6 reasons for giving more in 2009

We all know we should give, but sometimes it is easy to forget some of the reasons for giving. While there are hundreds of reasons to give, these six provide a good starting point.

1. We were designed to give

You could use a pencil to dig a hole, but it will not be very efficient. The pencil was not designed for digging. However, a shovel is designed with that purpose in mind and will produce much better results than a pencil.

Since God is the ultimate giver and we are designed in His likeness and image, we function at our best when we are giving. Most of the world spends it's energy trying to hoard all they can which is like digging a hole with a pencil. When we give, we are functioning in the manner with which we were created, and therefore produce much better results.

2. As a response to God's generosity

We all know the verse… "For God so loved the world that He GAVE…" (John 3:16). We have received the greatest gift that anyone could possibly be given. We should be overflowing with gratitude and thanks. Of course we will never be able to pay Him back, but shouldn't we spend our lives trying anyway?

3. To remind ourselves that He is our source

When we look at our employer or our paycheck as our source, things can be very scary. But understanding that God is our unfailing supply of all our needs is very reassuring, no matter what the economy is doing. Giving is just another way we can remind ourselves of this.

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:19).

4. To help achieve economic justice

Why are there parts of the world with people starving, while most of us have never missed a meal? There is more than enough money in the world that no one would ever have to go hungry, but it is just not evenly dispersed.

“Our desire . . . is that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need” (2 Cor 8:13-14).

5. To break the hold of money

One of the best reasons for giving is that by giving we break the hold that money might otherwise have on us. The Bible makes it clear that if we are going to follow God, we can't have our minds occupied with money. Every sober day for an alcoholic proves his liberty from alcohol a bit more. So it goes with giving. The more we give, the more it proves that money doesn't have control over us.

6. To experience the blessing of giving

Jesus himself said, "it is more blessed to give than receive." He wasn't just uttering meaningless religious words. He understood the joy of giving. He gave up his life and endured inexpressible pain because he understood the joy of giving. The Bible says that He did if for the joy set before Him. He knew that one day He would see you and I being saved from Hell and He would say, "it was all worth it."