What Is Your Motivation For Giving; Love or Duty?

Walking in God’s Favor: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,  so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.     2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV

Giving From A Biblical Prospective

Why would God say He loves a cheerful giver? Giving is an emotional experience that involves the heart.  The word of God says that where your treasures are, that’s where your heart will be also. You must make giving a part of your day to day Christian experience.

Giving Is Heaven’s Key To Success

Here’s how to start.

• Prayer…Ask for God’s power to change your heart. David asked  God for a clean heart. Only God has the ability to change hearts. God can transform your thinking if you give Him permission.
• Seek…Discover God’s wisdom in His Word. Turn off the TV,  iPad  and iphone.  Get into a regular Bible study group. How can you walk in God’s favor and wisdom if you rarely read His divine road map?
• Fellowship…Rub shoulders with people who are generous givers of their time, talents, treasure (money) & temple(body) in honor of God. Hang around people who live a stewardship lifestyle and are great examples of faithfulness.
• Share…Tell your experience to others of how God has blessed your faithfulness. Many times you do not realize God is all you need, until God is all you got.

Developing A Lifestyle of Generosity

People can give more when they are not in bondage to debt and credit cards.  It is difficult to give cheerfully to the Kingdom when you have overextended yourself financially. Learn to say “No” to the person in the mirror and “Yes” to the Giver & Creator of life.

You are invited to make giving a part of your spiritual DNA. Think of creative ways you can be a blessing to others. Gives smiles, hugs, (please wear a mask) and words of encouragement. Begin to pray for God to open your eyes for opportunities to sow into the lives of people within your neighborhood and his kingdom. Make 2021 a year you give the best in you.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord help us to give cheerfully.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host for the Better Husband Father Man Podcast  a hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is the moderator for the AIIA 2020 Virtual Conference and he is the financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency . Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate  about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinders Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 30 years and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.