What steps can we take to align our actions with our intentions in giving? Key Verse “Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.” – 2 Corinthians 8:11 Setting the Scene Paul had already praised the Corinthians for their eagerness to give. Yet intention alone was not enough; the gift had to be completed. Scripture’s straightforward call here is timeless: start with zeal, end with action. Step 1: Fan the Flame of Eagerness • Remember what stirred your heart in the first place. • Meditate on God’s generosity (John 3:16; Romans 8:32). • Keep gratitude fresh; gratitude fuels giving. Step 2: Move From Desire to Plan • Write down the amount or percentage you feel led to give. • Schedule the date you will transfer, mail, or hand over the gift. • Treat the plan like any other appointment you wouldn’t miss. 1 Corinthians 16:2 backs this up: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income…” Step 3: Give According to Your Means • God does not measure gifts by size but by faithfulness. • 2 Corinthians 8:12: “The gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” • Adjust as income changes; faithfulness, not figures, is the goal. Step 4: Prioritize Firstfruits, Not Leftovers • Honor the LORD right off the top (Proverbs 3:9). • Automate or separate the gift before bills and discretionary spending. Step 5: Guard Against Delay • Proverbs 3:27-28 warns against postponing good when it’s in your power today. • The longer we wait, the easier it is to forget or repurpose the funds. Step 6: Give Joyfully, Not Reluctantly • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “God loves a cheerful giver.” • Pray over the gift, thanking God for the privilege rather than dreading the deduction. • Joy confirms sincerity; reluctance signals a heart check. Step 7: Build Accountability • Share your commitment with a trusted believer or spouse. • Paul sent Titus and companions “so that no one can discredit us” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Transparency protects integrity and keeps the promise on track. Step 8: Remember the Harvest Principle • Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • Philippians 4:19 assures that God meets needs as we trust Him. • Generosity positions us to witness God’s provision firsthand. Step 9: Let Actions Validate Faith • James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” • Finishing the gift turns invisible intent into visible faith. • Obedience crowns good intentions with God-honoring results. Quick Checklist for Follow-Through – Am I still thankful for God’s grace? – Have I written the plan and put it on the calendar? – Is the amount proportional to my current means? – Did I set it aside first? – Have I acted promptly and cheerfully? – Who keeps me accountable? – Am I trusting God for the harvest? Final Word Good intentions sparkle; completed giving shines. By following these simple, scriptural steps, we move from “we want to” to “we have,” bringing delight to God, relief to those in need, and growth to our own faith. |
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