Joy-filled Giving

I pray that you are well and want to spend a little time this week and next week talking about your giving and mine - and specifically as it relates to giving money. We are in an important capital campaign and will have our annual financial stewardship campaign coming up in October. In the quiet of the summer, I want to offer some thoughts to help you take control of your giving, to be proactive, thoughtful and generous all at the same time.

If you're like me, you are inundated with people asking you to donate to this worthy cause and that worthy cause. The mail is filled with letters asking for our support of people and institutions and research that will make a difference in the lives of others. Even our church asks us for money to support the mission and ministry and to help build buildings. Too many of us, me included, get tired of everyone having their hand out and trying to encourage or guilt us into giving money. We don't have a plan or any kind of theology of giving. Most times we feel pressed and confused about what our best course of action may be. So, sometimes, we give in and write a check or make a pledge. And when we give in this spirit, the joy of giving is lost somehow.

How can we give joyfully? Assuming that you and I will give over the course of our lives, we need to make plans. In fact, having a plan for giving is the start of changing our hearts and making a difference that matters. Think for a moment about who and what is important in your life. That's probably a place where your money will make a difference. Look at what communities and institutions are important to you and to the life of the world and set aside some funds for them. Stop being a reactionary giver and make plans so that you can give to make a difference for others and in your own heart. St. Paul says God loves a cheerful giver, but it's unlikely that you and I are going to be cheerful unless we are thoughtful and proactive about our giving.

God has given all of us gifts. In fact, there is not one thing that you are or one thing that you have that God didn't give you in some way and for some purpose. So, just as God has freely given, make plans to give of yourself. It will fill your heart with both joy and love while making a difference in the world, all at the same time.

Grace and Peace—
WFA