IT HAS been a spiritual journey, my learning something of how to give as God directs. When I had a substantial income, real love, interest and sympathy had little part in my giving. I never thought of my capacity to give in proportion to my resources, much less of putting it under the guidance of God. As appeals came, I wrote checks—sentimentally, emotionally, or prompted by a sense of duty.

During the second year of the depression almost every material possession I had was taken from me. The experience of finding myself on the receiving rather than the giving end made a profound impression. Previously I had taken gifts for granted. In gifts to me at that time by several friends I saw with new eyes a quality of concern and sympathy and love which my own giving had lacked.

I discovered many truths as I began to think through and to put into action steps in the process of learning how God means us to give. The first was the significance of the words, “Of Thine Own have we given Thee”. Once I began to see that all we have is God’s and that whether much or little we are to be stewards of it, I knew that out of little as well as out of much, God had a plan for my giving.

Guidance came to put aside a tenth of every amount that came into my hands, no matter how small. Further guidance indicated practical use for these modest sums—the purchase of books which had spiritually helped me, books which could give others knowledge which had changed the course of my life.

Another step which I learned was to eliminate fear from giving, as I experienced the great truth that where God does guide He also does provide.

Another step was that giving for the sake of receiving was not good enough, of course, and contains impurity of motive; but that God asks more of us than giving just money in opening our minds and hearts to Him. For me, however, the willingness to give, in every area, has put money in its proper place. The realization that it is God’s money has brought a greater and deeper sense of gratitude than I had ever experienced.