This is the fourth article in our series regarding a biblical study of giving. As stated in session one, we quickly discovered when consolidating all the giving related passages, all our acquired notes, and our published “Getting Your Financial House In Order” book, that this subject was too extensive for one Loose Change article.
Question #1 was, “Why Do We Give?” Question #2 was, “How Much Do We Give and When Should We Give?” Questions #3 and #4 were, “Should I give from my Net Income or my Gross Income (Revenues)?” and “Who should we direct our giving toward?” Now we address and answer questions #5 and #6
5. What if I don’t really want to give; isn’t giving only for the ......cheerful giver?
II Corinthians 9:7 states, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Note that this verse does not say, “Don’t give,” but simply that God loves a cheerful giver, when they are giving what they have purposed in their heart. If we must grit our teeth to give, we should probably not give and save the grinding of our teeth and molars. It might also be a good time to look in a mirror and question our true relationship with Jesus Christ? The indwelling Holy Spirit prompts the Born-Again Christian with a desire to give. We then simply step out in faith, trusting God and His giving principles stated in His Word, especially those directed toward His Church today.
6. Should I give if my expenses exceed my income, or if I can’t ......pay my creditors?
This is a complicated question with many factors in the answer. This question should be addressed in formal counseling and with the help of proper (church leadership) accountability.
Here is a facetious answer, "Okay, call the IRS and tell them you are not going to pay your taxes until you are out of debt.” Obviously, we won't make that call. This is not because we love the IRS, but because we fear the IRS. Do we fear the IRS more than we have a reverent fear of God? What does Proverbs 1:7 say about the fear of the Lord? "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” If there is any important time to gain God’s wisdom, it is when we are in debt or owe the IRS.
Understand, if the heart attitude is one of sincerely wanting to give, then there are potential solutions to the above stated question. Often giving can be accomplished by establishing someone’s income and their living expenses, and then determining what additional income is needed to begin giving. This amount is usually not as much as we think or imagine in our mind.
This shortfall amount then becomes the goal, and sometimes can be easily obtained or earned through outside revenue generating endeavors, or by the reducing of other expenses; or by a combination of both. Yes, this requires the person, couple, or family to buckle down and go the extra mile. However, if we want to give to God and solve any prior financial mismanagement issues, this then often becomes a workable solution. When we prayerfully and wholeheartedly engage in the solution, it is amazing how often God eventually manifests Himself with some unforeseen miracle or resolve. He often provides us with a shorter season of time of walking the extra mile, or even a solution we can’t see until we begin to fulfill our biblical financial responsibilities. The added bonus is that we gain a personal testimony that we can share that will encourage others facing the same circumstances.
When people submit to God, biblical church authority, and sound financial counseling, the solution can also come in other ways. If everyone involved agrees that for the present time it is impossible for this person or couple to give; the church leadership can advise the couple to work on the proposed solutions and to withhold from giving at this present time. The church leadership can also decide if there are other ways for the counselees to give; i.e. by serving in some extra capacity in the local church, or serving the Church Body at large, or in the local community.
This approach then sets everyone free, both emotionally and spiritually. The accountability factor should remain in place until the long-term solution and goals are reached. Eventually, keeping to the agreed upon plan, we will end up with people living within their means, living on a balanced budget, eliminating debt, and giving to God’s work from their own income.
What is important to remember is that we must first work on our own responsibilities, and then trust God, knowing He will fulfill all His responsibilities. It becomes a joyful blessing, miracle, and personalized testimony when the Lord works supernaturally behind the scenes. Often, He delivers us in a way we never even thought about or imagined.
This concludes question #5 and #6 in this series regarding giving. Should you have any questions, comments, or a related testimony you would like to share, please contact us. Our hope is that these articles, Bible passages, along with the leading of the Holy Spirit, prompt you to continually step out in faith and totally trust God when it comes to giving.
If you question or doubt your eternal salvation, contact us and ask for: “The ABC’s of Salvation.” Our next Loose Change article will address a very serious, often common, and emotionally charged question #7 in this series regarding, “What are the eight most often asked questions about giving?”