3 Giving Mistakes Christians Make & How to Avoid Them

Are you giving as a Christian out of guilt, without a plan, or to impress others? Learn how to avoid these common mistakes and become a cheerful and intentional giver.

Giving is a fundamental aspect of Christian life. Christians are called upon to be generous, kind, and compassionate to those in need. However, giving can be a tricky affair, especially when you make mistakes that can cost you money, time, and even your faith. In this article, we discuss three common mistakes that Christians make when giving and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Giving Out of Guilt

One of the common mistakes Christians make when giving is doing it out of guilt. You may feel guilty for having more than others or not doing enough for others. However, giving out of guilt can be a bad idea. It can lead to resentment, bitterness, and even burnout. Instead of giving out of guilt, give out of love and compassion. Give because you want to help others, not because you feel guilty.

The Bible teaches us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "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." Giving should come from the heart, not from a sense of obligation or guilt. When you give cheerfully, you experience joy and fulfillment.

Mistake #2: Giving Without a Plan

Another mistake Christians make when giving is doing it without a plan. You may be approached by different people and organizations asking for money, and you give without thinking about it. However, giving without a plan can lead to overspending, poor financial management, and even supporting causes that are not aligned with your values.

As a Christian, you should have a giving plan. Think about your financial goals, your values, and the organizations and causes you want to support. Create a budget for your giving and stick to it. Pray about your giving and seek guidance from God.

The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Having a plan for your giving ensures that you are intentional, purposeful, and obedient to God's call to be a responsible steward of your resources.

Mistake #3: Giving to Impress Others

The third mistake Christians make when giving is doing it to impress others. You may want to show off your generosity, gain recognition, or be seen as a good Christian. However, giving to impress others can be dangerous. It can lead to pride, hypocrisy, and even spiritual emptiness.

Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:1-4, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Giving should not be about impressing others but about serving God and helping others. When you give in secret, you experience humility, sincerity, and a deeper relationship with God.

Conclusion

Giving is an essential part of Christian life, but it can be challenging to do it right. However, by avoiding the three common mistakes of giving out of guilt, giving without a plan, and giving to impress others, you can become a cheerful, intentional, and sincere giver. Remember to pray, seek guidance from God, and trust in His provision.

FAQs

1. Is it wrong to give to non-Christian organizations?

No, it is not wrong to give to non-Christian organizations as long as their values and mission align with yours. However, as a Christian, you should prioritize giving to ministries and organizations that share the gospel and serve God's kingdom.

2. How much should I give as a Christian?

The Bible does not specify the amount you should give, but it teaches us to give generously, proportionally, and sacrificially. The tithe, which is ten percent of your income, is a good starting point, but you can give more or less depending on your financial situation and God's leading.

3. Is it okay to give anonymously?

Yes, it is okay to give anonymously. In fact, giving in secret is encouraged in the Bible because it shows humility, sincerity, and obedience to God.

4. Can I give my time and talents instead of money?

Yes, you can give your time and talents as a Christian. In fact, your time and talents are valuable resources that can be used to serve God and others. Look for opportunities to volunteer, mentor, or use your skills to bless others.

5. Can I give to my family members?

Yes, you can give to your family members as long as you do it with a pure heart and without strings attached. However, you should also prioritize giving to ministries and organizations that serve the greater good of the community and the world.