GIVING WITH PURPOSE

I had a reader ask: Thank you for your post about the law of reciprocity, but when we give should we expect something in return? I know some people believe if they give more it will help them get into heaven, and some believe that just giving should be enough not caring what it may be used for. What do you think?

TPK: Great question. First, I believe that there is only one way for us to get into heaven, that is through God's grace and mercy, and the sacrifice of his son Jesus for our sins. In John 14:6 Jesus said,” I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. So, we can't buy our way into heaven, no matter how much money we give the church. Your second point was about just giving blindly. Please read the next post which talks about giving with purpose. Thank you for your question.

Why Do We Give as Christians? And Should We Give Blindly?

When it comes to generosity, Christians are often seen as some of the most giving people on the planet. Whether it’s tithing to a local church, supporting missionaries overseas, or donating to charities with faith-based missions, Christians are called to be generous. But here’s a question that can be both challenging and a little uncomfortable: Why do we give? And, perhaps even more importantly, should we be giving blindly without knowing where our money is going or how it’s being used? Let’s dive into the core of Christian giving, what drives it, and whether “blind giving” is really the way we’re meant to live out our faith.

The Law of Reciprocity and Christian Giving.

If you’ve ever heard of the “law of reciprocity,” you know that it’s the idea that generosity and kindness don’t go unanswered. It’s more than the notion of “what goes around comes around.” In a Christian context, it’s a spiritual principle: when we give out of love and faith, God promises to provide for our needs in return. This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme or a way to manipulate blessings out of God. Instead, it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s generous nature and trusting that He’s got our backs.

But here’s the rub: the law of reciprocity doesn’t mean giving without discernment. It’s about intentional, prayerful giving that reflects God’s wisdom and character. So, does that mean we’re required to give only when we know exactly how our gift will be used, or can we give simply because we feel moved by the Holy Spirit, trusting that God will work it out?

Giving with purpose vs. giving blindly.

There’s a difference between giving purposefully and giving blindly. Purposeful giving means you’re mindful of how your contribution will impact others. You ask questions, you seek understanding, and you feel confident that the funds will be used in a way that aligns with your values and beliefs. Giving blindly, however, can feel like throwing money at a cause without knowing if it’s genuinely making a difference.

Blind giving has its dangers. We’ve all heard horror stories of charitable organizations mishandling funds or failing to deliver on their promises. And even within the Christian world, some ministries may not use resources as wisely as they should. Does this mean we stop giving altogether? Not necessarily. But it does mean we have a responsibility to give wisely. Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” Applying this to our giving means using discernment and knowledge to make our generosity effective and impactful.

Why should giving be more than a Habit?

It’s easy for giving to become a habit. Write a check, drop it in the offering, feel good about fulfilling a duty. But if we view giving as nothing more than a routine obligation, we risk missing the deeper purpose God intends for us. Giving is meant to be an act of worship, a reflection of God’s love, and a step of faith. Jesus praised the widow who gave her last two coins, not because of the amount, but because of her heart. Her act of giving was an expression of trust in God’s provision and a testament to her faith.

So, when we give, it should go beyond habit. We should be asking ourselves, Is this an act of worship? Am I trusting God with this gift? Our giving should stretch us, challenge us, and lead us to grow in our relationship with Christ. This isn’t about giving mindlessly; it’s about giving with heart and purpose.

When “Blind Faith” Isn’t Always a Good Thing

Sometimes, “giving blindly” is equated with “giving in faith,” but these aren’t always the same. Faith-filled giving means we’re led by the Spirit, giving from a place of trust and obedience to God. Blind giving, however, can lead to complacency and even irresponsibility. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus instructs us to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” This means we’re called to be both wise and trusting, discerning and generous.

Consider this: if a friend asked you for financial help but refused to tell you what it was for, you might hesitate. It’s not that you don’t want to help, but that you feel the responsibility to be wise with your resources. Similarly, when giving to Christian causes, it’s okay—necessary, even—to ask questions. We shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to know if our gifts will make a genuine difference. We should be “shrewd as snakes” in ensuring that the funds are going to a trustworthy source.

Support causes that align with our Faith.

As Christians, we’re called to support causes that reflect the values of Christ. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, providing shelter to the homeless, supporting missionary work, or helping families in crisis, our giving should point to God’s kingdom. But this also means we need to be selective and thoughtful. We should invest in ministries and organizations that demonstrate integrity and accountability. It’s about ensuring our gifts align with our faith, so that what we give is used effectively to further God’s work on earth.

Christians should giving with Discernment.

Here are a few ways to approach giving with discernment without losing the spirit of generosity:

Research the Ministry or Cause: Take the time to understand the mission, leadership, and accountability of the organization you’re supporting. Are they transparent about their finances? Do they have a proven track record?

Pray for Guidance: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your giving. Sometimes, God prompts us to give without knowing the outcome. But other times, He nudges us to look deeper before committing.

Stay Informed: Regularly check in on the organizations you support. Many ministries provide updates or newsletters that show how donations are being used. Stay engaged and make sure the work aligns with your values.