Giving That Feels Good Series

• The author of Hebrews instructs us to:

Hebrews 13:16 NLT

16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

• The Proverbs remind us:

Proverbs 11:24 NLT

24 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

And in the NT, Paul writes to the churches:

2 Corinthians 8:1–3 NLT

1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

• Over and over throughout the Bible believers are encouraged, reminded and commanded to give generously because everything we have comes from God:

Romans 11:36 NLT

36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

• So it is only right that all of life should be offered back to Him.

• These beautiful, biblical depictions of generosity are in contrast to what seems to be a mundane church practice:

• Write a check, hit a submit button on an app, drop a few pieces of paper in a plate.

• At times, tithes and offerings seem an awkward matter for churches:

• It can be challenging to address by leadership. At time, the pastor fears that he is perceived to be justifying his salary.

• Uncomfortable for the congregation.

• Even guilt inducing at times.

• Still, there’s a grace, there’s joy and connection to be found in our generosity.

• Why are we talking about this?

• It’s Biblical to encourage good stewardship.

• We need to know how to be good managers.

• God wants to bless our generosity.

• We begin with our motivation. (everything begins with motivation!)

• For a long time, it’s felt to me like there was only one kind of message in the church when it comes to giving: guilt. As we’ll see in a moment, that motivation might have some short-term impact but it’s not the best reasons to encourage the church to give.

• There are basically five motivations to give.

#1: Guilt - (I “Have To”)

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

• In fact, the Bible teaches NOT to feel guilty about giving. But not so we can feel like we’re off the hook if we don’t participate.

• Cheerful = the Gk. word we translate “hilarious.”

• God is cheerfully laughing right along with us when we give with joy in our hearts!

• I’ve never seen anyone look cheerful when they’re made to feel guilty.

• The strength behind the guilt motivation is that is, in fact, effective in the short term. But guilt rarely lasts and so does its power to motivate us.

#2: Responsibility (I Ought To)

2 Corinthians 8:7 NLT

7 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.

• You have to want to excel. It doesn’t happen by accident.

• Check out these stats about giving in churches (2021, Barna).

• 21% of Christians consistently give 10% or more to their church.

• 10% consistently and regularly give less than 10%.

• 45% give inconsistently and a varying amount.

• 25% give nothing at all.

• While it’s better to approach giving because we recognize our responsibility, at the same time an “ought to” mentality limits our joy and likely limits the amount we’re willing to give.

• We get a legalistic “I’ve done my part” attitude.

#3: Needs-Based (I Want To)

2 Corinthians 8:13–14 NLT

13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.

• When we know about a need, it prompts us to be generous and provide for others.

• T&C is excellent at this.

• Giving to satisfy needs is good. It demonstrates a cheerful and loving heart toward others. It doesn’t rely on compulsion, there’s no reluctance on our part.