Joyous is the Generous Giver

"Never be afraid to challenge someone to do something significant for God."
John Haggai

Giving generously can be seen on three levels:

Level 1 - "Should Give" - that proportion that we are commanded to give, like the tithe

Level 2 - "Could Give" - that which given from a look at our assets, or balance sheet

Level 3 - "Would Give" - finish line giving - "if God were to provide this, then I..."

When we meet with donors, we may be looking only at our institution's specific need and this donor's ability (or capacity) to give. When we do that we are missing the heart issue. "Listen" to some of these questions and see if they would help to open up new dimensions (and blessings) for our donor friends. Also, listen slowly and allow our friend to think through the answers - you may be the first to have posed these questions.

1. Are you giving to all the ministries that tug at your heart?

2. If not, what is in the way of you doing so?

3. If there were no limitations, what you give, why to these, and how much and in what time frame?

Sometimes we settle for a specific gift because we have our own goals. But, if we were to put our donor-friends' interests and spiritual growth higher, there would be some amazing ministry happening. Here is what we and our friends can look forward to:

1. They will experience God and His joy in a greater way
2. Their heart will grow for God
3. They will experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from doing something significant
4. It will break the power of money in their lives
5. They will be eternally rewarded - Matt. 6:19-21. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
6. They will please God and their faith will grow

But, there is more - there are wonderful benefits to us as well:

1. We are seen as "enablers of grace"
2. We have a more significant relationship with our donor-friends; again, we may have been used the Spirit to show them aspects of their stewardship lives that they had never seen.
3. We can learn from them and be encouraged ourselves - we need to grow, too
4. We have a greater sense of satisfaction than just "getting the gift"

So, joyous is the generous giver - joyous are we to be used in this process!