Joyful Giving Vs. Burdened Giving

If you feel overwhelmed and burdened to give then check yourself or check the source. God does not take from us but He gives and gives abundantly. His purpose is to bless you so you can in turn be a blessing. Sometimes though, people are desperate to meet their needs or concerns and the manner of asking can be a turn off.

According to Evelyn Klumpenhouwer in her book, Talking With Jesus, feelings of pressure are not from God and people pass on these feelings by looking to others to meet their needs rather than looking to God to meet their needs. This places a burden of expectation on those receiving these requests (to give).

When you look to people to meet your needs, rather than trusting God, you transfer a burden of expectation that should be placed on God, not on them. This burden is not of God.

Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Cor. 9:7

1. Transfer Your Needs To The Right Source. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, don’t depend on people as your ultimate source of provision. Cast all you cares upon God for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He can do what no man or institution can do for you (even though He may use them to bless you or your cause). He has promised to supply all your needs according to His riches (not from lack). So why not trust Him to do just that? (See Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:33).

2. ​Look Beyond What You Have. If you only look at what you have, it may be tempting to be stingy out of fear of not having enough but you serve a God of more than enough. Evelyn also also noted that if God asks you to give, He will also provide the means for you to do so. This way, it will not be a burden, but a joy. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that you can think or imagine, according to His power that works in us (see Ephesians 3:20).

3. Be a Burden Bearer. Though we are called to bear our own load, who among us has not had burdens too hard to bear? And yes, while we must also give those burdens to God, He [equally] calls us to bear one another’s burden. Yes! I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper (so are you). Therefore, let us not be weary in doing good to and for each other. For in due season, we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. As we have divine opportunities, let us do good to all, especially to those who are weak and laden down with burdens among us. (See Galatians 6:1-10).

4. The More You Give. The More You Receive. I have found this principle to be a bastion of truth when it comes to generosity and leading a life of stewardship. Church folks often say, “you can’t out-give God no matter how hard you try.” But you are welcome to try by putting it to the test. This also follows The Golden Rule Principle. Therefore, if you (put yourself in their shoes) want others to give little to you and to your cause(s), then give little to others. If you desire people to be generous to you, then it follows you should do likewise. You may then truly experience why, “Whoever sows sparingly [meagerly] also reaps sparingly [little], and whoever sows bountifully will also reap abundantly” (see 2 Corinthians 9:6).

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” — Jesus

If you currently feel like a burdened giver, step back, review these tips carefully and pray about it. Pause and reconnect with the true Source until you find peace about giving or not giving.

If however, you feel like a cheerful giver today and want to be generous, here are three simple suggestions (feel free to add your own and comment below):

1. Help a family member or friend who could use a helping hand. Do it just because (it doesn’t have to be monetarily only). Call them today and ask how you can best help them right now.

2. Make a donation to a worthy cause. Perhaps to those recently affected by the earthquakes in California or to a non-profit, charity, or ministry doing the world of good. Like your church, NAPS, Don’t Lose Hope, Inc., or Faithful Path International.

3. Bless a needy person outside your circle. Consider a poor neighbor, a student who’s unable to pay for their tuition, a struggling church member, a widow, or an orphaned or homeless person.

“Now that you know these things. Happy and joyful you will be in your giving.”

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