Choosing Generosity Over Fear by Katy Dodds

by Rachael Adams | Mar 17, 2022 | The Love Offering Guest Blog Series

I love Jesus, & I want everyone to know Him.

I want everyone to have their lives transformed by Him, the same way mine has been. So much so, that I’ll give whatever I have to spread His love: my time, talents, & treasure.

Actually, that’s not true.

Time & talents, sure. But treasure? That one is a little tough for me.

Because when the cost is treasure, I often freeze up. As it turns out, I really struggle with being stingy.

Even when I feel called to give.

Even when it’s a dear friend, or a horrible situation.

I don’t want to be this way; I want to be generous in every aspect of my life. But if there’s a need that requires more dollars than I’ve budgeted for, I can have a really hard time living by faith.

Instead, fear tends to rise in me. And the generous spirit that flows so freely in so many other areas of my life, suddenly turns to greed.

It’s ironic, really. Because I do know that everything I have comes from God.

But because of that—I reason—it’s my responsibility to be an excellent steward of the gifts He’s given me.

So, I cling to the wisdom of Proverbs:

“Whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”

Proverbs 13:11

Ok God, so I’ll be sure to save.

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Proverbs 10:4

Sounds good God, I’ll keep working hard.

Then I’ll spend on necessities, keep saving for emergencies, and give (well 10% max) away to deserving ministries. I won’t have a love for money, as this can be the root of all kinds of evil. But I’ll definitely make sure I have enough of it.

And in some ways, I’m correct. God does command us to be wise with our finances, & to be good stewards of His gifts.

But that’s still not the full picture.

Because Jesus gave us the simplest & yet greatest command of all—to seek Him & His will first.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33

So what does seeking Him first look like for me? It means that I’ll write a check for that missionary that so desperately needs it. I’ll buy that family a meal when they’re struggling. And I’ll purchase coats for local children this winter, and be sure they’re given to them in the name of Jesus.

It means that when the cost is treasure, I’ll say yes. And all these things that I’m fearing, I can let them go. Because He knows what I need, and promises to provide for me.

All these things.

Trusting God with my finances is the last frontier of faith for me. But each time I allow the voice of faith to be louder than my fear, I never go without. He shows me, over & over again, that He is so sovereign. So much smarter than me. And I can trust Him, with my finances & everything else.

That I can always choose to be generous, in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

About the Author:

Katy Dodds is a Christian mama with a love for words. She enjoys writing about her faith, relationships, wellness, and finding a healthy balance in life. Katy has been published on Her View From Home & Love What Matters. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and spent a decade teaching in public schools. Katy lives with her husband, daughter, and son in The Woodlands, Texas.