Being generous and giving to God and others can be especially difficult when you find yourself receiving a low income. For the most part, your attention goes towards endeavouring to keep you and your family afloat and off the street. Yet, despite how difficult it can be, choosing to remain generous and giving can be one of the most important steps you can take to survive on a low income.
When I talk about generosity and giving, it is essential to note that I am not necessarily speaking of money. Although money is one of the most practical ways to give to God and help others, it is not the only resource we might have to offer. When Paul raised funds to help the needy in Jerusalem, he told the Corinthian church to give to the cause according to how they had prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2). Of course, the collection made in Corinth for the needy in Jerusalem may well have been money as it was much easier to transport. However, what might the term prosper mean outside of this particular ministry? In the first century, prospering might have included various resources such as cattle, grain, housing, clothing, materials, skills, or even time. Would not these also be something that could be offered to the Lord’s work and for the benefit of others? The reality is that God allows us all to prosper in various ways, and we can be generous with any resource we have. I believe it is helpful to make this point because when you are on a tight financial budget, it is easy to become focused on what you don’t have rather than what you do. And it is easy to feel like you are not able to contribute much to the Lord’s work when you might be able to do far more than you realise.
With that said, when you are blessed with finances, no matter how large or how small, it is important to consider how you might offer some of that to the Lord. Providing some of your limited finances to God and others can be an act that demonstrates faith. It says to God that we trust and know that you will provide for us. And He does. In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul speaks about how God will bless the Corinthians for their willingness to give to the cause of helping the needy in Jerusalem. He says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”. As the Corinthians willingly gave to the work of the Lord, God would respond by blessing them by meeting their needs so that they could be free to do other helpful deeds.
Interestingly, one of the things I have observed in my life is that when I give to the Lord and others, I don’t just have confidence that I will receive material blessings in the future. But I also receive joy in my current circumstances, feel helpful, and gain wisdom. This wisdom then guides me in how I spend my income, make choices and prompts me toward a more frugal way of life. All of which help ease the stress that comes from managing finances and day to day living.
The key to receiving God’s blessings in giving is attitude. We cannot expect God to provide for our needs if we give with a terrible attitude. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”. Personally, I find there is a tipping point in my giving where my attitude begins to descend into resentment. I find it essential to notice this and be mindful not to give beyond this point; otherwise, it is no longer something I can offer to God willingly. Usually, there is a sweet spot where I can remain generous and cheerful.
When you live on a low income, it is essential to understand that giving as you have prospered with the right attitude sets you up to be blessed spiritually and materially by God. Since this is the case, determining how you will give and the amount is another step towards coping when finances are limited.
