Doctrinal Brief: Sacrificial Giving

Abstract

Prof. Schuetze discusses how the concept of “sacrificial giving” is misused. The idea that giving should cause some pain (“give until it hurts”) is not biblical. The new man actually derives pleasure from giving, not pain. Also, the idea that giving to the church means some other part of our lives must suffer is also in error. We need to be good stewards of God’s gifts in every part of our lives, church, family, work, etc. He concludes by reminding his readers that the only sacrifice God asks is ourselves, and that only our sinful nature should feel any pain in giving.