Every year, we take intentional time to focus on what the Bible calls stewardship—how we use our time, talents, and treasures for God’s glory. Some people shy away from the topic of giving, but the truth is that how we handle our resources reveals a lot about our hearts. Jesus said that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also.
Our time and money are deeply spiritual matters. Learning to give and serve isn’t just a financial discipline—it’s a faith discipline. It’s how we grow closer to God and how we join Him in His work in the world.
Why Giving Matters
When we give, we’re not losing something; we’re investing in something eternal. Every dollar given to the local church helps meet needs, fuel ministry, and share the gospel. And when we serve—whether by volunteering, teaching, mentoring, or using our gifts—we strengthen the body of Christ.
The bills that keep a church running don’t go away, and neither do the opportunities to reach people. Just like we budget and plan for our homes, God calls us to manage what He’s entrusted to us for His kingdom.
The Blessing of Generosity
Many believers fear that if they give, they won’t have enough left. But the opposite is true. Scripture promises that when we give, God opens the windows of heaven and pours out blessings we can’t contain (Malachi 3:10).
Generosity brings joy. It realigns our hearts with God’s. When we give to meet needs—whether it’s funding a missionary’s work, helping a family in crisis, or supporting a local ministry—we experience what Jesus meant when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The Danger of Holding Back
Over the years, I’ve seen how hard-hearted stinginess can rob people of their joy. When we hold tightly to our possessions, we stop trusting God to provide. It affects our testimony and steals our peace.
But when we open our hands, we make room for God to bless us. A generous heart is a joyful heart. Joy doesn’t come from what we keep—it comes from what we give.
Investing Wisely
Giving is more than a financial act; it’s an investment. Wise people invest their money, time, and energy in things that last. When we invest in God’s work, we’re not just building for today—we’re storing up treasures in heaven.
We should also invest in people. When we spend time with our families, encourage our children, or mentor someone younger in the faith, we’re planting seeds that will produce fruit for years to come.
As Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Everything we give to God—our time, our talent, our treasure—is an investment in eternity.
Overcoming the Fear of Giving
Some people hesitate to give because they fear being broke. But giving doesn’t make you poor—it invites God’s provision. The rich young ruler in Mark 10 struggled with this very issue. He had great wealth, but his possessions owned him. Jesus challenged him to give it all away and follow Him—not because God needed his money, but because God wanted his heart.
The Bible also teaches us to learn from the ant (Proverbs 6:6–11). The ant works hard, plans ahead, and provides for the future. God calls us to be diligent stewards—working, saving, giving, and investing wisely. A faithful steward gives to God first, saves wisely, and lives responsibly.
Don’t Let Your Possessions Own You
Another barrier to generosity is being obsessed with possessions. Many people have so much stuff that it starts to control them. But God gives us things to use, not to worship.
What if we viewed our homes, cars, and resources as tools for ministry? Some people open their homes for Bible studies. Others use their vehicles to give rides or their land to host ministry events. When we dedicate what we have to God, He multiplies its impact.
Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…” When we give freely, God provides abundantly. One businessman once said he wanted to be a “funnel for God”—letting God’s blessings flow through his life to others. He discovered that as he gave, God continued to fill the funnel—and even let some blessings “stick to the sides” for him to enjoy.
Just Get Started
Many people know they should give or serve, but they never start. The hardest part is taking that first step. Make the decision to begin today. Start giving faithfully. Start volunteering. Start budgeting with God in mind.
If you wait until it’s convenient, it will never happen. But when you start, you’ll discover the peace, purpose, and joy that generosity brings.
The Joy of Giving
When God’s people give, amazing things happen. Lives are changed, needs are met, and the joy of the Lord fills our hearts. Giving unites us in purpose and allows us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Generosity isn’t just about money—it’s about living with open hands and open hearts. When we give to God what already belongs to Him, He multiplies it and blesses us in return.
Final Thought
Everything we have is temporary—but what we give to God is eternal. Don’t let fear, greed, or procrastination rob you of the joy that comes from giving.
Give your time. Give your talent. Give your treasure. Most of all, give your heart fully to God.
When you do, you’ll discover the greatest truth of all: You can’t outgive God.
