How Does God Want Us To Give?

When I was a little girl, my parents tried to teach me about how to give to the church in tithes and offerings. As a natural penny pincher, anytime I was ever given money by anybody, I wanted to save it for something. I knew the more I could save, the more I could eventually buy with it.

So, when birthdays came around, and my dad would make me tithe my birthday money, I was furious. I would argue and argue with him that this wasn’t something I worked for; it was something that was gifted to me. And even though Dad understood my point of view, he still said that we should tithe everything we were given to God's work since He was the one who provided it in the first place.

When I got a little older into my preteen/teen years, and actually started babysitting and making money, I still had the "penny pincher" mentality, and I would tithe to the nearest dollar. I was always fearful that I would never have enough. Many people typically round up a couple of dollars to even something out. That was not me. It took several years, but eventually the Holy Spirit really convicted me about my attitude towards money and giving.

Our Attitude Towards Giving

As my story from when I was younger showed, some of us really struggle with our attitudes towards giving. I am reminded of the passage in 2 Corinthians 9 that says:

"The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

When I was younger, I was giving because it was what was required. I was doing it solely out of obligation—not necessarily because I wanted to do it. I had a bitter and reluctant attitude towards it at times. But as God spoke to me over time, He reminded me that He ultimately is the provider of the money I receive, whether through work or gifts. He also pointed me not only to our key verse today (Philippians 4:19), but also to the one above in 2 Corinthians. I was definitely not being a "cheerful giver."

Since that time, I have given a little more than required in my tithes. Currently, I may not always be able to give financially, but if I see a need and I feel like it is something that God wants me to meet—whether it be a meal for someone, or giving of my time in prayer, whatever it is—I am now more open. Because ultimately, giving not only pleases God but also helps in furthering the Gospel.

Surrendering Our Giving To God

As someone who comes from a place of living in ministry, I know what it is like to have to live sacrificially. Because of this, it has made me anxious at times when I give. I have asked questions like:

• Will God really provide for me?
• I feel like I'm barely making it—how can I give more in my tithes and offerings?
• I would love to donate to this cause, missionary, hurting family, etc., but I'm struggling too. What should I do?

I think a key player in generous giving is surrender. When we surrender our fears, worries, control—whatever is standing in our way—to our Father, He will direct us in the ways He wants us to give. That could be financially, through time spent in mentorship, or by making a meal for a family in need. God has reminded me how selflessly and sacrificially Jesus gave His life for us on the cross. Even before Jesus gave Himself up to die for us, He, too, had a moment of surrender. In the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

What if that were our prayer today? Is God calling you to give in some way that might stretch you? Again, it may not necessarily be financially, but with your time or resources? May God help us as we seek Him to find the best ways that we can give to further His Kingdom.