Giving Wisely?

by Johnathan Martin

Is The Money We Are Generously Giving Causing More Harm Than Good?

We see the needs. We hear the cries. We listen to the emotional appeals to sacrifice and to be generous with all we have. So we give.

But we give without knowledge. We give without understanding and viable relationships. In our ignorance, the very gift we have given to help so often destroy. The inequities created by our gift divide entire communities. Jealousy and fights ensue. We create beggars. Good men are corrupted.

Tragically, such stories are not the exception but the rule. Is this Generosity? Our guilt is appeased but great harm is done.

That is what this book is about. It is a tour of our own culture and the many ways our money destroys those it was intended to benefit. It also shows us how we--churches, foundations and individuals--can apply timeless principles so we can know our stewardship of God's resources is accomplishing God's purposes both in our lives and in the lives of those who will die if we don't learn to give wisely.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

199 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not polished, but full of wisdom from a life spent in international ministry and missions. Plenty of real-life stories, as well as two original parables.

[Robin Centgraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viele gute Ansätze für richtiges Geben, jedoch zu viel Kritik an anderen Methoden.

[Randy Alcorn]

Jonathan Martin’s book Giving Wisely? is a significant contribution to the body of Christ, raising important questions that demand good answers. We need to give more generously and more strategically at the same time, being careful not to harm the very people we want to help. As a former missionary and missions pastor at my home church, I have seen Jonathan bring rich experience and passion to this subject. He offers guidelines that alert and encourage us toward giving that will have a lasting impact. I commend Jonathan for his transparency about his own growth in this area, and his heart to encourage individuals and organizations to give more, but at the same time give more wisely.

[Milan Homola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good book...to the point and very practical....even bold I would say. The first few chapters and the epilogue try a little too hard...but the meat of the book is superb. The principle is R.A.I.S.E (Relationship, Accountability, Indigenous Sustainability, Equity). Its really good and very helpful for any person or church dealing with issues of giving locally and to foreign missions. I highly recommend the book

[Charyla Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book for those who give money away to help people--especially in foreign countries where we do not always understand the culture and the politics involved. It will cause you to think and maybe create a better scenario for a more long-term solution to the problem of poverty

[Todd Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and provocative book. Each church should have multiple pastors and elders read it. It is frightening that we can do such harm with our gifts. It is even more frightening that so few churches care.