Faithful Living to Faithful Leaving Part 1: Open Hands
Editor’s note: This two-part series offers practical steps and insights that equip God’s people to exercise biblical stewardship and generosity in every stage of life—even after we pass.
“Do your giving while you're living, so you're knowing where it's going.” — Ron Blue
Faithful stewardship is not limited to what we earn week by week; it extends to everything God has placed in our hands over time. From our first paychecks to the assets we build and hold, each resource represents an opportunity to participate in God’s work. When believers embrace giving from both income and accumulated assets, they move beyond routine generosity into a more complete expression of trust—one that reflects open hands, surrendered hearts, and a desire to see God’s purposes advanced both now and for generations to come.
Giving From Our Income
Most of us begin our careers earning hourly wages or salaries. As Christ-followers, we aim to be faithful, cheerful givers with what God has entrusted to us—often called tithing or “first-fruits” giving. I like to think of it simply as giving from income.
The Apostle Paul reinforces this rhythm in his teachings to the early Church:
1 Corinthians 16:1–2
Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.2 Corinthians 8:3–7
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.2 Corinthians 9:6–11
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Practically, this becomes a lifelong pattern: give first, save next, and live on the rest. But Paul points to something deeper than good habits—he highlights transformed hearts. These believers wanted to give. They gave themselves first to the Lord, then their resources. Their generosity wasn’t forced; it overflowed with joy.
For those with variable income—sales, seasonal work, or self-employment—the principle still holds. It may take more discipline, but setting aside first-fruits in variable income situations invites the same joy and trust in God’s provision.
Then there are the “extra” moments—bonuses, commissions, property sales, tax returns, and inheritances. These aren’t just windfalls; they’re opportunities. Preparing for them (whether through a designated account or donor-advised fund) allows you to respond when God nudges: “You can give here—let’s talk about how much.” And yes, that kind of spontaneous generosity is as joyful as it sounds.
Giving from Our Assets
Another form of generosity is giving from accumulated assets—what we might call wealth. Scripture shows this pattern clearly:
Acts 4:36–37
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.1 Timothy 6:17–19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Often, this kind of giving comes later in life and may involve financial professionals and some creative (and yes, tax-friendly) tools. But rather than wander into the weeds, let’s examine what this can look like in real life.
John’s Story
John heard a missionary share about a $37,000 project to build a hydroponic garden—one that would feed and employ women rescued from trafficking. He has a long-held stock portfolio, with some investments that have grown tenfold. He knows selling them would bring a significant tax bill. Then he found out that the ministry can accept gifts of stock. At the same time, the Holy Spirit is stirring his heart for these women.
It clicks. By donating just two appreciated holdings, John can fund the entire project. Prepared assets meet a Spirit-led moment—and he gives, joyfully and immediately.
How was John ready for this? Over time, he had accumulated and held assets—through investing, inheritance, or compensation—that had matured to a point where they could be given. The same principle applies to other assets, even businesses: build patiently, hold intentionally, and release when the Lord prompts.
Levi’s Story
Levi is quiet, faithful, and has loved Jesus since childhood. He worked a modest factory job for decades, lived simply, and gave generously—even when there wasn’t much to give. Along the way, he sensed God whisper, “Someday you’ll give away millions.”
In his late 50s, during a downturn in the housing market, Levi bought a small rental property. Then another. And another. Over 35 years, he built a substantial real estate portfolio.
Now in his 90s, Levi has “turned the spigot around.” He’s watching that quiet promise unfold—funding schools, supporting safe homes for women, and investing in pastoral financial health initiatives. He may not see it all completed, but he’s seeing enough to bring him present joy and the assurance of future impact.
Levi is giving beyond what he once imagined—but not beyond what God promised. And it didn’t happen overnight. It grew out of a lifetime of faithful stewardship, one ordinary step at a time.
Faith & Finance Perspective
Sometimes generosity looks like a single, Spirit-prompted moment. Other times, it’s the slow, steady work of a lifetime. Either way, God seems to honor both the spontaneity and intentional planning when it comes to generosity toward the things that are closest to His heart.
When we give, we receive untold blessings—not necessarily in the form of additional wealth, but rather in the joy that comes with being partakers in God’s divine nature. He set the standard for generosity, and He delights when we emulate His character.
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” — 2 Corinthians 9:11
