Following Jesus changes every part of our lives—including the way we view and use what God has given us. Giving isn’t simply about money; it’s about surrender, trust, and a heart that recognizes everything we have ultimately belongs to God.

The Old Testament teaches the tithe—giving 10% to the Lord for His work. In the New Testament, we see an even bigger picture of generosity. Paul points us toward giving that flows from a heart changed by the grace of God. In 2 Corinthians 8, he writes:

1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

Notice where their generosity began: “They gave themselves first of all to the Lord.” Their giving was simply an overflow of a life surrendered to God.

As we learn to follow Jesus more faithfully, we want to allow Him to shape this part of our lives too. What is your next step in generosity? For some, it may be giving for the first time. For others, it may be beginning to give consistently and intentionally. Your next step may be tithing, or God may be leading you beyond the tithe toward even greater generosity.

This isn't about everyone giving the same amount. It's about each of us faithfully following Jesus with what He has entrusted to us.

Ask God what your next step should be, trust Him enough to take it, and discover the joy of being part of what He is doing through His church and around the world.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us follow Jesus into the world.