g i v e @ g c c l a r e d o . c o m

 

     Giving is an expression of our faith that affirms God as our provider and His ability to supply all that we need.  We trust God by giving in faith.  Our Lord promises to give every obedient Christian an overflowing, joyous life regardless of his financial position.  Jesus told His followers, “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.”

     Faithful giving is not always easy and can come with everyday challenges (growing family needs, fixed income for retirees, loss of a job, an unexpected major expense, saving for retirement, etc.).  Faithful giving, based foremost on faith, requires several things which Christians must develop as they mature in Christ, including:

    • Proper intent for giving – giving is an act of worship to honor and glorify God (not ourselves) and to show our love for God.  To truly trust God for your finances, you must also keep your heart and motives pure.

    • Good stewardship of our finances – budget within our means; systematic giving plan is included in our budget; careful use of credit cards, learning “how to afford” giving back to God, etc.

    • Giving from our heart that is done willingly, generously, and cheerfully.

    • Caring nature for others – Follow Jesus’ command to “Love others as well as you love yourself.”

     Giving is a part of our stewardship of the things that God has freely given to us and is a vital part of our spiritual development and maturity.  Under the New Covenant, we have every gift of God’s provision including the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Jesus commands us to give freely from the heart (Matt. 23:23).  To support God’s work, Paul commands the New Testament church to, “set aside as you have prospered” (1 Cor 16:2).  In 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 and 9:6-8, Paul encourages joyful and generous giving “not of commandment or necessity but out of genuine love.”

     As your faith in God and His love and trustworthiness grows, you will learn to give according to the principles noted above.  We learn to take God at His word to supply from His unlimited resources.  You give as God supplies.

In Christ,
GCC Laredo

 

 

2 Corinthians 8:3 (ESV)
For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,