One would expect a Christian blog to talk about giving. We may ask, “how much should I give? Where should I give?” Should I really tithe my money?
Giving is part of our Christian mission. If Christians can increase their giving by embracing missional frugality, much good will be done in their lives, in their relationship with God, and around the world.
10 Compelling Reasons to Give More
1. Because you have received.
Christians ought to be the most thankful people. We are recipients. We’ve received grace, loving kindness, and salvation. We earned nothing.
As a response to the generosity God has showered on us, we give.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Ephesians 4:1 NIV)
2. To build up treasures in heaven.
Jesus has promised that when we give, we build up treasures in heaven. I have no idea what those treasures are, but it is a blessed promise that our giving will be honored by God.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20 NIV)
3. Because the Bible teaches us to give.
While there may be some differences of opinion about how to give and where to give, the Bible is very clear that giving is something Christians ought to participate in. It’s part of the Christian DNA.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35 NIV)
4. It’s a spiritual discipline.
I personally believe that we should give sometimes when we don’t want to. In that way we develop a giving heart. Giving must be learned. We do find that those who are faithful in their giving are transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ who gave all he had and emptied himself.
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11 NIV)
5. It provides resources for Kingdom growth.
Churches and ministries have a lot of necessary expenses. As a missionary overseas, all of my missionary support comes from the gifts of others. The work here in Alotau, Papua New Guinea could not continue without the support of others.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:4-6 NIV)
6. For Kingdom restoration.
When Jesus came, he came proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
The sign of the presence of the kingdom included things like – the lame are healed and the blind see.
The presence of the Kingdom involves community restoration. Funds given to churches and charities allow us to continue to be the body of Christ to a hurting world.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19 NIV)
7. To be a light.
Speech is easy. People say that talk is cheap.
And it is.
Our actions become our witness to a lost world. Thus, giving is an act of evangelism where we are shining our lights before a world in need of His light.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NIV)
8. It brings joy.
Think back over the dollars you have spent over your lifetime. What has brought you the most joy?
I think God wired us that our investments in stuff provides little emotional return. However, our investment in the lives of others fills us with joy.
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. (Galatians 2:10 NIV)
9. It fulfills the two greatest commands.
Jesus told us that we must first love God and then love others.
Giving honors those commands. If our giving is motivated with a love for God and the sake of mankind then it fulfills these commands.
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV)
10. It strengthens our faith.
The Bible teaches us that God will provide. However, until you give it will be very hard to appreciate that truth. Those who have ever participated in elective sacrificial giving have tasted of the faithfulness of God. Remember, there is a fine line between faith and testing God when it comes to giving.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
What are some other compelling reasons to give? Why do you give?
