Are you giving with intention?

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7-NIV version).

In today fast-paced, online world, giving to your church digitally is a natural and convenient option. It is fast, easy and secure.

Although, there are many benefits of giving online; research does show that providing both offering envelopes and online increases giving.[1] Having both options available allows you flexibility and allows your membership to give the way they prefer. Online giving was intended to enhance giving, not replace traditional giving of using and offering envelope.

I want to challenge you to stop and evaluate if you’re intentional with your giving. Can you say with confidence that you are not treating it like any another bill that you are obligated to pay. You set and forget your car insurance; let’s not get in the habit of setting and forgetting our gifts to God.

Giving should not be just another item on our to-do list; it should be something you plan and pray about and do with intention. Let’s also not downplay that giving should and does make us feel good. When it is completely automated you are missing out on those positive feelings.  I think we can all agree that extra positivity is something we all need more of in today’s world.

Using an offering envelope helps to bring back the spiritual act of giving. When you choose to use an envelope, you are consciously thinking and praying about the gifts you are presenting the God. You are giving intentionally and with your heart, not just your bank account. 

Regardless of the method you choose, I would encourage you to make sure you are giving with intention. If you don’t have offering envelopes, ask your church to enroll you in the envelope program and see if traditional giving makes you more thoughtful and intentional in your giving.  

I offer this short prayer for you to say as you prepare your offerings to the Lord. 

Lord, I offer these gifts back to you with a grateful heart. I ask that you bless and multiply my offerings for Your work. Help me to remain intentional and cheerful in my giving and faith. – Amen

[1] Multi-channel donors — those who give both online and offline — are worth 3 times more than online-only or offline only donors- virtuous report from nextafter.com