Generosity is more than just a financial transaction—it’s a profound act of faith that transforms both the giver and the recipient.
The Stewardship Generosity Report 2025 reveals compelling evidence of this truth, showing how committed Christians not only give more but experience the greatest joy in doing so.
Generosity and joy: a biblical perspective
The Bible speaks frequently about the relationship between generosity and joy. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse encapsulates a key theme from the report: those who give with a willing heart experience deep emotional and spiritual rewards.
The Generosity Report found that 42% of Committed Christians feel joy from their giving, compared to just 10% of Cultural Christians. Committed Christians are those who attend church and read the Bible at least once a week, Cultural Christians identify as Christian but attend church less than once a month. This upward trend of giving correlates directly with the depth of Christian practice. Regular engagement with Scripture and church not only inspires greater generosity but enhances the emotional rewards of giving.
Real stories of joyful giving
One respondent, Kesiena, shared how her giving is an act of worship. For her, generosity stems from gratitude for what God has done in her life. She noted that reading the Bible, particularly passages like 2 Corinthians 9, has shaped her views on money and giving. “I just feel joyful to give,” she said, reflecting the deep connection between faith and generosity.
Another respondent, Emmanuel, spoke about how gratitude drives his giving. “It has made me want to give more to charities as a thank you for what God has done.” Emmanuel’s experience highlights how generosity not only serves others but also strengthens the giver’s relationship with God.
Why giving brings joy
The report identifies several factors that contribute to the joy of giving and generosity:
- Spiritual fulfilment: Many respondents found that faithful giving matches more closely with what they read in the Bible and this in turn deepens their sense of purpose.
- Community connection: Joyful generosity leads to strengthened ties with friends, family and church community. Committed Christians in particular are much more likely to discuss their giving with others.
- Positive impact: Witnessing the tangible impact of their generosity reinforces the joy of contributing to causes that align with their faith and values.
Practical steps to experience the joy of giving
There are some steps that we can all take to grow further in joyful generosity:
- Reflect on Scripture: Spend time in prayer and Bible study to understand God’s heart for giving. Quiet contemplation of short passages like Luke 6:38 can provide encouragement and a window how God views our generosity.
- Start small, grow steadily: If you’re not already giving regularly, begin with a manageable amount and prayerfully consider increasing it over time.
- Connect your giving to gratitude: Reflect on the blessings God has given you and let that gratitude for his kindness inspire your own attitude to generosity.
- Engage in community: Share your giving journey with trusted friends or your church to draw inspiration, encourage one another and offer accountability.
A call to challenge our generosity
Generosity is a journey that blesses both the giver and the receiver. As the report shows, the deeper our faith, the greater our joy in giving. We can challenge ourselves to grow in this grace, discovering the profound joy that comes from aligning our resources with God’s purposes.
As you reflect on your own generosity, a great thing to ask and pray about is ‘How is God calling me to give more joyfully?’
You could also consider attending a Journey of Generosity (JOG) event, a free opportunity to prayerfully reflect on your giving story and future aspirations. These events are done in small groups and are a wonderful opportunity to genuinely explore giving and generosity.
Get started with a Stewardship Giving Account
A Stewardship Giving Account can help you discover more charities working for causes you care about. It provides you with full visibility of how much you give and who you are supporting, and the flexibility to make changes to your giving at any time. Find out how you could be increasing the impact of your gifts today.
Learn to live more generously
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Matt Holderness
Matt joined Stewardship in 2022 with over twenty years of marketing experience from roles at Kendal College and Capernwray Bible School. He has degrees in Business and Marketing, Theology, Management and most recently a Masters in Hermeneutics.
Through raising awareness of Stewardship’s various products and services, Matt helps people explore the Kingdom impact that their growing generosity can have, and helps the Church and Christian charities gather faithfully and grow purposefully.
He’s passionate about supporting Evangelism and Bible causes, and has a particular interest in charities that are helping people in Poverty and Debt in the UK.
