Stingy souls cut back on giving to ministry and missions, calling it prudent saving. They don't realize they're actually hurting themselves. They claim they must support their families, forgetting that neglecting God's house often leads to their own downfall. God can bless our efforts greatly or allow our plans to fail. With a single motion, He can lead us to prosperity or leave us in financial ruin.

Scripture teaches that God blesses the generous and leaves the stingy to discover that hoarding leads to lack. I've observed that the most generous Christians are also the happiest and often the most prosperous. The generous find unexpected wealth, while the miserly often fall into poverty through their own thrift. People trust good stewards with more, and so does the Lord: He gives abundantly to those who give freely.

When material wealth isn't given, God blesses us with contentment for having dedicated a portion to Him. Selfishness places home first, but true faith seeks God's kingdom first. In the end, selfishness leads to loss, while godliness brings great reward. It takes faith to give generously, but God is more than worthy of our trust. No matter how much we give, it's only a small thanks for His amazing goodness to us.