How Do I Determine My Gift?

How Do I Determine My Gift?

How Do I Determine My Gift?

“According to your faith, it will be done to you.”
-Matthew 9:29

The most important decision you or your family will make during your Daring Faith campaign will be your own giving commitment. How will you know what God wants you to give? As you pray about it, remember that giving is about “Equal sacrifice, not equal gifts.” Don’t compare your commitment with anyone else’s. This is between you and God.

Here are some practical steps to help you to seek clarity and wisdom in your decision.

1. Pray this every day: “Lord, show me how to give in a way that stretches and builds my faith more than ever. I trust you for a miracle.” God is more interested in you trusting him than in the amount you commit to give. As you pray daily, God will reveal the amount that you can give. If you are married, pray together with your spouse.

2. Don’t rush your decision. Spend time alone with God each day so you can hear what He is telling you. As you seek His will, God will grow your faith and you will come closer and closer to the miracle he is preparing for you.

3. Decide whether you will give by reason or by revelation. When I give based on reason, I simply look at how much I have, figure out a “reasonable” amount to give, and then commit to give that amount. This is the most common way people give to charities. It is an act of unselfishness, but it requires no faith, and no sacrifice, so there’s no room for a miracle. Reason simply asks, “What can I afford to give?”

In contrast, when I give based on revelation, I pray, “Lord, what do you want to give through me?” I allow my faith to lead the way. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV). That’s why God honored the people of Macedonia: “They gave not only what they could afford, they gave even more than they could afford!” 2 Corinthians 8:3. When you give more than you can afford, you are trusting God in faith to keep his promises. God has more promises in the Bible about generosity than on any other topic. Here is one: “God loves it when we give cheerfully, so He then provides us with everything we need, and even gives us more than we need, so we can keep on being even more generous!” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8.

4. Hold a family conference, or set aside time alone with God to talk about your contribution. If you have children, get them involved no matter how young they are. This is an opportunity to teach them about faith and generosity. Ask everyone to suggest creative ideas for reducing expenses, increasing income, or selling personal items in order to contribute more. Read these Bible promises and instructions together and make a list of what you learn from reading God’s Word.

Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 6:38, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8:1-12, 2 Corinthians 9:6-12,
Matthew 6:19-20

Remember to consider that your Daring Faith commitment includes a cash gift now, and a 36-month giving commitment. This allows you to give more than you imagined. As you develop the habit of consistent weekly giving, you will be blessed by
spiritual growth.

Celebrate your commitment, and what God has revealed to you through this faith-growing process. If you are married or have a family, do this together.

“Father, this is a big step for us. We’re asking you to stretch our faith, strengthen our faith, and deepen our faith through our commitment to be generous. We realize that everything we have comes from You, so we have made our commitment for four reasons. First, to express our gratitude for all you’ve provided to us in the past. Second, to show our desire for you to be first in our lives. Third, to demonstrate our faith in your promises to provide for us in the future as we honor you now. And finally, to show our love and support for our church family in making a difference for eternity. We are grateful for this opportunity to grow and trust you more. We pray that this church-wide campaign will bring you Glory! In Jesus’ name, Amen!”