Giving involves more than simply putting money into a bag on a Sunday. Here are some principles for giving taken from the Apostle Paul's letters to the early church.
1) Principle 1: Systematically
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Giving should be done systematically. This means deciding (after careful thought and prayer) how much and how frequent to give, instead of giving on the spur of the moment.
Do we give whatever loose change we can find during the offertory hymn? Do we give only when we feel generous or in a good mood?
If so, then we should start giving systematically, and a good way to do so is by pledging.
2) Principle 2: Proportionately
2 Corinthians 8:10-15
Giving should be done proportionately. This means giving in accordance to how much we earn and how much we need, instead of giving a random amount.
The 10% rule of tithing is a good start, but it shouldn't stop us from giving more (or less) if we can (or cannot) afford to do so.
If we don't feel the pinch, then we're probably giving too little, but if we feel the pain, then we're probably giving too much. Giving proportionately involves finding a balance between these two extremes.
3) Principle 3: Responsibly
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Giving should be done responsibly. This means ensuring the money we give is received and disbursed as intended, instead of ending up in the wrong hands.
Do we check that our pledges have been received? It's as simple as checking the notice board at the main entrance of the cathedral.
Do we bother to attend the Annual General Meeting? If not, then we miss the opportunity to find out how the money we give is used, and to ask any questions we might have.
Do we take advantage of designated funds? If we wish to give to a specific cause, then giving to a designated fund guarantees that the money we give will be used exclusively for that cause.
4) Principle 4: Cheerfully
2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving should be done willingly and cheerfully. This means looking at giving as something we genuinely desire to do and enjoy doing, instead of something done under compulsion or as a chore.
Do we give to avoid embarrassment when the collection bag comes around? Do we give to avoid feeling guilty for not doing enough good works?
"Authentic Christian giving leads people not only to thank us, the givers, but to thank God, and to see our gift to them in the light of his indescribable grace, shown supremely in the gift of his Son." - John Stott, The Grace of Giving
Ultimately, Christian giving promotes thanksgiving to God. May our giving in response to the grace of God result in thanksgiving that abounds to the glory of God.
