How to Make Generosity a Goal in the New Year

One of the things I love about the New Year is the opportunity to envision what the year ahead could look like—dreaming big, setting goals, and imagining the possibilities. And while many of us may ask, “What do I want to achieve this year?” or “What goals do I want to set for the year,” I want to invite us all to ask a slightly different question:

“How can I live more generously this year?”

In one of our recent client communications at LifeGuide Financial Advisors, we shared the story of Tom and Bree Hsieh (courtesy of Generous Giving), who decided to do something radical. After accumulating significant wealth in the technology boom, they chose a different path that ultimately led to more joy and freedom for their family. That path? Living below the median income line so they would be free to minister to and bless those around them in radical ways. 

I share this because I’m in awe of the way God can use our generosity. In the case of the Hseihs, He used their decisions to make a real difference in the lives of others, return blessings to their family, and impact their children's hearts.

Stories like Tom’s & Bree’s challenge me because, let’s be honest, generosity all too often and too easily can become somewhat of an afterthought in our lives. We mean well, but life gets busy, or we’re hit with an unexpected bill, and we unintentionally default to giving when it’s convenient or when there’s “enough” left over. 

But the reality is that leaning into generosity might just be one of the most meaningful things we can do this year!

So today, I want to formally invite you to make generosity a goal this New Year! 

Why Generosity Matters (And Why It’s Worth It)

Living generously isn’t just a “nice thing to do.” As Christians, it’s a command and a calling! The Bible speaks of generosity not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to partner with God in His work. One verse I keep coming back to is 2 Corinthians 9:6-7:

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Giving is an act of faith. It’s not about guilt or pressure—it’s stewardship. It’s about joyfully offering back a portion of what God has already given us.

As Tom & Bree’s story illustrates, what we give today can create ripple effects of generosity that last for generations, advancing God’s kingdom in ways we can’t even imagine.

And, in case you need further proof that generosity is a worthy goal this year, it turns out generous people tend to self-report more happiness. A win on all fronts!

Lessons I’ve Learned About Generosity

My own “generosity journey” has certainly been humbling and eye-opening. I’ve made mistakes, held on too tightly at times, and had to learn what it truly means to give with an open hand. Here are a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Generosity requires trust

1. Early on, I struggled with the fear of “not having enough.” But I’ve learned that God’s provision is always sufficient. Every time I’ve stepped out in faith to give, I’ve experienced His faithfulness in incredible, sometimes unexpected, ways.

2. Giving is a joy, not a burden

1. There’s a mindset shift that happens when we give cheerfully instead of reluctantly. I’ve found that when my heart is aligned with God’s, giving never feels like losing—it feels like gaining something far greater.

3. Small steps matter

1. I’m always amazed at the way God can multiply our efforts when our hearts are aligned with His! No matter how small it may seem, take the next step and start building momentum. 

Practical Steps to Prioritize Generosity This Year

If you’re ready to make generosity a goal in 2025, let me share some practical steps that have helped me (and clients I’ve worked with!) stay intentional about giving:

1. Start with prayer

1. Before you make a single plan or set a single goal, simply pause and pray. Ask God to show you where He’s calling you to give. Listen for His direction and trust that He’ll guide you to the people, causes, or ministries that need your support.

2. Set a specific giving goal

1. Generosity thrives with intentionality. For me, that means building a specific giving goal into my Financial LifePlan and monthly budget. Having a concrete goal has helped keep generosity at the forefront of my financial decisions.

3. Identify causes that align with your values

1. Think about the issues and missions that stir your heart. For me, that’s Christ-centered organizations passionate about reaching children and young adults with the Gospel. For you, it might be something completely different. The key is finding causes that resonate deeply with you so your giving feels deeply meaningful.

4. Automate your giving

1. One practical tip that’s helped me stay consistent is automating my donations. It removes the guesswork and ensures that generosity remains a priority, even during busy seasons. 

5. Involve your family

1. Generosity is contagious! It’s a powerful way to model generosity and plant seeds in the next generation. I’ve loved involving my family in the giving process and have been blown away at how passionate my kids get about giving! 

6. Be bold!

1. As I shared in an earlier post from last year, generosity is fostered, not achieved. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of, “If I just had ____, then I could be more generous.” Wherever you are in your journey, be bold! Commit to taking that next step of faith, even if—or perhaps especially if—it feels a bit uncomfortable! 

Where Should I Give?

With so many possibilities, it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing where to give. It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis! At LifeGuide, we often direct our clients to start with one of God’s “Top Three” that they feel passionate about: 

1. Caring for the poor and oppressed

2. Reaching the lost

3. Strengthening the believers

We also often recommend simply starting with your local church! Your local church is an excellent place to give and likely involved in all of God’s “Top Three!”

For other specific ideas and directions, check out this post, How to get out of neutral and grow in generosity, or last month’s post here on CFAN: Causes our advisors love supporting.

What’s Your Bold Generosity Goal for 2025?

As you plan your goals for this year, I want to challenge you—what would it look like to set a bold generosity goal? 

Maybe it’s stepping outside of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s partnering with an organization you’ve admired from afar. Or maybe it’s simply taking the first step toward consistent giving.

Wherever you are on this journey, don’t wait until the “perfect” time to take the next step, because the truth is, there’s never a perfect time. Generosity is a step of faith, and it’s one that God blesses in ways we can’t always foresee.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here for you! All of the advisors here on the Christian Financial Advisors Network (CFAN) are passionate about equipping clients to live faithful, generous lives.

As we step into this new year, I’m holding onto the words of Ephesians 3:20-21:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

May your generosity be a testimony to the boundless grace of God this year, touching hearts and leaving a legacy of faith for generations to come!

Subscribe to get our content delivered straight to your inbox!