Becoming “Rich” Without Being Stingy

Most people think that stinginess is a negative trait , and a stingy person is usually disliked. A stingy person does not like to share what they have with others. In fact, someone can even be stingy toward themselves, for example by hesitating to spend money on their own needs.

As a Christian, we need to understand that the Lord Jesus teaches us not to be miserly, but rather to give with a willing heart. This teaching is reflected in the example of His own life.

Through the following three points, I invite you to reflect on “Am I a stingy person?” and to understand the mindset about giving that God desires from us.

Stinginess Does Not Make You Well Supplied

Back when I was still proud of being a stingy person, I tended not to care if someone needed help. I would rather lie than have to spend money. My reason was, “I myself am lacking, so why should I give to others?” I equated stinginess with frugality, and thought that by doing so, I would become rich. The reality? Not really.

The book of Proverbs teaches:

One person gives generously, yet becomes richer; another withholds excessively, yet always comes to poverty. – Proverbs 11:24

Indeed, giving means sacrificing something, but God teaches us not to worry about tomorrow. Being stingy does not guarantee a person’s financial security , because God is the One who has authority over the course of human life.

Being rich here is not only about wealth or material things. God can sustain our lives in many ways. When I give something—money, effort, time, attention—my heart is filled with joy. On the other hand, when I need help, there are always fellow believers willing to help me. I learned that when I give, I actually feel relieved because I am able to help others.

In addition, the meaning of being rich also includes the wisdom we gain as we strive to manage our finances wisely. With wisdom this, I no longer ever feel lacking, and the label of being stingy that clung to me slowly faded away.

Give as Unto the Lord

I used to divide people into two categories: those worthy of receiving and those not worthy of receiving. I considered my friends worthy of my generosity, but not those whom I did not consider close to me. 

This view is of course the opposite of what Jesus did during His life on earth. He gave with all His heart and without regard to status—to sinners, the righteous, the sick, nobles, fishermen, and the poor. Not only did Jesus set an example through His attitude, He also taught this mindset about giving in words:

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’” – Matthew 25:40

Jesus wants us to give as if to God Himself. Yet perhaps you wonder, “How can I possibly give something to God, when the one receiving my help is a human being?” 

When you give something to someone, consider that you are giving thanks to God, who has given everything for you. Be thankful that your daily needs are still being met. When I learned to be grateful for what I have, I began to see the needs of others around me. I thought about things that could please God’s heart, not just my own.

There will certainly be challenges, especially when it comes to giving to people we do not like. At times like this, it feels tempting just to be stingy, doesn’t it? But remember that God has never been stingy toward us. He always provides for your needs and mine, and not infrequently, helps us through other people. With this mindset, you can find it easier to help others. 

Giving Wisely

Often we are stingy for reasons such as “I don’t have money,” or “I don’t have time.” Things like these become justification for us to be miserly.

The question is, does “giving” mean giving away everything we have until we have nothing left? Of course not, right? God wants us to give wisely. Let us look at what the Bible says about this.

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” – Luke 14:28

Through this verse, I learned how good it is if we plan everything that we want to achieve. When I first began learning to give, what was planted in my mind was “I must not look stingy.” But what happened afterward was that my personal finances became a mess. This was certainly not a wise step, but the good news is that we can still give with planning.

For example, in terms of finances, you can set aside a certain percentage of your income to help people who may be in need. In other words, the money you give comes from a budget that has already been allocated. In terms of time, you can arrange your schedule for a day, a week, or even a month. That way, you know which time slots can be given to others. 

By planning and preparing the things needed, you can give sincerely and wisely. Your joy will not be stolen either, because your needs and responsibilities can still be fulfilled properly. 

Beloved brothers and sisters, remember that God does not want us to be stingy people. Therefore, strive to give for God by learning to manage well the things you can give, and do not worry about your life. Believe it, giving is more beautiful than receiving. Amen!

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