Does that sound too good to be true? Maybe it does. But if the Bible says it, then you can believe it! God says that if you’ll put him first in your money and learn to be generous, open-handed, and open-hearted, then he will meet all your needs.

Paul says in Philippians 4:17 and 19, “I want you to have the good that comes from giving . . . My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need” (NCV).

God promises to meet all your need—not all your greed. There is a difference, of course, in what you really need and what you sometimes think you need. Thankfully, God knows the difference. He loves you, and he wants to make sure you lack nothing—emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. But he also wants to make sure you learn to be like him, and he is generous.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (NLT).

Nobody should tell you what to give. What’s generous for you is your decision. God loves it when you give because you want to, out of love for him and a desire to be like him.

People often say, “Give till it hurts.” No! Give till it feels good! Give till it becomes joyful. Don’t give reluctantly. Don’t give under pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.

That’s the premise. Now, here’s the promise: “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God has not allowed any wiggle room for himself in this promise. He doesn’t have to! He is able to provide everything you need and more. He is waiting to see you giving cheerfully, generously, and spontaneously—from the heart.