A Guide to discerning God’s Will In Deciding Your Giving Commitment

The most important decision you or your family will make during our Building For Life emphasis will be the decision about your own giving commitment. How do you know what God wants you to give? Here are some suggestions to consider.

As you pray about your part, keep in mind that our theme is “Equal Sacrifice, Not Equal Gifts.” Obviously, everyone doesn’t have the ability to give the same amount. However, God does want all of us to make a genuine sacrifice for Him. “I will not sacrifice to the Lord an offering that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)

Remember, your Building For Life commitment includes both a cash gift (now) and a 36 month giving commitment. Most of us can give far more than we initially think by giving it over a three year period. More important, you will grow more spiritually if you develop the habit of consistent, weekly giving. God says, “On every Lord’s Day you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn.” (1 Cor. 16:2 LB)

Each of us has a choice to make:

1. I can give based on REASON. This means I look at what I have, figure out what is “reasonable,” and commit for that amount. It takes no faith to give by reason. Reason simply asks, “What can I afford?”
2. I can give based on REVELATION. This means I determine my gift by praying, “Lord, what do you want to give through me?” This kind of giving requires faith. The Bible says “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) That‘s why God honored the Macedonians. “They gave not only what they could afford, they gave even more than they could afford!” (2 Cor. 7:3) God promises to bless us when we give in faith. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (LB) says “God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others.”

Suggested Steps for (Determining God’s Will)

1) Begin by praying everyday, “Lord, I want to give sacrificially in a way that stretches my faith. Now please show me how.” If you’re married, pray together with your spouse.

2) Don’t rush your decision. Give yourself time to hear from God. You are receiving this packet nearly a month before our Commitment Day on June 1. You’ll find that the longer you genuinely pray “Show me how,” the more ways God will show you, and you’ll be able to give more that the first amount that popped into your head.

3) Plan a family conference to discuss ways to give. Ask your family members to suggest creative ideas. Be sure to involve your children, no matter how young they are. This is a great opportunity to teach generosity and faith. At your family conference read the following Bible promises and instructions and make a list of what you learn: Prov. 3:9-10; Prov. 11:24-25; Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-12; 2 Cor. 9:6-12; Matthew 6:19-20.

4) In your family conference, ask yourselves aloud these questions:

Regarding our cash gift:

• How much cash could we gather by June 1?
• Is there anything we could sell or convert to cash?

Regarding our weekly or monthly commitment for 36 months:

• How can we decrease our expenses in order to make a larger commitment?
• Are there expenditures that we could delay?
• How can we increase our income in order to make a larger commitment?
• How much are we willing to trust God for?

5) Decide as a family the total amount you’ll give, hold hands and have a prayer of commitment similar to this: “Father, this is a big step for us. We’re asking you to strengthen our faith and help us grow spiritually through giving. We thank you for all you have given us. We know we wouldn’t have anything if it weren’t for you. We want to be cheerful givers. We’re claiming the promises you’ve said in your Word that you’ll take care of our needs if we trust you. Thank you for this opportunity to grow and thank you for our church family. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”