It’s hard to be generous right now. At least that’s how it feels for me. The costs of groceries, gas, healthcare, home energy bills, and everything in between has continued to increase. Some inflation is expected, but the latest inflation has drastically reduced the purchasing power of my family’s money. And with a large family, it sometimes feels like there’s never enough to go around.

The Conflict

How are we supposed to help others when our own homes feel the squeeze of rising prices? Believe me, there is a temptation to decrease my giving in order to increase my financial margin. And for many, cheerful giving is often the first thing that gets cut.

Biblical Examples

The Bible tells us stories about the widow with two small coins, the generosity of the Macedonians, and the hungry widow with only a jar of oil. Those who gave from their hearts even when they had little to give. Why include those stories in the Bible? It’s not because God is trying to build up his heavenly bank account. He’s not after our purses and wallets. When the topic of money is addressed, it’s because God is after our hearts.

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

The story of the widow is simple and profound: All I have is God’s, and He will provide what I need to live on. I’ll be honest, it’s hard for me to think like the widow, with that level of generosity and trust.

Follow The Money

There is something deeply gratifying about investing into your local church, the mission field, and effective non-profit organizations like Lutheran Family Service. In times where my money is tight, would my heart feel better renewing my Netflix subscription, or helping a single mother through an unplanned pregnancy? Would I rather be making monthly payments on my new phone, or have scheduled recurring giving so that my pastor and his family are taking care of their mental wellness? Do I need to take the minivan through the carwash, or could I help a couple contemplating divorce get the help they need? Compassion and care towards others will always outlast the passing spikes in the cost of living by cultivating trust and contentment in our Creator, even when times are tight. Our hearts are filled by helping others. Frankly, we can never afford to NOT give.

Facing Inflation Head On

Being able to help others during times of grief, mental strain, unplanned pregnancy, and marital instability is a currency that never depreciates, regardless of interest rates, taxes, or the stock market. God has said time and time again, it’s not about the amount of the gift, but about your heart. Give proportionally, give sacrificially, and give cheerfully. Give out of what you don’t have to show how much you have been given.