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Five Reasons Why Your Giving Matters

Five Reasons Why Your Giving Matters

Last updated on: August 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm by Lee Ann B. Marino

Five Reasons Why Your Giving Matters 2026-06-23T00:58:13-04:00 Lee Ann B. Marino

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Do you ever see the collection plate at church and wonder if your giving matters? It seems like every time we turn around, someone, somewhere is asking us for money. Does it matter where we give? More than that, why are we called to give? In a world devised by membership structures, mandatory fees, and automatic drafts, why is giving the desired form of financial distribution among churches? Why is it still required for us to participate in the financial process?

two hands exchanging a flower

Kindness. Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-handing-over-a-flower-9169661/

Giving is good for you

All throughout Scripture, God encourages His people to be givers. Have you ever wondered why this is? It’s because God Himself is a giver.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. (John 3:16-17, NIV)

We often think of this verse in very selfish terms. God did something for our benefit, for the benefit of our salvation. But what did He do? It says He gave. God gives because giving is part of love. Just as God gives, we should do the same and give, too. It forces us to think of others and show them that we really do care.

It helps you grow

Most people desire spiritual growth at some point in their lives. Nobody wants to be stuck where they were at the beginning of spiritual insight forever. That being said, no one who has ever undergone spiritual growth has done so without giving in one form or another. Most testify to the fact that God often challenged their giving as part of the spiritual growth process.

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. (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV)

Whether we want to admit it or not, our giving says a lot about us as people. Where we spend our money reveals our priorities. Our willingness to give as necessary determines what we desire for others as well as what we desire for ourselves. Yes, it’s perfectly understandable that sometimes we must say no and that we can’t give to every cause. But it’s also possible to be stingy while excelling in other spiritual areas.

As Christians, yes, we need to study the Scriptures. It’s essential we desire spiritual gifts. We should monitor our faith, speech, and knowledge. Love must be a priority. So must giving, because your giving matters.

Giving inspires creativity

It’s a mistake to think giving is only about money. Money is a symbol of our giving, but it’s not the only thing or way we give. As Christians, we should give of our time in service to others. Whether it’s serving in our households as we do chores, cook meals, or spend time together, giving time is a primary way we show others we care about them. Volunteering for causes is always a great option, but once again, it’s not the only way we give of our time.

…if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:8, NIV)

We should be excited to serve at church, just as much as we are to volunteer for a cause. The more we look around, the more we see opportunities to help us give in creative ways.

Giving draws us closer to God

As God calls us to give, He also calls us to draw near to Him. To find God for ourselves, we must give ourselves to Him. We understand this principle when we talk about giving up bad habits and trading them for good ones. It’s also true, however, when it comes to giving. When God calls us to give – whether of our finances, something we own, or something within ourselves – we must trust God for the details of that process.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV)

Whether it’s believing God to replace something, bring us something better, or do something totally different from this point on, giving draws us to the heart of God in a more profound way.

Your church can’t make it without you

Overfunding is a common issue among large nonprofit organizations. This means big-name organizations receive so much money, only a percentage of it goes to what the organization is actually about. The rest covers cushy buildings, expensive salaries, and advertising. Unless your church is of international renown (and sometimes even in that situation), your church is likely not overfunded. Between inconsistent attendance, vacations, and the reality that people often don’t give like they used to, your church needs you to give in every way possible. Contrary to what you might think, your church can’t make it without your giving. In a world where we question if our giving matters, this is one instance where it really does.

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (1 Corinthians 16:2, NIV)

Your church board, leadership, or other decision-making members likely have a list of needed repairs, purchases, and new equipment that can’t be met without your participation. Rather than feeling like it doesn’t matter, realize just how much your giving matters.

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About Lee Ann B. Marino

Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino, Ph.D., D.Min., D.D. (”The Spitfire”) is “everyone’s favorite theologian” leading Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z as apostle of SAFE Ministries. Her work encompasses study and instruction on leadership training and development, typology, Pneumatology, conceptual theology, Ephesians 4:11 ministry, and apostolic theology. She is author of over thirty-five books, host of the top twenty percentile podcast Kingdom Now, and serves as founder and overseer of Sanctuary International Fellowship Tabernacle - SIFT and Chancellor of Apostolic Covenant Theological Seminary. Dr. Marino has over twenty-five years of experience in ministry, leadership, counseling, mentoring, education, and business. You can read more about the author here.

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