How to Be More Consistent with Your Generosity
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.
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects believers with God's guidance in all aspects of life, including financial matters. Seeking God’s wisdom and discernment in how to share the resources entrusted to you is a fundamental step in cultivating consistency in generosity. Proverbs 11:25 beautifully captures this sentiment: "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Regularly incorporating prayer into your financial decisions establishes a spiritual foundation for your generosity, aligning your actions with biblical principles.
2. Pre-determine the amount you desire to give.
The Bible underscores the significance of intentional and planned giving, emphasizing proportional or percentage-based contributions (Malachi 3:10). To ensure consistency, prayerfully determine the percentage of your income you are committed to giving. This pre-determined amount reflects your understanding of God's provision in your life and serves as a proactive approach to generosity, preventing last-minute decisions that might lead to inconsistency.
3. Pre-determine when you desire to give.
Establishing a consistent giving schedule aligns with biblical principles of order and discipline. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 16:2, advises believers to set aside a sum of money on the first day of every week. This aligns with the biblical teaching of honoring God with the firstfruits of your provision (Proverbs 3:9). By designating specific times for giving, such as syncing with your payday, you create a routine that reflects the importance of placing God first in your financial decisions, fostering consistency in your generosity.
4. Automate your giving.
In the digital age, technology provides a practical solution to ensure consistent giving. Automating your contributions through your church's website or other Kingdom-advancing non-profit platforms helps maintain timely and faithful giving. This method eliminates the risk of forgetfulness or procrastination, allowing your generosity to be a constant, reliable expression of your commitment to stewardship.
5. Track your generosity.
The saying, "You chase what you track," holds true in the realm of generosity. Keeping records of your cumulative giving enables you to evaluate your commitment to biblical stewardship. By tracking your generosity, you gain insights into your giving habits, allowing you to make adjustments as needed. Additionally, this practice allows you to celebrate the eternal impact your giving has had on others, reinforcing the joy of giving and encouraging continued consistency.
6. Pay attention to Your generosity's impact.
Understanding the impact of your generosity is essential for cultivating a consistent giving habit. Acts 20:35 reminds believers that, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." By acknowledging the eternal impact of your giving on individuals, you align with the biblical principle of selfless and joyful generosity. This will reinforce your commitment to consistently contribute to the well-being of others, bringing glory to God through your actions.
Becoming a consistent giver often involves a combination of spiritual and practical steps. By incorporating these principles into your life, you can cultivate a habit of consistent generosity that aligns with the teachings of Scripture and brings glory to God through your commitment to stewardship and compassion.
