by Sheila Dolinger January 8, 2026
Anew year invites fresh intention. So, as 2026 begins, we’d like to offer some simple ideas to help you notice opportunities to give, respond to others with compassion, and practice generosity in your everyday life, so that each step you take in giving this year draws you closer to God and to the people he places in your path.
- Choose a guiding word
Select one word from Scripture or a short verse to guide your generosity this year. Let it shape how you approach opportunities and the posture you want to carry into each act of giving. If you need some inspiration, consider our “10 principles of biblical generosity” devotional for ideas. - Focus on your firstfruits
What you do at the beginning of the year can shape everything that follows. Take a few moments to decide where you want your first gift to go (if you haven’t already), and set a generous rhythm for the year. - Get inspired
Browse real stories of generosity, and choose one to read or watch with your family. Talk about what you want your own personal and family giving story to be this year. - Write a biblical prayer
Craft a prayer rooted in Scripture to guide your giving. Learn more about the power of scriptural prayer and get ideas for biblical concepts to pray about from NCF’s biblical stories. - Dream big
Are you motivated by visuals? Create a generosity vision board that reflects the causes, people, and goals you want to focus on this year. Include images, Scripture, and prayers that help you imagine your impact. Consider creating one for your family too.
To see the rest of the 26 ways, [click here].
With 20 years of experience as a brand journalist, Sheila Dolinger writes on a variety of topics from her home in Atlanta, Georgia. When she isn’t busy embarrassing her teenage kids on social media, she mentors underserved youth through a local creative writing program.
For me a guiding word and writing a prayer, are two things I’d like to do.
What about you?
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