Did you know that Jesus talked a lot about money? It wasn't because He needed any, it was because He knew that to human beings, money is an extremely important part of life. Jesus also knew that if we weren't careful, money could become a "god" to us.
The best way to keep your attitude right about money is to give it away. Generosity is a greed-killer. It takes the focus of your life off of yourself and on to God and others.
How does the Bible say I should give?
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7)
Giving isn't some chore we are forced to perform, it is a joy! God loves a cheerful giver! Pray and ask God to help you decide what you should give. Many people have found that giving a certain percentage of their income is a good way to practice generosity.
What should I give to?
- People I know who are in need. Do I have a family member or friend who is struggling?
- My church. Churches help people learn about God and provide a place where they can worship Him. It's a good idea to contribute to church regularly.
- Mission groups. Mission groups help share the message of Jesus with people around the world, by printing Bibles in different languages, broadcasting the gospel on the radio, sharing Jesus in places where people don't know about Him (missionaries), helping the poor, etc. Often after you give you a mission group, they'll send you reports of how things are going.
What if I don't have much to give?
"If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor. 8:12).
In other words, God isn't impressed by the amount you give, He's impressed by your heart attitude of generosity, even if you don't have much to start with!
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Mission Groups to Check Out
Gospel for Asia -- takes the message Jesus to people who have never heard about Him before in places like India, planting new churches, broadcasting, and more. Sponsor children here, too.
Voice of the Martyrs -- distributes Bibles and helps believers in countries where Christianity has been outlawed or where believers face persecution.
Trans World Radio -- has stations all across the world that broadcast the Bible's message in many different languages.
India Gospel League -- sponsor native missionaries, medical programs - even sponsor the transformation of an entire village!
WorldHelp -- just what it sounds like. Whether it is relief supplies or Bibles or church buildings or food, WorldHelp is there.
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