How Should Christians Feel About Giving?
Learn the exact heart attitude God wants us to have when we give. Discover what the KJV Bible says about finding true joy and peace through giving.
Introduction
When we talk about giving in the church, the conversation often focuses on the physical act itself. We talk about percentages, checkbooks, and church budgets. While these practical details are important, the Bible teaches us that God cares far more about our internal feelings than our outward actions. In God's eyes, the emotion and attitude behind our generosity matter just as much as the gift itself. Giving is not meant to be a cold, mechanical duty that we perform to check a box. Instead, it is a spiritual temperature check for our souls. When we understand God's design, our feelings about giving change from dread to delight. Here is how Christians should truly feel about giving.
We Should Feel Deep Joy and Cheerful Excitement
The most famous description of a Christian giver is found in the New Testament, where we are told exactly how to feel when we hand over our offerings. The Apostle Paul writes, Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). The word cheerful here means that we should feel a sense of happy readiness. We should not feel sad about letting go of our money, nor should we give because we feel pressured by others. Instead, we should feel a quiet excitement, knowing that we are participating in God's work on earth.
We Should Feel Sincere Gratitude for God's Blessings
Our giving should always flow from a heart that is already full of thankfulness. When we give to God, we are not paying Him back for His services, nor are we trying to earn His love. Instead, we are saying thank you for what He has already done. We recognize that everything we have comes from His hand. King David expressed this feeling perfectly when he collected gifts to build the temple. He prayed, But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee (1 Chronicles 29:14). Giving should make us feel humble and thankful for God's constant provision.
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We Should Feel Complete Peace and Financial Trust
For many people, the idea of giving away their hard-earned money causes feelings of fear, worry, and stress. We worry that if we give, we will not have enough left over to pay our bills or buy food. However, biblical giving is designed to drive away these fears and replace them with supernatural peace. Jesus told His followers to stop worrying about physical needs because our heavenly Father already knows what we need. When we give, we are choosing to trust God's promises over our bank accounts. The Bible promises, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Giving should make us feel safe, knowing that our Creator is responsible for our daily bread.
We Should Feel a Sense of Eternal Purpose
It is easy to get caught up in the temporary pleasures of this world. We spend our money on clothes, gadgets, and entertainment that quickly lose their value. When we give to God's work, however, our perspective shifts from the temporary to the eternal. We begin to feel the excitement of investing in things that last forever, such as helping people in need and sharing the gospel. Jesus described this change in focus in Matthew 6:21, saying, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. By giving, we untie our hearts from the passing things of earth and tie them to the lasting kingdom of heaven, which gives our daily lives a much deeper meaning.
Conclusion
How we feel about giving reveals a lot about our relationship with God. If giving makes us feel angry, fearful, or proud, it is time to ask God to work on our hearts. God wants us to experience the ultimate freedom that comes from a generous life. When we give with a cheerful spirit, a grateful heart, a trusting mind, and an eternal focus, giving stops being a chore and becomes a wonderful source of joy. If you want to change your feelings about giving, start by asking God to help you trust His goodness. As you take steps of faith, you will find that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.
Frequently asked questions
What does God care about more than the amount of money we give?
God cares far more about our internal feelings and the attitude of our hearts when we give.
What kind of giver does God love according to 2 Corinthians 9:7?
God loves a cheerful giver who does not give grudgingly or out of necessity.
Why does giving sometimes cause people to feel fear or stress?
People worry that if they give, they will not have enough money left to take care of their own daily needs.
What does it mean to give grudgingly?
It means to give with regret, sadness, or a feeling of being forced to do so.
Where does King David say all of our possessions come from in 1 Chronicles 29:14?
He says that all things come from God, and we are simply giving back what already belongs to Him.
What is our body called in 1 Corinthians 6:19?
Our body is called the temple of the Holy Ghost.