How to Give More

Are you at a place in life that you want to give more and do not know how to do it? Is your desire to give bigger than your actual bank account? Let us look at ways to cause your giving to go up.

First and foremost, you will want to be on a budget. A budget lets you know how much is coming in and where your money is going. Your finances will automatically improve as you are responsible and accountable with your income. Eliminating your debt and allowing money to flow into your life will increase what you can give. Expenses will go down because you now have a plan for your money.

When your budget is in order you have a clear picture of where your money is going. This allows you to redirect money towards giving. By eliminating some expenses you will have a new pool of money to draw from.

For instance, if you buy one Starbucks coffee per day at $3, it will add up to $1095 per year. Instead, you could spend $95 per year on coffee from home and have $1,000 a year to give. You will still be able to enjoy your coffee, and fulfill your desire to give at the same time.

There are many items in your budget that you can do this with: cable television, snacks, video rentals, meals out, etc. If you go out to lunch three times a week at an average of $7.50 per meal, it will add up to $1,170 over a year (almost $100 per month). Making the effort to fix something at home those three days a week at $2 per day, you will have $858 left to give. These are a few creative ideas to get you kick-started. Your efforts will open up new doors of faith and creativity that will quickly take you to a whole new level of giving. As you are faithful with little, your giving will go up dramatically and you will be back at Starbucks testifying of your success. As a side benefit, this plan will probably help you lose some weight!

You do not want to be one of those who says, “I would like to give more,” but does not really want to pay the price. Actions speak louder than words. Choosing to direct your money towards God's Kingdom and making giving a priority, rather than spending on your preferences, helps you establish your giving heart.

Remember: What you do with your money shows who you are and what your priorities are.

Now that you have established that you are a giver, whatever the cost, you will be able to enter into the throne of grace. Boldly ask God for your inheritance so that you might begin to sow it.

Luke 15:31 “and he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.’”

Everything the Father has is ours. It is His good pleasure to give us finances. God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. (Psalm 35:27) Jesus, the Prince of Peace, gives us the gift of His inheritance. (Ezekiel 46:16)

Too often we try to do it on our own. We work hard to obtain money when, actually, money is already ours. God Almighty has made all provision for us. It is already ours. Jesus became poor so we could be rich. We long to give more and it is already laid up for us - prepared since the beginning of time.

Enter into the joy of the Lord and receive His blessings.

Read 2 Samuel 9:1-12. In this passage it is clear that Mephibosheth did not see himself as worthy of receiving from David. He saw himself as a dead dog. Jesus has provided all for you, just as David provided for Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth.

You are joint heirs with Jesus. When your heart’s desire is to give, you discover the provision that is already laid aside for you. Start receiving today. Open your heart and allow the blessings of God to flow.

Now that finances are flowing, do not squander the blessings on your own lust. Use them for the glory and honor of God and His Kingdom, His purpose, His call.

God is not looking for us to give up good things or go without. Cutting back until the flow increases establishes the heart of giving.