Barbara Hughes writes that “we need a thoroughly biblical understanding of giving” before we are able to give in such a way that pleases and honors God. This tells me that there must be a right way and a wrong way to give. There is a way to give that will not glorify God.

First of all, giving money does not earn a believer a better position with God. He cannot be bought!

Second, Hughes writes that believers must “understand that while giving will not bring favor with God, it does bring blessing.” I believe that God promises to bless those who give (yes, He does!), but I believe these blessings are primarily spiritual in nature, not monetary.

There seems to be a common misconception out there in Christendom that if you give money to your church or a ministry that God will return the blessing in kind, in some monetary form. For example, I heard one pastor, when asking his congregation to pledge to their building fund, say that God will keep their washing machines running and they might even get a good deal when they need car repairs! I was in another meeting, early in the year of 2004, in which some of the people in attendance began to chant, “More in 2004!” as they discussed how much money they would pledge to a certain ministry. Clearly, they were only giving with the hopes that their own pockets would be overflowing with money later in the year. Another ridiculous teaching I have heard is that God will get His money from you one way or another–either you give it willing through tithing or He takes it through unexpected events that carry high price tags, i.e. your car breaks down or you’re involved in an accident.

This kind of talk slanders God and distorts Scripture. Giving motivated by a heart totally given to God does produce blessing in our lives. But which would you rather have–a spiritual blessing or a bigger bank account? inner contentment or a new minivan? The way you spend your money and the way you give really does reveal what is in your heart. –Hughes

Third, consider the Macedonians (2 Corinthians 9 8) who gave out of their trial and poverty. Consider the widow in Mark 12 who gave from the very little she had. Jesus praised her saying, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more that all those who are contributing to the offering box” (Mark 12:43). God is pleased with generosity and sacrifice from GLAD and WILLING hearts, not seeking anything in return.

Finally, Scripture teaches that we ought to give serious thought to what we give. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” If our minds are set to give, then we can do so with cheer.

Thinking through this chapter of Disciplines of a Godly Woman has caused me to evaluate my own convictions regarding giving and whether or not I am the cheerful giver that God wants me to be. How many times do I give with the thought, “what else could I be doing with this money?” How often do I give and then consider, “Should I have done that?” I want to give with the thought that I am giving to Jesus Himself. Would I be stingy toward Him? I hope not. I want to be like Mary of Bethany who held nothing back, but poured every drop of her very expensive perfume at Jesus’ feet.

Read Part 1 and Part 2