Am I Giving for the Right Reasons?

IF YOU BRING UP the topic of generosity in church today, you’ll likely encounter mixed responses. Some may tune out, assuming it’s just another appeal for funds. However, giving is about much more than meeting needs—it’s about the heart behind it.

This is why it’s essential to understand the reasons behind our giving and to ensure our motives align with God’s purposes in order to cultivate true generosity. As we seek to reflect the generous spirit God desires, here are three moti­vations we should be careful to avoid.

Giving Shouldn’t Be Motivated by Guilt

We should give generously to our local churches and minis­tries that advance God’s Kingdom. Gratitude for the priceless gift of salvation secured by the Cross is a compelling reason to give. However, giving should never be motivated by guilt.

Sadly, some Christians have been influenced by legalism or the prosperity gospel, which suggests that failing to give equates to stealing from God or forfeiting His blessings. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” It’s important to distinguish between guilt and conviction. Guilt—often accompanied by shame—comes from the enemy and draws us away from Christ, while conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and draws us closer to Him. Hebrews 10:22 speaks to this truth, encouraging us to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are freed from the burden of guilt. If guilt is your primary motivation for giving, it’s better to pause and prayerfully examine your heart before moving forward. Instead, ask God to cultivate a spirit of generos­ity rooted in love and gratitude for what He has done for you.

Giving Shouldn’t Be About Control

Some members use their giving to influence leadership decisions by designating funds for specific ministries while withholding support from the general budget. This approach creates division and undermines generosity. Giving with strings attached turns it into a trans­action rather than an act of worship.

When we give, we should do so with open hands and hearts, trusting that church leaders are seeking God’s guidance in how to use the resources for His purposes. Faithful giving re­flects trust in God’s sovereignty and a desire to support His work, even when we don’t fully agree with every decision made by church leadership.

If your heart is not in the right place, it’s better to keep your money than to give grudgingly or manipula­tively. God desires a heart that gives freely, not one that seeks control.

Giving Shouldn’t Be About Pride There’s a difference between feeling joyful about giving and using gener­osity to elevate oneself. Jesus addressed this issue in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collec­tor (Luke 18:11-12). The Pharisee’s prayer reveals his self-righteousness: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.”

The Pharisee’s giving was not a response to God’s grace but a way to showcase his own moral superiority. In contrast, the tax collector humbled himself, acknowledging his need for God’s mercy.

If your giving is motivated by pride or a desire for recognition, it’s time to reassess. True generosity stems from gratitude for God’s bless­ings, not from a desire to earn status or approval. Ask God to purify your motives and help you give with a humble heart.

Principles for Generous Giving

To cultivate a heart of biblical generosity, con­sider these principles:

• Make giving a priority. Proverbs 3:9-10 re­minds us, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Giving should come first, not as an afterthought.
• Give proportionately. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul instructs us to give “in keeping with your income” (NIV). This instruction emphasizes that generosity should be proportional to one’s financial resources rather than a prede­termined amount.
• Give sacrificially. David’s declaration in 2 Samuel 24:24 is a powerful example: “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” True generosity often requires sacrifice.
• Give prayerfully. The Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, “gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us” (v. 5). Their giving was not merely an obligation but an act of worship, guided by prayer and a deep reliance on God. Generosity should flow from a heart that seeks God’s direction, trusting Him to lead us in how and where to give.
• Give cheerfully. As Paul emphasizes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, God loves a cheerful giver. Joyful giving reflects trust in God’s provision.

Before giving, take time to reflect on your moti­vations. Are you giving out of gratitude, joy, and a desire to honor God? Or are guilt, control, or pride influencing your decision? Remember, your heart matters far more to God than the size of your gift.

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This article was published in our Faithful Steward magazine, a quarterly publication filled with encouraging stories, biblical teaching, and practical tools to help you grow as a wise and joyful giver. If you'd like to begin receiving Faithful Steward, consider becoming a FaithFi partner.