But since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you–see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
“Your people need to give more importantly than your church needs to receive offering. People need to grow spiritually more than church bank accounts need to be filled financially. Yes, there are salaries to pay, buildings to maintain, ministries to fund. Those are critical. But more important than all those things, God’s children need to be reminded that giving is essential to a real walk and relationship with Him. Don’t let messaging on giving orbit around the needs of your church. Your folks need it more than your church does.”
Jeff Anderson in Acceptable Gift email dated 12 July 2016.
Jeff is a an author and speaker I deeply respect in the generosity space. I also consider him a friend and brother as we have spent much time together talking, eating pizza, and fly fishing.
His words on this Lord’s day ring so true. Don’t talk about giving at your church because you need money or because the church budget is in the red. Talk about it because it’s a vital aspect of spiritual growth.
When we give, it changes us. It conforms us into the image of the Giver. Sure, needs are met, budgets are funded, but those are secondary to the work God wants to do in each of our lives.