Christians are givers. Polls consistently show that born-again believers are among the most generous groups of Americans, if not the most inclined to give, and we regularly rise to opportunities to share what we have with others. Giving is what we do. But why?

As we head into the biggest giving season of the year, we’re taking a look at the many reasons believers cultivate and are known for a spirit of generosity.

• We give because we’ve received.
  “Freely you received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). God has given us the ultimate gift by offering us salvation through His own Son. We have received so much from our Heavenly Father, and that reality drives all our Christian charity.
• We give to emulate Christ.
  “We must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). Jesus’ earthly ministry is the model for any generosity we show others. We give because He did.
• We give out of obedience to God.
  “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). God instructs us to give to those in need, and we are keeping His Word when we do.
• We give because we love others.
  “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Our giving comes from a heartfelt love for others. We share what we have because we care for the people God has placed in our lives, and that love is what defines us as Christians to begin with (John 13:35).
• We give to please God.
  “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God is pleased when we give freely and generously, and the act of giving becomes an act of worship in light of this truth.

This year, we have a special opportunity to give to those in need. From now until December 25, we’re raising money to buy 200 audio Bibles for our pastors to distribute in Haiti. While the country continues in a state of crisis, what people need most is hope. A Bible that can be read typically reaches one person; an audio Bible can be heard by up to 100 people. The audio Bibles provide a way for us to share the gospel—with communities that are mostly illiterate—while making God’s Word accessible in both a personal and social way.

Learn more here about how you can give.