Principles for Christian Giving - Part 2

We should give freely. God freely gave us salvation; let us freely give that others may be saved. Let us give willingly and sacrificially, not expecting anything in return, showing that God is sufficient.

We should give generously, beyond our means. Let's prove our confession by giving generously, showing that our contentment is found in Christ, not the things of this world.

We should give intentionally. Let us give as we've predetermined in our hearts, prayerfully asking God how we should be giving. The more we have of Christ, the less room we have of everything else.

We should give cheerfully and earnestly. God loves a cheerful giver. We should want to give cheerfully, with great readiness and desire because we love God more than anything else.

We should give systematically and regularly. Let us put aside something every week, as we have prospered. This reminds us weekly that all we have is from God and that we're utterly dependent on Him.

The amount is based on our income and circumstances. Those with similar income may have different circumstances (larger families). Let's not give some minimal amount as if to appease God, but ask the Holy Spirit how much we should give.

The amount is based on the needs of others. When there is a need, let us give sacrificially to meet that need.

The amount is based on conviction. Let us ask the dangerous question, “God, what do you want me to do in this?”As we spend time with God, He will answer and give us a conviction.

Finally, let us not look at those who prosper in their way, for they are miserable without Christ. Let us not fret; we have Christ. Their ways will perish, yet our righteousness will endure.