Giving Cheerfully

Why do people give to God? Some give out of guilt, others from obligation, and some aren’t sure why they give.

A new study from the research firm Grey Matters reveals that most people don’t really know what they give. In fact, 88 percent of the people surveyed think they contribute a higher percentage of their income than they do. The differences are huge: On average people think they give 331 percent more than they actually give.

This research suggests that many do not understand why they give to God. We wonder how serious they are about their relationship with Him.

For the right perspective, we need to turn to the Bible, which reminds us that God asks for a tithe (or 10 percent) of our income. But we also are to bring our “offerings.” More than just an obligation, this giving is a key to receive His blessings. He dares us to give and believe. His promise? “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” (Malachi 3:10).

As we Sow into His Kingdom, we unleash His principles. Farmers cannot reap a harvest unless they sow seeds. In the same way, we cannot Reap a Harvest from God unless we Sow into His Kingdom. And we always Reap what we Sow (Galatians 6:7).

We give to God because we love Him and appreciate His blessings. Because we recognize that we owe everything to Him. And we are not to be reluctant or respond to pressure. We are to give “cheerfully.” (The Greek word is the source of the English word, “hilarious.”)

Yes, we are to overflow with joy at the opportunity to give to God.