It’s been said that we most resemble God when we give, because God is a Giver (John 3:16).

We are only caretakers and managers of the financial resources God has entrusted to us, not owners. He desires us to be His conduits to alleviate suffering and inequities in the world, and to help take the Gospel to the lost. Ultimately, we do this for the display of His glory and the renown of His great name.

When we give, it blesses not just one but three people—us, the recipient, and God. There’s an unparalleled joy that comes from being generous stewards of what God has entrusted to us in service to meeting the needs of others—a joy so deep and satisfying. Indeed, few things compare to that profound sense of satisfaction in knowing we've made a meaningful difference in someone's life that also delights God's heart.

Scripture (2 Corinthians 9:6-15) teaches that generosity maximizes joy. We desire this deep joy—not merely for the sake of personal joy or as an end in itself, but rather, as a means to joy in Christ by joying in what brings Him joy. And which of us would say we can't use more joy? Whether we or not we realize it, giving is perhaps the best antidote to joylessness.

Because God is gracious, the blessings we receive when we give are always greater than if we had kept it.

Our aim is nicely summed up in this acrostic:

G — glorify God through grateful generosity
I — invest to rescue people from suffering
V — vie for soul-stirring joy
E — enrich your eternal future