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I’ve preached many messages over the years, but there’s one topic that always seems to draw a crowd—and stir a little discomfort: finances. It never fails. The Sunday I teach on giving is the Sunday we have the most visitors. And while I’m grateful for every person who walks through our doors, I always worry that they’ll leave thinking, “All this church talks about is money.”

Let me be clear: that’s not who we are. In fact, this is the only Sunday all year I preach on giving. But I do preach it—because giving is not just about money. It’s about worship. It’s about trust. It’s about the gospel.

Giving Is a Heart Issue

Scripture doesn’t shy away from money, and neither should we. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” That verse has become the heartbeat of this message.

Giving isn’t a wallet issue—it’s a heart issue. It reveals what we trust, what we fear, and what we worship. If we trust God, we give joyfully. If we fear scarcity, we hold back. If we worship comfort or control, we compromise.

I’ve been there. I’ve looked at my bills and thought, “God will understand if I skip the tithe this week.” And yes, He does understand our struggles — but He also invites us to trust Him more deeply. Every time I’ve chosen faith over fear, God has provided. I can’t always explain how, but I’ve never missed a mortgage payment. Never missed a car payment. God has always met our needs.

Generosity Is Gospel Partnership

Giving isn’t just personal—it’s missional. In Philippians 4, Paul thanks the church at Philippi for supporting his ministry: “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Their generosity wasn’t just a donation—it was a partnership in the gospel.

That’s how I see giving today. When we support missionaries, ministries, and outreach, we’re joining hands with the work of Christ around the world. Our church supports 29 missionary families monthly. While we sleep, they serve. While they rest, we minister. Together, we form a 24-hour gospel movement.

Giving Is a Witness to the World

In Acts 4, the early church gave sacrificially and shared everything in common. The result? “With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Their generosity became a testimony.

When we give faithfully, we show the world that Jesus is worth everything. We declare that our treasure is in heaven, not here. We become channels of blessing, not reservoirs of self-preservation.

Final Thoughts

So let me ask you:

  • Do you give out of joy or obligation?
  • What does your giving say about your trust in God?
  • Is your generosity aligned with the mission of Christ?

Giving isn’t just about supporting a church budget. It’s about worshiping God with our whole heart. It’s about trusting Him to provide. It’s about partnering in the gospel and witnessing to the world.

Let’s be cheerful givers. Hilarious givers. Faithful givers.

Because when we give God our best, He does more than meet our needs—He multiplies our impact.