Financial giving is one of the most powerful ways we can make a positive difference in others’ lives. Ironically, it’s also one of the most feared and misunderstood concepts in the body of Christ. Many Christians tend to shy away from the subject of money because it makes them uncomfortable. Material wealth is a powerful tool we can use to advance God’s kingdom; therefore, it’s critical that we understand how the devil tries to use it against us.

Satan’s favorite weapon is fear. Believers who accept God’s Word concerning every other area of their lives can freeze up when someone mentions the financial realm. This is because they’re afraid that they’ll come up short in their finances by giving generously and in the right spirit. However, we can have complete confidence in what God says to us about blessing others financially. “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (Luke 6:38, NLT).

We live in a world that not only doesn’t believe God’s Word, but also doesn’t even know Him. We differ from others because the personal relationship we have with Jesus Christ reveals to us things the world is completely unaware of. One of those things is the assurance that we can trust God’s promises. “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19, NLT). One of the greatest fears a Christian has is the fear that God’s Word won’t come to pass in their lives; letting this Scripture sink into our hearts neutralizes that fear.

Giving with the right spirit is important. Religion tells us to give, or God will punish us; however, Jesus took all the punishment for our sins when He went to the cross, leaving only the blessings. Contemplating this makes us thankful for what He did, and causes us to give because we want to, not because we feel we have to.“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6, 7). We don’t give to get blessed, but out of joy and thankfulness for already having been blessed.

Everyone needs money on a daily basis; there’s nothing wrong with having it, as long as we don’t hoard it. Jesus knew money had the potential to be a major stumbling block for us, which is why He had plenty to say about it during His earthly ministry. “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). When the world tells us to hang on to what we have for fear of losing it, God’s Word gives us a bigger perspective on what’s really important.

There’s no need to be afraid to give. Being a Christian is all about going above and beyond our comfort zone. Ordinary money takes on supernatural power when entrusted to the One who can multiply it for the good of others.