Give by feeling or by faith?
Brandi White
Co-Chair, 2024 GIFT Stewardship Campaign
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
I absolutely love this verse, though that was not always the case. I am a cheerful person, and I am a giver–but I have not always been a cheerful giver. I gave to what I wanted based on my mood or feelings. If a particular ministry, mission, or sermon moved me – I gave! Fortunately, for the past 23 years, my giving is no longer determined by what moves me. My husband’s enduring mindset is that it is all God’s money, and we need to decide what part of God’s money we want to keep.
Do I need a new car, another pair of shoes, or a purse? Why yes, I do! One day, I tried on an expensive dress and had to tell the devil to get behind me. I did not need a new expensive dress. (The devil told me the dress looked good from the back, too!)
Actually, I don’t need a thing. Abundance is all around us. Data reveals that Frisco is the 3rd wealthiest city in the U.S., and we are doing well in Frisco. Is our church doing as well? Are we living in fear of lack or in gratitude for abundance and faith? I would rather live in faith. God will provide, and He calls us to be good stewards of all things entrusted to us.
It truly is better to give than receive. I have experienced an inexplicable phenomenon where the more I gave, the more we received, even during a time of unemployment. I encourage you to visit how much of God’s money you want to keep this year. I hope and pray you hear and feel the gentle push to do what you can, then do a little more. We can never out-give GOD!
