I want to share something I’ve wrestled with, because I’m guessing I’m not the only one. 

Recently I made a financial commitment to my church that felt like a real step of faith for me. And almost immediately afterward, I started feeling something I didn’t expect. 

Regret. 

Not because I don’t love Jesus. Not because I don’t believe in the mission. But because I started thinking about all the things I could have bought for myself. The upgrades. The comfort. The security. The “treat yourself” moments. 

And then I felt frustrated with myself. I saw greed in my heart. I wanted to be a cheerful giver, but I didn’t feel cheerful. 

If you’ve ever felt this, here’s what I’m learning. 

Regret After Giving Doesn’t Mean You Did It Wrong 

One of the biggest lies regret tells us is: “If you feel this way, you must have made a mistake.” 

But I don’t think that’s true. 

In fact, I’ve started to realize something that actually encouraged me: 

If I didn’t feel any of this, I might not have given sacrificially. 

If giving doesn’t cost you anything emotionally, it probably didn’t cost you much at all. 

The discomfort is often a sign that you truly let something go. 

What I’m Actually Fighting Isn’t Money 

At first, I thought I was fighting money. 

But I’m not. 

I’m fighting fear and greed, the flesh. 

Fear says: 

• “What if I need that later?” 

• “What if I never get to enjoy anything?” 

• “What if God doesn’t come through?” 

Greed says: 

• “I want more for me.” 

• “I deserve this.” 

• “I want the comfort.” 

And generosity is a direct attack on both. That’s why it can feel like warfare. 

Cheerful Giving Is Often the Fruit, Not the Starting Point 

I used to read “God loves a cheerful giver” and assume that if I didn’t feel joy while giving, it meant my heart wasn’t right.  But I’m learning that sometimes obedience comes first and cheerfulness comes later. 

Sometimes God loves the cheerful giver… and He also loves the giver He’s still shaping into one. 

I Didn’t Throw It Away. I Transferred It. 

Here’s the picture that has helped me the most. 

Giving is like moving money from your checking account to savings. 

The only difference is this: 

I’m transferring treasure from earth to heaven. 

Jesus said: 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19–20) 

Earthly “checking” is fragile. Stuff breaks, fades, gets stolen, depreciates, and disappoints. 

But heavenly “savings” is secure. 

Eternal Investment Is Real 

When we give toward the work of God, we’re not just funding a budget. 

We’re investing in things that last: 

• People hearing the gospel 

• Disciples being formed 

• Families strengthened 

• Kids taught the Word 

• The poor cared for 

• The church built 

That stuff echoes in eternity. 

Paul even describes giving as something that produces eternal fruit: 

“…fruit that increases to your credit.” (Philippians 4:17) 

That’s a stunning thought. 

What I’m Learning to Tell Myself 

When regret hits, I’m learning to talk to my own soul like a shepherd, not a critic. 

I’m learning to say: 

• My heart may lag behind my obedience, but it will catch up. 

• God is not disgusted with me. He’s growing me. 

• This gift still matters, even if my emotions are messy. 

• I didn’t throw it away. I transferred it. 

A Simple Prayer 

If you’re wrestling with regret after giving, here’s the prayer I’ve been praying: 

Father, I gave, and now I feel the pull of regret. Free me from fear and greed. Grow joy in me. Teach me that You are enough. Let my giving be worship, not loss. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

 

If this is you, I just want to say: you’re not alone. 

And the fact that you’re fighting for joy is evidence that God is working in you. 

Keep going.