The Urgency of Giving

Have you ever waited to do something you knew was the right thing to do?

Maybe it was a promise you made to help someone, a call to be generous, or a tug on your heart to give—but for some reason, you delayed. Time passed. The urgency faded. The need remained.

That’s exactly what happened in the church at Corinth. In II Corinthians 9, Paul addresses a situation where the Corinthians had made a bold pledge a year earlier to give financial help to the struggling believers in Jerusalem. Their initial eagerness was contagious—it even inspired other churches to give.

But now, they were dragging their feet. Their follow-through didn’t match their passion. And while they waited, the suffering in Jerusalem continued.

Paul didn’t respond with condemnation, but with correction—and encouragement:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – II Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Let’s sit with that word decided. Its root in Latin—decidere—means “to cut off.” To decide is to kill off other options. In this case, it means cutting off hesitation, fear, greed, or anything else that blocks generosity. It’s a heart-level commitment to live with open hands.

I’ve lived on both sides of that decision.

There was a time when my “why” in life revolved around me—my comfort, my plans, my security. I thought if I could build enough financial cushion, then I’d be free to be generous. But that mindset only built walls around my heart. I found myself calculating more than I was caring.

But when God began shifting my perspective—reminding me that everything I have is from Him—my priorities started changing. He increased my capacity to give, not just in money, but in time, patience, and purpose. My old list of wants. It’s shrinking. My new list is simpler: God, use me to bless others.

Three Reasons to Give with Urgency

1. People Are Hurting Now

The Corinthians’ delay didn’t just disappoint Paul—it left real people in need. The same is true today. Pain doesn’t wait for our schedules to clear.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” – Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)

There were moments when I used to tell myself, “I’ll give when things are more stable.” But God challenged me: “What if your stability is someone else’s miracle?” When I started responding to needs in real time, I realized I had more to give than I thought—and every time I acted, God refilled what I had poured out.

2. Giving Grows Your Heart

Giving isn’t about reducing your resources—it’s about expanding your soul. Every time you give, you’re putting to death the lie that says, “I’m the source of my security.”

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” – II Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

When I stopped living with a scarcity mindset and trusted God as my Provider, I saw generosity differently. It became a joy, not an obligation. My motives changed—my "why" matured. I no longer give to feel better or check a box; I give because I’ve been transformed. And transformation always leads to action.

3. Your Giving Points People to God

The end goal of generosity is worship. When you give, people don’t just receive provision—they see the heart of the Giver behind it.

“Through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – II Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

I’ve had people look me in the eye and say, “Thank God,” after receiving help. That moment is bigger than money. It’s a sacred transfer of praise—from giver to God. What a privilege, that our obedience can lead someone else into gratitude and even deeper faith.

A Prayer for Urgent Generosity

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the ultimate Giver. You gave Your Son so we could have life, freedom, and hope. You daily pour out blessings we don’t deserve. And yet, too often, we hold back.

Forgive us for the times we delayed doing what You called us to do. Help us to decide—to cut off fear, greed, and hesitation, and instead walk boldly in obedience.

Give us a heart like Yours—one that gives urgently, cheerfully, and freely. Let every gift be a reflection of Your grace. Use what we give to bless others, to meet needs, and to bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Don’t wait. Decide. Give.
Because God didn’t wait to give to you. And someone’s blessing might be on the other side of your obedience—right now.