2 Cor 9:7 says, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (NIV)
Only YOU know in your heart what level of giving is right for you. And it should be done with joy, knowing that it pleases God to show that you trust Him and you are a good steward with the blessings that you fully understand come from Him (not you and your efforts).
Here's the truth on Giving:
- I know that my blessings come from God, 100% ...
- I get to keep 90%, the other 10% is my tithe (a.k.a. an acknowledgement that it came from Him) ...
- Anything I give over the 10% minimum acknowledgement will be fully blessed (How will it be blessed, you ask? Give and you'll see!) ...
- I will be blessed in direct concordance with what I give (For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 38) ...
- We should not give reluctantly or under compulsion. If we do, this just shows we do't "get it" ...
- Once we do "get it" we will more easily let go of our time, talent and TREASURE, and begin living a blessed life ... a life of joy and freedom.
How does one become a cheerful giver? There's only one way: God must do a work in our heart. This is not something you or I can accomplish on our own. Truth is, we are selfish. We want to keep all of what we have because we believe we earned it, we deserve it, or - worst of all - we somehow need it for safety or comfort (which makes it a god to us).
We must ask God to change our hearts on this topic ...
... then let Him do what He what only He can do.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
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