BGEA: Am I failing God or making Him angry because I can't give as much financially as others do?

I know God is supposed to bless people if they give money to Him, but I'm on a fixed income, and it's all I can do to keep my head above water financially. Am I failing God or making Him angry because I can't give as much as others do? — Mrs. S.E.

No, God isn't angry because you can't give as much as others. He knows your situation, and He knows what you can and can't do. God never holds us accountable for things we can't do.

Nor is it true that God will automatically bless us just because we give more money to Him. Yes, He does bless us when we give—but only if we give in the right spirit. If we give simply to impress others, for example, then we are giving for the wrong reason—and God will not bless us. Or if we give simply out of a sense of duty and not because we love God, then He will not bless us. The Bible says, "Each man (or woman) should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Or again, some people believe that if they only give enough to God, then He will reward them by letting them into heaven. But this isn't what the Bible teaches. Only Christ can cleanse our souls and save us, as we come by faith to Him and trust Him alone for our salvation. If you have never done so, ask Him to come into your life today.

Then ask God to help you to give—even if it is only a small amount. Remember, God can use even the smallest gift to accomplish His work. One boy had only five pieces of bread and two fish in his lunch—but when he gave them to Jesus, 5,000 people were fed (see Matthew 14:19-21).

8 Comments

Diana says 1.5.2012, 07:08 a.m.

Shouldn't be worried about the little he has to give since that is what he has. All I know is that God is faithful to them that are faithful. If its genuine giving however small it may be God will still bless you. Just be faithful. God bless u.

Deborah says 1.3.2012, 01:28 a.m.

Amen to what Elebia Jo Bell said! God has been so generous and good to us, and to think that we are blessed to have Billy Graham in OUR lifetime--take heed of what he has said. Then pray honestly, give cheerfully, whatever the amount.

Elizabeth says 12.31.2011, 01:46 a.m.

Thank you Reverend Graham I am a Believer on 2 Corinthians 9:7, and as I tell my children adults, all that we have come from God, and these show us how He love us, if we do not have enough give what we have, God Know it.

Doug says 12.29.2011, 2:55 p.m.

Jesus commented of the poor lady that gave only two small pence She gave more that all the rest because she didn't give out of her wealth but all she had

Eleanore says 12.29.2011, 09:28 a.m.

Eleanore- says - When you are living out of a Security check every month - should the church expect me to pay 10. I tried this once and I couldn't make ends meet. Most churches say " You must pay 10 or else." I believe in being a Cheerful giver

Letsie says 12.29.2011, 01:56 a.m.

Thank you so much for this clear answer. So many people/churches focus on giving. Like the person who asked the question I have a fixed income, a pension, and can only do so much with it. 10 is almost all of what I have to live off for the month.

Elebia Jo Bell says 12.28.2011, 8:13 p.m.

Only Billy Graham can give such simple answers to questions and yet answer them completely. God has been so generous to mankind by allowing this man to live and witness and teach us for so many years.

Tim says 12.28.2011, 5:20 p.m.

Refreshing to hear because I feel her situation. Many so many in the same condition.