Discernment For Donations

Often I receive Facebook friend requests from ministers (mostly from Africa and Asia) who eventually ask for money. This is despite a notice on my wall stating I do not send donations in response to unsolicited emails. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (KJV) tells us “…to know them which labour among you.” While some of the appeals I receive may be for legitimate purposes, many others are fraudulent.

I prefer giving to preachers whose teachings have impacted my life. As Galatians 6:6 says, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” However, we must watch out for scammers setting up Facebook pages pretending to be well-known ministers. A fellow evangelist told me about a time he exchanged messages with someone claiming to be Joyce Meyer. He knew it wasn’t real when “Joyce” started asking for money.

One article I found online listed these excellent suggestions for giving:

1) Let the world take care of worldly charities.
2) Support your local church with tithes and offerings.
3) Decide which Christian ministries to support.
4) Give generously but with discernment.

Jesus commended the unjust steward in Luke 16:8 “…because he had dealt shrewdly.” He went on to say, “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” Believers shouldn’t be gullible and haphazardly give money to anyone approaching them for a donation. One can discern who to give to by reading the Word of God consistently, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and using common sense.   

God wants us to be cheerful givers…but also smart ones.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16

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