing their gifts into the offering box. He also saw a poor widow putting in two pennies. And he said, ‘I tell you that this poor woman has put in more than all the others. Everyone else gave what they didn't need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had.’
Luke 21:1-4 (CEV)
2. GIVE INCREASINGLY. Sanctification is the process of becoming holy, and God wants that to happen in all areas of our lives – including our giving. When we reach new heights in giving, it not only blesses the receiver, but spurs others on to do the same.
Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)
3. GIVE WILLINGLY. Have you ever been on the receiving end of a begrudgingly given gift? Our natural reaction to this is that we would rather not have it. Guess what? That’s what God thinks too. But the opposite is to give it willingly. And straight after doing so, to look forward to the next opportunity to give.
For I am well acquainted with your willingness [your readiness and your eagerness to promote it] and I have proudly told about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia [most of Greece] has been prepared since last year for this contribution; and [consequently] your enthusiasm has stimulated the majority of them.
2 Corinthians 9:2 (AMP)
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable.
2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)
4. GIVE PROPORTIONATELY. God expects us to give in line with what we have received. Imagine how much poverty would be eradicated if all the rich people in the world gave this way?
No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (NIV)
On the first [day] of each week, let each one of you [personally] put aside something and save it up as he has prospered [in proportion to what he is given], so that no collections will need to be taken after I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 (AMP)
5. GIVE EXPECTANTLY. God doesn’t just want us to get resources and provision to the poor and needy, he wants to see us blessed for our obedience in giving. We shouldn’t give to get, but get to give. Neverthe ess, the fact remains that God’s spiritual law determines we shall receive as a result.
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… 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.
2 Corinthians 9:6,10 (NLT)
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
Luke 6:38 (NLT)
See Part 2 for the other 5 ways to raise your standard of giving.
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