There are 4 different ways to look at what we offer.

The first is to contribute to the need.

• This is the kind of appeal that is made by almost all charity organizations.
• You've seen the ads on television: a small child holding up an empty rice bowl with an announcer saying something like: "Your check can make a world of difference to a child whose world is one of hunger."
• Show the need and ask for help.
• It is the stuff that charities use...and they use it because it works.
• This kind of fund raising campaign is used to raise funds to fight hunger, disease and many other social ills.
• In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus points to a man who has been beaten and left for dead.
• Then he asks, "Who is a neighbor to this man?" (The one who helped or those who passed by?)
• It counts on us having a compassionate heart.
• The motivation here is in seeing the need.

The second form of solicitation emphasizes what you will receive.

• Put something in the pot and you will be rewarded a hundred-fold.
• "Live now and riches will await you in heaven."
• In the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, the prophet tells this widow that if she shares the rest of her meager food supply, she will be rewarded.
• The motivation here lies in the hope of what is yet to be realized.

The third way funds are raised are through thanksgiving.

• With grateful hearts, because we have already been blessed, we share ...our finances, our abilities, our time.
• We forgive others because we have experienced forgiveness from God.
• We offer a sacrifice, because God sacrificed himself on our behalf.
• We give simply out of joy.

And the fourth way is that of stewardship.

• We see ourselves, not as trustees, who are expected to use what we have on the behalf of others.
• We enter this world with nothing and will leave it taking nothing with us.
• We are given the responsibility to use what we have in the best way we know how.
• We give from a sense of duty.