Giving That Feels Good

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv

Take God At His Word – Part 1

Introduction: Taking God at His Word About Money and the Heart

This morning, we are beginning a new series called “Take God at His Word.” That phrase is simple, but incredibly powerful. What if we really believed that everything God says in His Word is true? What is we believe that God’s Word is true about every part of life, including our finances?

You may be surprised to learn that the Bible says more about money and possessions than almost any other topic. In fact, there are over 2,300 verses in Scripture that deal with money, wealth, giving and stewardship. Why? Because God knows that how we handle money reveals much about our hearts. And He wants to guide us to freedom and joy in this area.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

God’s Word is meant to guide us, not just spiritually, but practically. His wisdom covers how we live, how we treat others, how we give and how we manage everything He’s entrusted to us. And let’s be honest, many people are struggling financially right now. Inflation, debt, and fear about the future are real concerns.

But the good news is that God has not left us without help. He wants to speak to us through His Word. He wants to show us how to experience peace and joy, not stress and worry, when it comes to money.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

The way forward may not always be obvious to us, but when we trust God and follow His Word, He will lead us.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

When we put God first in every area of our lives, even with our finances, He promises to provide what we need. All these things referred to in this verse are the needs we are tempted to worry about. The keyword in this verse, I would encourage you to circle is first. We are not to seek God’s kingdom second to our needs, but first above our needs.

When we put God first, hen and only then does God promise to provide for us everything we need. That’s what this series is all about, learning to trust God enough to take Him at His Word, especially when it comes to how we handle money. Today, we’re going to begin with an honest look at why we give, what motivates us. Because when our motivations line up with God’s heart, giving becomes not a burden, but a blessing.

It becomes Giving That Feels Good, the title of today’s message. So let’s begin to look at different types of motivations for giving.

Motivation #1: Guilt (“Have to“ giving)

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV) Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

This verse clearly rejects guilt-based giving. It tells us that God loves cheerful givers, people who give out of joy, no obligation. Yet guilt is one of the most common motivators in churches. People feel pressured to give to avoid judgement, to quiet their conscience, or to meet imposed expectations.

While guilt can be effective in motivating people in the short term, it cannot produce the joy and freedom that God desires for us.

Romans 8:1 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Guilt-based giving undermines the gospel. If we are not under condemnation, the our giving should never be an effort to earn favor with God or avoid His disapproval. Giving out of guilt may momentarily ease a troubled conscience, but it does not cultivate a generous heart. Instead, it stunts spiritual growth by keeping people in a cycle of fear and compulsion.

Application: Move from Pressure to Peace in Giving

Think about the times in your life when you’ve felt good about giving to someone. Perhaps it was a Christmas gift to your children or a birthday gift to your spouse. How did it make you feel to give to a family member? It feels good to give to your family because you love them and want them to be blessed.

How would your children or spouse feel if you gave them a gift and said” Here’s something I got for you. I don’t really want to give it to you, but I feel like I have to because it’s Christmas.” Neither you, nor your family would feel good about that kind of gift. God doesn’t want His children giving to Him out of guilt or compulsion either. He wants us to give willingly with a cheerful heart.

I you’ve been giving out of guilt, it’s time to bring that into the light. Confess it to the Lord and receive His grace. The next time you give say, Thank You, Lord, that I don’t have to give, I get to give. That shift in motivation can move your heart from pressure to peace in giving.

Motivation #2: Responsibility – “Ought to” Giving

This motivation is giving because we feel we ought to. There are rules and we have to follow God’s rules.

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Paul calls believers to treat giving as a spiritual discipline just like prayer or faith. There is a healthy sense of responsibility in this motivation. Giving because we know it honors God and supports His work is a sign of spiritual maturity. It helps us fund ministry and trains us to be consistent stewards.

Yet, when responsibility becomes the only motivation, t can reduce giving to a chore or a box to check off.

James 4:17 (ESV) So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Responsibility-based giving acknowledges the rightness of generosity. But it can also create a mindset of doing the minimum. I gave my part, so I’m done. That attitude limits the joy and freedom that God wants to release in our lives. It’s possible to be faithful in duty, but miss the deeper joy that comes from heartfelt generosity.

Application: Go Beyond “Ought To” into Devotion

This week, examine whether responsibility has become the ceiling on your generosity. Before you give, ask: “Am I just fulfilling an obligation or am I responding to God’s grace?” Try giving slightly beyond what you normally do, not out of duty, but as an act of devotion. Watch how your heart responds when you move beyond “ought to” into “want to.”

Motivation #3: Needs – “Want to” Giving

2 Corinthians 8:13-14 (ESV) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need.

Paul highlights the value of needs-based giving within the church. When we see someone in need, our hearts are stirred to act. This motivation is powerful because it connects giving with compassion. It often leads to sacrificial generosity and draws people into deeper community.

When the church gives to meet needs, it reflects the heart of Jesus.

1 John 3:17-18 (ESV) But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

John connects giving directly to love. When we give to meet real needs, we express the love of God in a tangible way. However, this motivation can be limited. Some people don’t respond if the need doesn’t emotionally move them. Others may not recognize long-term ministry needs that aren’t urgent or visible.

As a result, need-s based giving can fluctuate, making it an unreliable foundation.

Application: Be Compassionate and Consistent

Ask the Lord to show you one need you can meet this week. It might be a person you know, the needs of our church family or the needs of the missionaries we support. Give joyfully to the need. But also commit to regular giving toward the ministries of our church family. Let your giving be both compassionate and consistent.

Motivation #4: Thanksgiving – “Can’t Help It” Giving

Luke 17:17 (ESV) Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?”

In this story only one leper who was healed returned to thank Jesus. This reveals the deeper truth that thankfulness is not automatic, even after blessing. When we truly recognize what God has done, gratitude flows naturally. Giving out of thanksgiving is deeply rewarding.

It’s an expression of praise to the Lord for all His blessings in our lives. When we are aware of God’s goodness, we can’t help but give back to Him.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV) says: He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

God is the one who supplies seed to the sower so that they will have an abundant harvest. God is the one who gives us the money we have to meet our needs and to sow into His kingdom and church. When we sow what He has given us, he increases our harvest and gives us more seed for sowing. In these amazing verses, God promises to enrich His children in every way, so that we can be generous in every way.

Our giving of thanksgiving, from what God has given us, results in even greater thanksgiving by those blessed by our giving.

Application: Give as an Act of Praise

This week, when you spend time in prayer, take time to think of things you are thankful to God for. Then when you prepare your weekly giving, give out of gratitude for one of those blessings. Make that gift an act of praise. Say, “Lord, I’m giving today because you’ve been so good to me. Give believing that God will give you even more seed to sow into His kingdom.

Thanksgiving kind of giving will lift your spirit and honor the Giver of all good gifts we have.

Motivation #5: Worship – “It’s My Nature” Giving

2 Corinthians 8:5 (ESV) And this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

The Macedonian believers in this verse didn’t just give money, they gave themselves. Their financial generosity flowed from a heart already surrendered to God. That’s the highest motivation for giving, worship. When giving becomes part of your nature because of your relationship with Jesus, it’s no longer about obligation, guilt or need, it’s about honoring God.

Philippians 4:18 (ESV) I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Paul describes the financial gifts for ministry as worship offerings. When we give with hearts full of love, it pleases God. Our giving becomes a sacrifice, not one of loss, but of joy. This kind of giving reflects God’s character and builds His Kingdom.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 (ESV) They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share… thus storing up treasure… so they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Worshipful giving changes how we live. It stores up eternal treasure that will last forever. It helps us take hold of true life that God has for us, here and now. There are no weaknesses in this motivation of worship. It reflects maturity, joy, commitment and spiritual strength. It’s the goal of every generous heart.

Application: Surrender What You Hold and Receive God’s Best

A little girl of five went shopping with her mother. In the store, she saw a little necklace of imitation white pearls and said, “Mommy, mommy, can I please have them?” Her mother checked the price and said, “If you really want them, I’ll have some extra chores for you to do, so you can save enough money to buy them for yourself.”

The little girl saved her money for a number of weeks and was finally able to buy the necklace. She just loved it and wore it all the time. Her father used to read her a story every night before she went to bed. One night, he asked her, “Jenny, do you love me?” She said, “Yes, Daddy, you know that I love you.”

“Then give me your pearls.” She said, “Not my pearls, you can have my Princess horse.” He said, “OK, I love you, good night.” A week later, Jenny’s Dad asked her again, “Do you love me?” “Daddy, yes I love you.” “Then give me your pearls.” Oh Daddy, not my pearls, but you can have my baby doll.”

That’s OK, Daddy loves you. A few nights later when her Daddy came in to see Jenny, she was crying. He asked her, “What’s wrong?” She handed her little pearl necklace to him and said “Daddy, this is for you.” Her father took the dime store necklace, reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and handed it to Jenny.

He had it all along. He wanted her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her a genuine treasure. And so it is with our heavenly Father. We hold on to our money and possessions so tightly, afraid to let go. Yet when we give to God in worship because we love Him, He has so much more to give back to us.

Conclusion: From Fear to Faith—Discover Giving That Feels Good

As we begin this series on Taking God at His Word, I want to encourage you, don’t rush the process. God speaks about money not to pressure us, but to free us. His Word is rich with wisdom about generosity and giving to bless us. His Word teaches us about the heart God wants us to have behind it all.

This series is about each of us asking: “Lord, what are you teaching me through your Word about how I think about money, giving and trust?” Because as we listen to God’s Spirit, and our motivations change, the rest will follow naturally. God desires to take each one of us from fear to faith in our finances. Recent polls show that 50-70% of Americans are struggling with finances in 2025.

As we learn to Take God at His Word, we can replace worry with worship. That’s why I’m so excited that every family will receive a free copy of Take God at His Word today. I’d like to ask the ushers to pass out the books, one per family. As you take the book home, please do this.

Reach chapter 1 this week as a family, it’s not long. My message is not a repeat of the book, so it will be new material on the same topic. Pray together about it, include your children, they need to learn these principles as well. Invite the Holy Spirit to begin shaping your understanding of what God says about giving.

Finally, join you Life Group this week to have a discussion about chapter one in Take God at His Word. Life groups are Wednesday at church, Sunday morning at church, Sunday afternoon in High Ridge (not this week) and ‘Thursday evening in Fenton. If you’re not in a Life Group, check your bulletin for times and attend one that fits your schedule to learn together. This discussion will help you process God’s principles even more deeply.

Today, I’m inviting you to take a new step in taking God at His Word. Open your heart to what God’s Word says. Let Him lead you. As we continue this journey together, I believe you’ll discover that when we take God at His Word about giving, it leads to joy and freedom. A kind of giving that truly feels good.

📘 Continue the Journey

Reflect deeper and apply this week’s message with the Message Study Guide — perfect for personal devotions, family discussion, or your Life Group.

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