“I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to Your name” (Psalm 18:49 MEV). As stewards, we give thanks to the Lord by giving from our blessings to His Church and to those in need around us. So how do we make sure that our gifts are effective and meet actual needs? Here are some things to consider.
Choose a ministry wisely
The world is filled with charitable causes, but not all organizations are equal in their operations. It is our calling to give, and this calls for discernment. Make an effort to know the ministry you care about. Aim to observe and research how they use their funds. Many ministries publish annual reports regarding their finances, which is a helpful place to start.
Give systematically
A large gift can make a significant impact for a special project or need. But systematic gifts are important too. A charitable organization’s financial needs are constant. Helping a ministry cover ongoing costs keeps operations secure and enables ministry leaders to plan for the year’s goals while continuing to seek major gifts for special projects. If you have a specific amount you would give as a one-time gift, consider dividing that amount by twelve and signing up to be a monthly donor.
Give joyfully
We often begin our giving journey with our tithes—our 10 percent. As we grow, we may desire to give more to have a greater impact. In giving, we find joy. Joyful giving is active, involved, and passionate. Joyful givers pray for the ministry’s success in meeting needs. Joyful, committed people also tend to share the need with others, increasing involvement.
Let’s make it our aim to approach giving wisely, responsibly, and joyfully. These three goals can help us be good stewards as we participate in building the Kingdom of God.
