*The following article was first published in the Christian Money Solutions newsletter and is being reposted here with permission by Art Rainer with Christian Money Solutions.
Generosity is emphasized throughout the Bible, with numerous passages encouraging believers to give cheerfully and abundantly. Adopting a consistent giving practice aligns with the biblical principles of stewardship and compassion. But let’s be honest—sometimes we forget to give. So, here are six ways to become a more consistent giver:
1. Regularly pray about your generosity.
The Bible encourages believers to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life, including financial matters. Prayer establishes a connection with God, seeking His will and wisdom in how to share the resources He has entrusted to you. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
2. Pre-determine the amount you desire to give.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of intentional and planned giving. One of the key generosity principles found in the Bible is proportional, or percentage-based, giving (Malachi 3:10). Prayerfully determining the percentage you should give will help you avoid last-minute, inconsistent generosity. This predetermined amount reflects your commitment to stewardship and understanding of God's provision in your life.
3. Pre-determine when you desire to give.
Establishing a consistent giving schedule aligns with biblical principles of order and discipline. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, the Apostle Paul advises, "On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income." Setting aside specific times for giving reinforces the biblical notion of honoring God with the firstfruits of your income (Proverbs 3:9). For many, aligning their time of giving with their paycheck helps maintain consistency and reflect the firstfruits principle.
4. Automate your giving.
Leverage technology to keep your giving consistent. Automating your giving through your church's website or other Kingdom-advancing non-profit platform ensures that your contributions are timely and faithful.
5. Track your generosity.
You chase what you track. Therefore, you should consider tracking your generosity. Keeping records of your giving allows you to evaluate your commitment to biblical stewardship and adjust as needed. This also allows you to celebrate what God has allowed you to do with your finances.
6. Pay attention to your generosity's impact.
The Bible is replete with stories of how generosity affects individuals and communities. Acts 20:35 reminds believers, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." By acknowledging the impact of your giving, you align with the biblical principle of selfless and joyful generosity.
Become a consistent giver. By incorporating these principles, you can cultivate a habit of consistent generosity that aligns with the teachings of Scripture and brings glory to God.
To learn more about generosity at Crosspoint, please visit crosspointclemson.org/give.