It’s that time of year…not just the time we celebrate Jesus’ coming with great cheer, but the time we also tend to talk about generosity as year-end campaigns flood our inboxes, news feeds, and church sermons. Instead of leaning in, we might find ourselves desensitized to the truth we need to hear and apply. We delete those messages, keep scrolling, and duck out when we really should be staying. Upon reading this first paragraph, you might have cringed and even considered closing this tab.
We’ve heard Paul’s words time and time again: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV). We find this type of living honorable, holy, and beautiful…because it is. Typically, something stirs in us with fresh faith to be that kind of joyfully generous person. That is, until it starts to feel forced, like we have to give, or even donate a certain amount, simply because we have to or we feel we should.
But friend, how can we give from a place of joyfulness and gladness if it feels obligatory?
This past year, I grew weary of hearing the same messages on generosity over and over again. I was already giving financially and using my gifts to serve the Church. “How much more can I do?” I kept thinking. Complacency clouded my heart. I knew how much I was going to give in this season and where I was giving to. And at times, it became too much like a bill to be paid than a genuine heart posture to see God work in His Church. Giving became too much of a duty rather than a desire in my heart.
If you’re feeling skeptical or worn out from hearing messages on generosity, pray that the Lord would illuminate how He would have you grow in this area. It may not be a financial gift. You may also give in utilizing your time or gifts to support the church. (Financially speaking, anything we choose to give should be out of the overflow God has given us. The Old Testament law required a 10% tithe, while the New Testament does not have such regulations. Jesus calls us to live generously. If you’re unsure of how much this is for you, pray for clarity and discernment.)
Reflect on Jesus’ words in Luke 12:34 after He encourages His followers to not worry about wealth: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (ESV). Consider what your treasures are. Are you most concerned with money and possessions or showing God’s love to others and helping them meet their needs? What has taken priority in your heart? And, most importantly, what can you do to develop a lifestyle of generosity from a grateful heart?
In my situation, I sought the Lord on what needed to change in my life and in my heart. As I felt led, I modified how I was giving. Instead of solely relying on digital platforms set on an automated schedule, I designated part of my giving to donate where the Lord led each month. After all, it isn’t my money, but the Lord’s. He entrusted it to me. I knew I could trust Him to show me where it was most needed. Sometimes it went to my local church or those ministries I regularly gave to. But, many times, it wasn’t. A new gratitude stirred within me as I saw both global and local ministries, some of which were new to me, become blessed. (And I became humbled at their work!) As I depended on the Lord to reveal to me places of need, He always did. It wasn’t always what I expected, but as new opportunities arose, I was already available to support. A new joy emerged as I supported a friend fundraising for her mission trip, and another whose homeschool ministry went through major transitions this year. If I hadn’t been anticipating these needs, I wouldn’t have been as generous in those unique scenarios. And I wanted to be. Not just to support loved ones in their callings, but to see God’s hand move in different ways.
Meanwhile, as I considered how I could use my gifts to build up the church, I set parameters around how I could best serve. At my local church, I’d regularly help out with production needs and with leading the prayer team. Outside of my congregation, I write to glorify the Lord and teach His Word. And although I love getting to use my gifts, I learned I need a healthy rhythm to ensure I’m only serving from a grateful heart and not from obligation or a place of burnout. I’ve only found it more fulfilling and refreshing when I say “yes” to serving from a willing heart, not a worn-out place of feeling like I should, or even like I have to, commit to something.
I don’t write this to come off as prideful or to sound as if I have it all together. (Because, spoiler alert, I don’t.) But I share this to encourage you, friend, to challenge you to continue growing in generosity. To begin this new season with an excitement to seek the Lord.
While it’s easier to try and ignore the principles of generous living, it’s so much greater to see how God uses – and multiplies – what you have to bless others. Friend, if this year has shown me anything, it’s this: look at what God can do when you make yourself available. He will use you in ways you can’t even imagine!
Reflection:
- Does giving typically feel like a duty you must do or a desire you are called to do? Why?
- Where in life are you feeling called to be generous – with your finances, time, and/or gifts?
- What is a practical way you can grow in living generously? Pray about how the Lord would use your availability and willingness.
If you have any prayer requests, I would love to pray for you. Leave a comment below, send me a message here, or DM me on Instagram.
Consider the Joy 
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