The Giving Society

I attended a gathering of givers where we took turns telling our stories. The words fun, joy, exciting, and wonderful kept surfacing. There were lots of smiles, laughter, and tears of joy. One older couple shared how they travel around the world, participating in the ministries they give to. Meanwhile, their home is becoming run-down. They said, “Our children tell us, ‘Fix up your house or buy a new one. You can afford it.’ We tell them, ‘Why would we do that?

That’s not what excites us!’ ” Ray Berryman, CEO for a national municipal services firm, says he and his wife give at least half of their income to God’s work each year. “My joy in giving comes from serving God in a way that I know He’s called me to and realizing that what I give is impacting people for Christ,”

Ray says. “It’s exciting to know we’re part of evangelizing, discipling, helping, and feeding the needy. It just feels wonderful.” The more we give, the more we delight in our giving. It pleases us. But more important, it pleases God. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). However, the cheerfulness often comes during and after the act of obedience, not before it. So don’t wait until you feel like giving! Just give and watch the joy follow.