Missionary Amy Carmichael once expressed a powerful truth: “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”
That quote reminds us that generosity isn’t just something we do—it reflects who we are in Christ. So, how do we grow into more joyful, intentional givers? Today, we’ll talk with Ron Blue about what he calls “living giving”— and how that mindset can bring real financial freedom.
Ron Blue is the Co-Founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, most notably Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment.
Giving Is a Spiritual Decision
Giving reflects our trust in God. When we give—and give first—we’re saying, “Lord, You gave this to me, and I’m returning to You what’s already Yours. I trust You to meet my needs.”
It’s a profound shift in perspective. Instead of centering our financial lives on ourselves, giving reorients our hearts toward God’s purposes. It stretches our faith and loosens money’s grip on our hearts. It doesn’t shrink your life—it expands it.
Ron Blue classically says, “Do your giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going.” That’s more than a catchy phrase. It’s a philosophy rooted in joy. Too many people wait until death to make significant gifts, missing the delight of seeing God work through their generosity in real time.
There’s something deeply joyful about watching God use what you’ve given. It’s not just about writing a will—it’s about living with open hands.
True Financial Freedom Starts With Open Hands
Think of your money like a closed fist or an open hand. When your fist is closed, you’re trying to control or keep what you think is yours. But when you open your hand, you’re saying to God, “This is Yours. Use it as You will.”
That’s what true financial freedom looks like—not merely having enough, but being free from money’s control altogether. God doesn’t need our money, He wants our hearts. And He knows that money is one of the greatest competitors for our love.
As you reflect on your own financial life, maybe it’s time to stop asking, “How much do I have to give?” And start asking, “How can I use what I’ve been given to glorify God—right now?”
You can find Ron’s book Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment wherever books are sold.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- I use a donor-advised fund for charitable contributions and would like to contribute to a mission trip that my church is organizing. I'm wondering if it’s legal from an IRS standpoint to contribute directly to an individual going on a mission trip, or do I give it to the mission fund?
- I’m paying off a credit card after my mom’s death, which costs me $320 a month. I have two options: continue with my current plan or have my wife assist me in paying it off. I wanted to get advice