Giving Without Gimmicks or Guilt

I realized today that there are many gimmicks used in the church and other ministries to encourage people to give. Many ministries even use levels of giving; the more you give, the greater the gift you get back. And if we can’t be convinced to give for a gift, we will then be guilted in some way.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 KJV “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

That being said, I don’t think it’s wrong for a ministry to give away a book or something to people who give, but when we start seeing giving tiers, that takes the emphasis away from giving and puts it on getting.

We can go all the way back to the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and the offerings were freewill. Granted, we are commanded to come before the Lord three times a year, but even then, our giving is based on the blessings we have received from God.

I am a firm believer in giving and, yes, even tithing. I also believe that we will be blessed in our giving when we do it with the right heart, but if ever you feel manipulated by a giving message, or if you ever feel guilted by a fundraising email, DON’T GIVE. Even when it’s a cause you care about, give to another organization that supports the same cause, never give out of compulsion, guilt, or the desire to receive a gift back.