This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
When I think about biblical generosity, two people come to mind: my grandmother and my mother. When we had needs beyond what my parents could meet, Grandma Jane was always there to offer support. Likewise, my mother displayed and expressed generosity through sacrificial giving to our local church with regular gifts and offerings.
I often connect the generosity of my mother and grandmother with the impactful sermons from my childhood pastor, who regularly taught about generosity and stewardship. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and the examples they set at such a formative time.
When we consider the glory of God, we think about his perfection and holiness all wrapped up in His love for creation. Biblical generosity in view of God’s glory starts with an understanding that God first loved us, and He gave mankind the gift of His one and only Son—our King, Jesus!
Knowing this, we can begin to comprehend and understand that God owns it all and that our mindset and relationship toward money starts with understanding that we are merely stewards. God is the true owner, as the psalmist says in Psalm 50:10: “For every animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 24:1 adds, “The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD.”
An expression of generosity toward individuals, families in need and ministries can meet the tangible needs of others and become a powerful testimony and statement. This demonstrates obedience to God instructing us to be generous and willing to share. When God calls us to an act of generosity, it’s an invitation to participate in His work around us, helping to prioritize life issues and break the hold money can have on our lives.
Giving can also lead to personal reward while being a tangible way to worship and show gratitude toward our Father. As it says in Deuteronomy 15:10, “Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.”
When thinking about your generosity of time, talents and treasure, it’s important to understand your motivation for giving or serving. Understanding our hearts and motives will allow us to understand our intent and determine if moving forward makes sense. Spending regular time with God through prayer, quiet time and regular Bible reading are important when considering a giving strategy and addressing issues around where, when and how much to give.
True generosity is possible when we stay rooted in Scripture and give according to how we have been blessed. Be encouraged by the teachings from the apostle Paul, who wrote:
“Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life” (1Timothy 6:17-19).
Prayer: Father, expose our hearts to the work You are doing around us and help us be alert to the needs of others. Help us to be accountable to Your instruction and obedient to Your calling in our lives. May Your intentions become ours and may You direct our paths. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Evan Longstreth is a senior private wealth advisor and senior partner of Blue Trust and serves as the managing director for the firm’s Eastern U.S. region. As an experienced wealth advisor to individuals, families and businesses, Evan helps clients make wise financial decisions to experience confidence and clarity and leave a lasting legacy. He and his team integrate financial planning, investment management and trust services into financial plans tailored to his clients’ needs. Evan serves on the board of directors for FCA in Georgia. He and his wife, Susan, live in Cumming, Ga., with their four children.
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