Okay, let's be real – money stresses me out. It can be a constant source of worry: Do I have enough? Am I spending wisely? Should I be giving more? You probably feel the same way from time to time. But I recently stumbled onto some Biblical wisdom that completely shifted my perspective on finances.
Here's what I realized:
- It's not my money. Okay, technically it's in my bank account, but the truth is, everything I have is a gift from God. I'm just the manager, not the owner. This reminds me of Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
- Giving = gratitude. When I give money away, it's not just about helping a cause. It's a way to say "thank you" to God for everything He's provided. In Proverbs 3:9-10, it says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
- The trust factor. Honestly, giving up a chunk of my paycheck is scary. What if I need it? This is where faith comes in, trusting that God will always take care of me. Jesus talks about this in Matthew 6:25-34, basically saying, don't stress about food or clothes because God takes care of even the birds and wildflowers!
- The unexpected bonus. The Bible hints at something intriguing: the more I give, the more I seem to receive. It's not about getting rich, but about experiencing God's generosity firsthand. This concept is in 2 Corinthians 9:6, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
Let's be real, I used to be the person always focused on saving up, always hedging my bets. It brought me zero peace! This new approach is way more freeing.
Beyond Just Money
Giving can be so much more than dollar signs. Think about donating your time, skills, or even gently-used items. Also, it's important to find that balance: give generously, but be smart about covering your own needs too. None of this should feel like a burden, but a joyful way to live and express your gratitude.