Giving God’s Way: From the Heart, Not the Wallet

Good morning, everyone! Let’s jump right in and tackle a hot topic: giving to God. Now, before you start squirming in your seats or checking your wallets, let me make something clear: God doesn’t want your money—He wants your heart. But how we handle money says a lot about where our heart is, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion and even manipulation around giving, especially when it comes to the topic of tithing. Today, we’re going to cut through the noise, get real about what God says, and learn how to honor Him with our resources without falling for guilt trips or scams.

God Wants Cheerful Givers, Not Guilt-Ridden Givers

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Imagine this: someone gives you a gift, but they look miserable doing it. They sigh, roll their eyes, and mutter, “Here, take it.” How would that feel? Awkward, right? Well, that’s not how God wants us to give.

Giving isn’t supposed to be a guilt trip or a financial burden. It’s meant to be an act of joy and gratitude. God doesn’t need our money—He owns the universe! But He delights in seeing us reflect His generosity.

Think of it like this: when you give cheerfully, you’re saying, “God, thank You for blessing me. I trust You to take care of me, and I want to bless others in return.” That’s the kind of giving that puts a smile on God’s face.

Giving Is About Helping People, Not Building Empires

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Here’s the deal: giving isn’t about funding fancy buildings, flashy programs, or inflated salaries. It’s about loving people. Jesus said that when we care for the hungry, the poor, and the hurting, we’re actually serving Him.

So, instead of asking, “How much should I give?” the better question is, “Who can I help?”

• Is there a single mom who needs groceries?

  
  

• A homeless shelter that could use some support?

  
  

• A missionary spreading the gospel in a tough place?

  
  

When you give to meet real needs, you’re partnering with God to make a difference. That’s what giving is all about—serving people, not impressing people.

Beware of False Teachers and Manipulative Churches

“In their greed, these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” (2 Peter 2:3)

Now, let’s get real about something uncomfortable: there are churches and preachers who abuse the idea of giving. They say things like, “If you don’t tithe, you’re robbing God,” or, “Sow your $1,000 seed, and you’ll get a financial breakthrough!”

Let me be clear: that’s not biblical. In the Old Testament, tithing was part of the Mosaic Law—a system designed for the nation of Israel to support the temple and priests. But guess what? We’re not under the law anymore! Jesus fulfilled it.

Under the New Covenant, giving is about freedom, not obligation. Churches that demand tithes as a rule are misusing Scripture, and in some cases, they’re doing worse.

• Some use that money to pay outrageous salaries or fund luxurious lifestyles.

  
  

• Others use it to support practices God forbids, like appointing women pastors (1 Timothy 2:12).

  
  

If you’re giving to a church that misrepresents God’s Word or promotes unbiblical practices, you’re not honoring God—you’re funding a lie. Don’t fall for it.

So, How Should We Give?

“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42)

Let’s break this down into simple steps:

1. Pray First: Before you give, ask God, “Where do You want me to invest? Who needs help?” Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.

   
   

2. Give Where It Matters: Focus on ministries and causes that truly glorify God—feeding the poor, spreading the gospel, and helping those in need.

   
   

3. Give What You Can: You don’t have to give a specific percentage. The Bible says to give according to what you have, not what you don’t (2 Corinthians 8:12).

   
   

4. Be Joyful: Giving should feel like a privilege, not a chore. If you’re not excited about it, take a step back and pray for God to renew your heart.

   
   

Why Does God Love a Cheerful Giver?

Think about what God has given us: His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins so we could have eternal life. You can’t outgive God! When we give cheerfully, we’re reflecting His heart and saying, “Thank You, Lord, for everything You’ve done for me.”

Final Warning: Stop Funding Satan’s Agenda

This might sound harsh, but it needs to be said: if you’re giving to a church or ministry that misuses God’s Word, you’re funding Satan’s agenda. You’re supporting things that dishonor God, whether it’s greed, false teaching, or unbiblical practices.

Instead, give where it counts. Invest in God’s kingdom by helping the least of these, supporting gospel-centered ministries, and being a blessing to those around you.

Final Thought: Giving Is Worship

At the end of the day, giving is about worship. It’s not about checking a box or meeting a quota—it’s about saying, “God, I trust You. I love You. And I want to use what You’ve given me to bless others and bring glory to Your name.”

Let’s pray,

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our provider and for giving us the greatest gift of all—Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to give not out of guilt or obligation but out of love and gratitude. Teach us to be wise stewards of the resources You’ve entrusted to us, giving cheerfully and generously to those in need. Lord, protect us from false teachers and help us to discern where and how to give in a way that honors You. May our giving always reflect Your heart and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.