Giving Beyond Money: The Heart of True Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:7 – "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

There are times when financial resources are scarce, and the desire to give can weigh heavily on the heart. However, the measure of generosity is not determined solely by monetary offerings. Giving is a demonstration of love, service, and obedience to God. When one does not have money to give, there are many other ways to sow into the kingdom.

1. Giving Time and Service

Time is a precious gift that can be given freely. Many are in need of encouragement, guidance, and practical help, and offering one’s time to serve is a great expression of generosity. Visiting the sick, assisting a family in need, mentoring someone in the faith, or simply being present in times of difficulty reflect the heart of Christ.

The Word says in Galatians 6:2, "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." When believers support others through their actions, they fulfill God’s command to love and care for one another.

2. Sowing Words of Encouragement

The power of words cannot be underestimated. Proverbs 25:11 declares, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Speaking life into someone’s situation, offering words of faith, and declaring God’s promises can uplift and strengthen others.

Proverbs 18:21 also reminds us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Encouragement is a seed that can be sown even when financial giving is not possible.

3. Using God-Given Talents

Every believer has been blessed with gifts that can be used for the glory of God. Whether it be singing, writing, teaching, or any other skill, these abilities can be used to serve others. Scripture instructs in 1 Peter 4:10, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

One’s talents can bring hope, healing, and wisdom to others, serving as a means of giving even in times of financial hardship.

4. Acts of Kindness

Jesus often ministered through small yet profound acts of kindness. In Matthew 10:42, He said, "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."

A simple act of kindness, such as extending a helping hand, offering a smile, or praying for someone in need, is never insignificant in the sight of God.

5. The Power of Prayer

Interceding for others is a powerful way to give when financial resources are lacking. James 5:16 declares, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Prayer brings healing, deliverance, and divine intervention. It is an offering unto God that can never be exhausted, and it yields blessings beyond measure.

6. Understanding the Season of Giving

As you wisely shared, Bishop Jamison, every season requires seed time and harvest. 2 Corinthians 9:10 states, "Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness." God does not demand that one give beyond what they have, but He supplies seed to the sower.

When financial resources are unavailable, one can still give spiritual seed—prayer, service, kindness, encouragement—until the Lord provides natural seed to sow.

Jesus praised the widow who gave two mites in Luke 21:2-4, not because she gave abundantly, but because she gave from her heart. Giving is not measured in amount, but in obedience and willingness.

Making the Right Decision in Faith

There have been moments when one must decide between giving financially or handling personal necessities. You shared, Bishop Jamison, that you have had to choose between supporting the church financially or purchasing needed medication. You prayed, asked God to increase your faith and resources, and wisely chose to take care of your health while trusting in His provision.

Some may say that one should give everything and depend on God for the rest. However, wisdom acknowledges that God supplies according to His timing. 1 Kings 17:8-16 tells of the widow at Zarephath who had only enough meal for one last meal, yet the Lord sustained her when she obeyed His instruction. God is faithful to provide.

Your decision was not a lack of faith, but wisdom. You did not abandon the principle of giving, but trusted in God's ability to sustain and bless in due time.

True Giving Comes from the Heart

True giving is never about the amount—it is about obedience and love. If one does not have financial resources, they can still give of themselves in service, prayer, kindness, and encouragement.

When money is scarce, giving should not cease; it simply takes on another form. What is given in love and obedience will bear fruit, bringing glory to God and blessings to others.

May the Lord continue to bless and sustain you in all that you do.

Conlusion

True giving is not measured by wealth, but by the heart's willingness to serve and obey. The farmer does not sow before his season—he waits until he has seed, knowing that God has established a time for planting and a time for harvest. Likewise, giving requires both discernment and faith.

There may be times when financial giving is impossible, yet that does not mean one is unable to sow. The kingdom of God is advanced not only through monetary offerings but through spiritual investment—prayer, service, encouragement, and acts of kindness. These seeds, though unseen, bear fruit in ways that money alone never could.

Jesus honored the widow who gave two mites, not for the amount but for her obedience. He fed multitudes not with wealth but with faith. He healed, delivered, and restored, using not earthly riches but divine power. If God has not placed financial seed in your hand, He has placed something even greater—His Word, His Spirit, and His love.

When resources are scarce, one must not despair. Instead, trust in God's provision, knowing that He supplies seed to the sower in due time. Give what you have in faith—your prayers, your time, your talents—and watch as God brings forth the harvest.

Let every act of giving be done in obedience, and let every season of sowing be led by wisdom. In time, God will multiply both spiritual and material blessings, and His faithful ones will lack nothing.

Giving is not simply about what one offers—it is about trusting the One who provides all things. May every seed sown, whether seen or unseen, yield a harvest to the glory of God.

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

All Rights Reserved