Virtue in Money & Finances

More than money: cultivating a generous heart everyday 

Generosity is often thought of as giving from an abundance, but true generosity is a virtue that extends beyond finances. It is an attitude of trust over fear, abundance over scarcity. Practicing generosity means recognizing what we have been given, stewarding resources wisely, and giving freely while maintaining financial responsibility.

As a child, I witnessed my father’s financial generosity on many occasions. I used to think that once I had the means, I could be generous like him. However, learning from Christian investors and reflecting on the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), I realized that I have already been given something to steward. True generosity starts with recognizing what we already have and discerning what has been entrusted to us for the benefit of others.

Generosity: A Heart of Trust, Not Fear

One of the biggest obstacles to generosity is fear—fear of not having enough, of financial insecurity, or of making mistakes. A generous heart trusts in God’s provision, understanding that our resources are gifts meant to be shared wisely.

Generosity also shifts our focus from comparison to gratitude. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, it invites us to recognize what we can offer. Wealth is not something to hoard, but a tool to bless others.

Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins – not because of the amount, but because she gave out of trust and love (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus says where others gave out of their ‘wealth, she gave out of her poverty’. If she can give so generously then so can we. 

Reflection Question: Do you hesitate to be generous out of fear? How might trusting in God’s provision help you grow in generosity?

Generosity in Everyday Finances

Generosity isn’t just about big donations—it’s found in daily choices. Budgeting for giving, offering hospitality, and using resources to serve others are all expressions of generosity. Even our spending habits reflect our values; supporting ethical businesses and charitable causes is a way of being intentional stewards.

Practical Steps to Growth:

• Plan for Generosity: Set aside a portion of your income for giving, even if it’s small. Research your local community for charitable organisations. It’s wonderful to give to places overseas, but we also have brothers and sisters in need in our own communities too. 
• Practice Non-Monetary Giving: Offer what you have in time, skills, or resources to those in need in your own community.
• Align Spending with Values: Choose purchases that reflect your faith, values and priorities.

Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset

Many hesitate to give because they feel they don’t have enough. This scarcity mindset can create an unhealthy attachment to money, leading to either hoarding or reckless spending. A generous heart recognizes that money is a tool, not a master.

Healthy generosity comes from balancing giving with responsibility. It does not mean putting ourselves in financial distress but creating space in our budget for generosity.

Practical Steps to Growth:

• Gratitude Check: List financial and non-financial blessings to cultivate a sense of abundance.
• Avoid Emotional Spending: Reflect on whether purchases align with generosity goals.
• Delayed Gratification: Before making a big purchase, consider whether that money could serve a greater purpose.

The saints of old who founded orders were very good at modelling this kind of trust to us. They had nothing. They left, house, family and home to follow the Lord, and now he’s asked them to start a new order, or movement and they have nothing. Yet they had everything – they had trust in God. If we are doing God’s will, God will always provide to make his will be done. 

Generosity as a Lifestyle, Not an Obligation

Generosity isn’t a one-time act—it’s a habit. When we plan for generosity, it becomes second nature. Instead of waiting until we “have enough” to give, we learn to give with what we have now.

Generosity also transforms our relationship with money. It shifts our mindset from control and anxiety to gratitude and trust. When we give freely, we experience the joy of knowing that our resources serve a greater purpose.

Reflection Question: What is one way you can grow in generosity today—whether financially, through time, or by sharing your gifts?
Generosity is more than giving money—it’s about cultivating a heart of trust and freedom. When we recognize all we have are gifts from God, we can give joyfully, without fear. True financial freedom comes not from hoarding wealth but from using it wisely to bless others.