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GIVING GLADLY

At NorthPointe, we encourage people to give out of the joy that comes from seeing God transform lives. It all starts with “WHY”.

Why Should I Give?

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB)

Click on each item to learn more.

It Proves Your Faith

“…Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
– Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
 

It Grows Your Faith

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
1 timothy 6:17-18 (NIV)
 

It Makes You More Like Jesus

We’re never be more like God than when we give.
“…that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
– 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
 

It Keeps Your Life Focused On God

Past | You give because you’re grateful for all he has done in your life.
Present | You give to keep your priorities in place. He is first in your life!
Future | You give as an act of faith. He will always take care of you.
 

It Ensures A Legacy

“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
– 1 Timothy 6:19 (NIV)
 

It Leads To Joy

“You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
– Acts 20:35 (NLT)
 

It Gets God’s Blessing

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously… And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)
 

How Should I Give?

When it comes to giving, God is much more interested in what’s in your heart than what’s in your wallet. What he really wants is your willingness—not your wealth. The Bible says,

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”
– 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

This verse offers four key heart attitudes you should have when you give.

 

Click on each item to learn more.

Give Thoughtfully

Don’t give impulsively. The most spiritual kind of giving is when you think about it, pray about it, and then make up your mind about it. God wants your giving to be important and meaningful in your life—so he wants you to plan for it.
 

Give Enthusiastically

Don’t just think, “I have to give!” Give because you know God’s going to do something big in your heart when you become a generous person.
 

Give Voluntarily

Any time someone pressures you to give, don’t do it. God’s not going to bless that kind of giving anyway. But when you feel God challenging you to give, that’s the time to give generously and voluntarily!
 

Give Cheerfully

Give with joy! One of the Greek words for “offering” has the same root as the word “hilarious.” God wants you to enjoy giving to Him and to others.
 

Start Somewhere!

“The people should not think that small beginnings are unimportant…”
– Zechariah 4:10 (ICB)

Begin With A Flat Amount

What can you do each week? Consider starting with $5, $10, $25, $50… Start with an amount you know you can be faithful to. Then, at the end of the year, evaluate. What percentage toward a tithe (10%) did you give? Start the new year by giving at that percentage, or maybe bump it up a bit. Starting small and growing step by step is a great way to build the habit of giving back to God.

Pick A Percentage

If you’re not ready or able to begin with a full tithe (10%), start where you can. Try starting with 2%, 4%, or wherever you can. Be faithful with your giving each week, month, or every paycheck. Then, at the end of the year, look back and see what you gave and how you might take another step forward. Begin the new year at the new percentage. See what giving gladly to the one who provides for you can do!