The Art of Giving by Matthew Porter

Unpacks how practising the art of giving brings us closer to God in an accessible and practical way

The Art of Giving
By Matthew Porter
Authentic 
ISBN  978-1-78893-290-5
Reviewed by Martin M’Caw 

 
We are in an age when everything was cheaper in the past.  2025 brings us higher housing and heating costs.  Annual increments seem swallowed up before we can think of how to spend, or even invest them with the political forecast of possibly negative economic development. Once again the kids are wanting more pocket money and the circulars and magazines from Christian organisations swamp us with new subscription applications. 
 
The Art of Giving doesn’t sound like something we can want or afford. However Matthew Porter (Bishop of Bolton) puts it differently through the wider perspectives that come through Christian discipleship. St. John reminds us that ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life’: and as we follow Jesus, whose crucifixion is the ultimate act of giving, our lives become a matter of giving as well as getting.
 
Porter has five brief chapters in which he outlines the Christian life of giving adjectively:  cheerfully, regularly, occasionally, collectively and expectantly.
 
We give cheerfully because we want to do so out of loving obedience to Jesus. We discover the difference that makes and defies the power money can hold over us. It’s what we do even when times are tough: cheerful giving liberates us to put our trust in God.
 
Giving regularly is a learning exercise in which we remember that all we have belongs to the Lord. So we need to learn and plan. If we don’t know how to, then we must just make a start and pray that over time our giving will grow even when it hurts.
 
From time to time there will be Occasional Giving as certain needs may arise out of the blue or for emergencies. Small gifts can make a big difference so we need to ask the Lord to guide us so our giving will be spontaneous and a particular help to the poor.
 
Collective Giving can be inspired through what we hear from others and by acting together giving can be easier and raise more than we imagine. It may be a battle we need to fight together but there will be the joy that will produce generosity.
 
Expectant Giving becomes an aspect of our discipleship, reminding us that giving for the benefit of others is good for us. God will look after us including our financial needs, so that we give again. Generous giving involves radical trust that God will continue to provide.
 
In an Afterword Porter recognises that in hard times generous giving can be very sacrificial, but the call on God’s church in difficult days can well be the challenge. Some may realise their savings are less, while other may forego replacing a kitchen device or a holiday. Porter concludes ‘The Lord may honour such generous giving and surprise us with what he gives back.’
 
The way forward is to learn the art of giving. So let’s get on with it and give.
 

The Revd Dr Martin M’Caw is a retired Baptist minister and Wing Chaplain No2 Welsh Wing RAF Cadets (also retired)