Everyday we hear about people affected by calamities, or tragedies, or those who are in extreme poverty needing immediate financial assistance. As a steward of God’s wealth, how would you respond to all these?
Each one of us should exercise wisdom whenever give. We are not responsible to give a hand to each of the so many ministries and charitable causes that we encounter and hear or read about on TV, radio or the internet. We are not required to donate every time there is a call to give.
If you are caught in such situation, pray for wisdom to make the right choice. Sometimes you have to say “No” to a letter from an organization soliciting funds from you for a worthy cause. You don’t need to feel guilty or sinful for rejecting requests for donations.
But here are some healthy suggestions to help you donate a portion of your savings wisely.
1) Always pray for knowledge and wisdom.
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” – Philippians 1:9
Receive God’s blessing of knowledge and wisdom. Discern to identify which are real needs.
Most of the times we get very emotional whenever we hear a plea for help in our communities or from our friends. Don’t let emotions overcome you. Always pray before committing yourself to give money. As much as possible, wait and pray for it for at least a day before making that decision to shell out whatever you have.
2) Give to your church or spiritual communities
Give your tithes to the church or community that helps nourish your spiritual life. Consider also giving extra offerings to help missionaries and various ministries.
By doing this, you are building more faith and confidence to give more.
3) Give support to church volunteers and workers that you know
I have been a “church kid” as a sacristan or altar knight since I was 10 up until today. And from this experience, I was able to witness the beautiful hearts of the many poor church workers I have met and loved as brothers and sisters through out these years. Of course, there are some manongs and manangs who will always ruin the day of us sacristans, but that’s another story altogether.
But nevertheless, my wife and I always feel good and excited whenever we support the ministries of our trusted friends and neighbors.
4) Assess an individual’s need before giving
You must have been in a situation when a friend struggles to make ends meet. If you find this friend doing his or her best to lift himself or herself up from where he or she is now, don’t hesitate to help.
However, if a friend cries to you for help and then the next day you see her posting photos on Facebook with comments like “[Name the restaurant here] din pag may time.” then bailing him or her out may be the worst decision that you will have to make.
5) Give to Christian relief organizations and charitable institutions
Giving to reputable Christian organizations such as the Catholic Caritas Manila or the Evangelical Operation Blessing is much better than giving to individual victims or survivors of calamities. These organizations are much more experienced and have the expertise to run shelters and feeding programs more effectively.
6) Practice due diligence before giving to unknown organizations
It’s easier these days to check on the reputation and legality of an organization that is asking for financial assistance.
First, Google it. Second, ask your friends or relatives if they are familiar with the name of that particular organization. Lastly, check if it is registered as a foundation or an NGO or a non-profit organization at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
7) If you got fooled one time, never stop being generous
There is a saying that goes like “Ang mapagbigay, napaglalamangan.”
If you are wondering where I took that quote, don’t worry, I just invented it. 😛
But on a serious note, there is some truth to it. Sometimes your being generous are being exploited by some people, even by the ones you love. But whatever happens, never stop helping other people.
If a person or a friend took advantage of you, pray for him or her. And then ask God to help you become wiser the next time around.
Follow my posts on generosity and selfless giving by subscribing to RockToRiches|BurnGutierrez.Com.
Rock your way to abundance!
#moneyliferocknroll
P.S. 1. Are you an OFW who’s been looking for a investment placement where your money could grow higher than your time deposit accounts? Are you outside of Metro Manila and would like to start investing in mutual funds but have no personal advisors to help you out? Click here so I can help you open a mutual fund account NOW! .
P.S. 2. Join Bo Sanchez at the TrulyRichClub. It’s a fun, learning family with the purpose of “helping good people become rich”. Join the TrulyRichClub today and email me at burngutierrezblog@gmail.com if you have any questions. Click here to join!
If you want me to coach you in improving your finances, type your name and email below and click the Subscribe button: