Giving ChallengeSample

You Can Give Abundantly

Some of my favorite podcasters discuss the difference between living in an abundance mindset and a scarcity mindset. It is tempting to see life as a zero-sum game: if you win, I lose. I realized that my fear of not having enough in the future, combined with my competitive nature and tendency to compare myself to others, was what kept me in a scarcity mindset.

In an abundance mindset, I realized there is more than enough for everyone. I developed a willingness to share what I had, and I became excited about others’ success instead of seeing it as a threat. I was more creative, a better collaborator, and my overall contentment went way up.

I also became more generous! It comes really easily for me now.

These podcasters didn’t invent this idea. Paul already understood the abundance mindset. He reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:8 that God blesses us abundantly so we can abound in good works. Notice the pattern: God blesses us, and then we bless others. When we hold tightly to what we have, it shrinks our capacity for love. But when we open our hands, God multiplies both the blessing we give and the blessing we receive.

Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap" (NIV). This picture is one of generosity overflowing beyond what we expect. God’s math does not work like ours. We think subtraction. He works in multiplication.

The wisdom of Proverbs 11:24-25 echoes the same truth: generosity leads to prosperity. This does not always mean financial wealth, but rather the richness of joy, peace, and purpose. Meanwhile, withholding leads to poverty, not because God punishes us, but because stinginess closes us off from the blessings of community and connection.

Giving abundantly does not mean you have to give away everything you own. It means you give freely, joyfully, and generously from what God has entrusted to you. Abundant giving says, "God, I trust You to provide, so I do not have to cling tightly to what I have."

When you give abundantly, you reflect the character of Jesus. And when you do, you will discover the paradox of God’s Kingdom: the more you give, the richer your life becomes.

Challenge:
Today, find one way to give abundantly beyond your usual pattern. It could mean giving extra time to someone who needs a listening ear, donating more than you planned, or serving in a way that stretches you. As you do, trust that God will refresh you as you refresh others.