Give

 

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. – 2 Corinthians 8:7 (KJV) 
 
What the Bible says about giving

Giving is a vital part of spiritual formation and maturity. It requires two things of us:

• Faith - Giving is an active expression of my faith. It recognizes God as my True Provider. It affirms my confidence in His ability to supply all I need. It is an act of gratitude and dependence and allows me to partner with God and His work through my church and in the world.
   
• Faithfulness - Giving requires the highest standard of personal integrity and discipline. It is not a casual or occasional thing. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, the Bible teaches us to give willingly, generously and cheerfully. Our giving pattern should reflect a regular and systematic plan. In Malachi 3:10, we learn God's standard of the tithe—the first tenth being set apart in all of my earnings as a gift to God. Through our tithes and offerings, we prove faithful in the stewardship of all God has provided for us.

You can prioritize giving in your budget.
The Bible indicates that giving is to be a first and not a last or leftover matter in life. Read Proverbs 3:9-10. It is easy to let our standards and intentions be compromised by the pressures of expenses and billing cycles.

You can encourage faith and faithfulness in the lives of fellow believers.
As you plan and prioritize your giving, you will lead the way for others to grow and mature in their spiritual stewardship. Being a forerunner in this new area of planned giving, you can provide personal testimony and an example for others to follow.