2 Corinthians 8:2 says, “For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” In that passage, the Apostle Paul is writing about the joyful giving by the impoverished Macedonian church for relief of the saints. It’s a message that should inspire us today. We’ll talk about that with Eric Most. Eric Most is president of National Christian Foundation (NCF) Rocky Mountains, based in Denver. Eric’s passionate about spreading God’s glory throughout the nations, and he’s an expert in mobilizing resources to help you participate in that more fully through your giving. <ul><li>In the passage quoted above, Paul is writing to the wealthy Corinthian church about the generosity of the poor Macedonian churches. We live in the wealthiest nation in history, so Paul could just as well have written that to us.</li><li>Paul writes about the joy of giving, especially sacrificial giving. And Eric Most says we can still experience that kind of joy today. </li><li>BE INTENTIONAL</li><li>It’s important to be intentional about our giving. Think about the things you’re passionate about; the causes the Lord has placed on your heart. </li><li>He encourages Christians to start by supporting their local church. But beyond that, give a lot of intentional thought (and prayer!) to how and where you will give. </li><li>When you’re intentional about your giving; when you have plan for how and where you’ll give, it’s also okay to say “no” sometimes. If God has placed a different giving opportunity on your heart, and you’re clear about that and have a plan for your giving, you don’t need to feel guilty about passing up a particular opportunity to give. </li><li>Eric says developing a family mission or passion “statement” can really help you to clarify where your giving dollars should primarily be devoted. </li><li>NCF offers practical expertise and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw4b207Y_4AhXeSzABHedTApAQFnoECCIQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncfgiving.com%2Fguide&amp;usg=AOvVaw357AxQ7U_aLNuaogwzTpM9">guide books</a>
to help you develop a plan for your giving and maximize the impact of your gifts. </li><li>Also communicate with your family to find out what each member of your family is passionate about supporting. </li><li>Teach your kids the joy of giving. Think about the legacy and the impact that, by God’s grace and for His glory, you’re trying to create. </li><li>Once you find your giving passion and make a plan, you can also leave room in your giving budget for those times when the Holy Spirit may prompt you to give outside of that plan. </li><li>Here are a few things you can do today at <a href="https://www.ncfgiving.com/">NCFgiving.com</a>:</li><li>Open a Giving Fund at NCF (donor-advised fund) to start granting to the causes you care about</li><li>Visit the Generosity Library for a curated collection of books, podcasts, videos, and more</li><li>Start a conversation with to explore your unique giving opportunities and questions</li><li>For general help and guidance in creating your giving plan and strategy, visit <a href="https://www.ncfgiving.com/solutions/strategy/">Ncfgiving.com/strategy</a>. </li></ul>On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: <ul><li>Is it wise to use a lump sum of money for home improvements? </li><li>How do you determine the best way to give to one family member without making others feel you’re treatment family members unequally or unfairly? </li></ul>RESOURCES MENTIONED: <ul><li><a href="https://www.capitalone.com/bank/checking-accounts/online-checking-account/">Capitol One 360 Checking</a> </li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to <a href="mailto:questions@moneywise.org">Questions@MoneyWise.org</a>. Also, visit our website at <a href="http://moneywise.org/">MoneyWise.org</a> where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app.

FaithFi

Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

“For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.”  An message by Paul about the joyful giving of impoverished Macedonian church that should inspire us today.

Aligning and Igniting Your Generosity Passions With Eric Most

FaithFi | Jun 9, 2022

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