So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 NLT
I would ask the church, if we really believe in the cause of Jesus Christ and understand how our lives are transformed and impacted so positively by God, is there any amount of money we wouldn’t give to ensure that the gospel advances and that the needs of the saints are met? How can we not be cheerful when our passion meets the purpose of God?
It’s not about making sure we meet our “membership fee” or that the local church would have security of resources to do ministry (because ultimately we do believe that Christ will supply our needs according to His riches and glory). As leaders, we desire to see each family unit in the church do the following:
1) Truly believe that there is no greater cause than to impact our world by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ
2) Each of our families would walk out that belief putting the full force of our finances to back up our passion for the cause of Christ.
So, how generously do you give? Do you give at all?
- If you give nothing, start by purposing in your heart to give something. Even $1 is a 100% increase in giving if you started with $0. Watch the habit of giving grow in frequency and amount as God enlarges your heart and faith!
- If you give something, ask if it is cheerful giving and generous to the point of being sacrificial? We value what costs us something valuable. If not, consider asking God to increase your gift to the point that it accurately reflects your true passion and belief in the cause of Christ.