Galatians 6:7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. NLT.
GIVE DECISIVELY NOT UNDER COERCION
My first time on a prayer mountain was eventful. However, the way and manner one of the prayer leaders raised a particular offering and spoke to those who couldn't give left a sour taste in my mouth. He didn't just speak to them harshly, he made them feel worthless.
A sister told me that her father stopped attending church because the Pastor started laying curse on those who weren't responding financially. Though that's not enough reason to stop attending church and no reason can be good enough to quit fellowshiping with other believers.
However, the excesses of some preachers has chased many away from church and pierced the hearts of some because of the several unbiblical methods they employ in getting money from people. The worst is when manipulation and emotional blackmail is used.
If we'll be truthful to ourselves, the bible is clear on the way and manner you should give. Listen to Paul: "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"(2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV).
Two things are noteworthy in this verse:
(a) Decide what you want to give. That is, no amount should be imposed on you. You are at liberty to decide. God honours your decision. No man/preacher should do that for you. Do not also forget that the Holy Spirit can prompt you to give specific amount. However, no man under heaven has the right to do impose on you against your decision.
(b) Don't give under compulsion/ reluctance. This is akin to the previous point made. The yoke of compulsion in giving is not scriptural. Do not forget that giving must come from a willing heart. If it is from a heart that has been forcefully compelled, such giving has no reward.
Don't let anyone tell you that your giving is tied to receiving a miracle. God doesn't sell miracles.
The apostolic&prophetic foundation upon which our faith is built gives no room for manipulation. Never did we read about Peter or Paul promising "sudden breakthroughs" and coercing people to give to support their missionary endeavours. Needs were made known and the brethren gave in response to meet those needs. No sweet-talking, no manipulation.
As a pastor, if you still have to sweet-talk your people before giving, it shows they know little or nothing about the stewardship of money. You need to constantly expose them to scriptural truths on the subject until you get desired result.
As stewards of God's resources, don't wait until you're sweet-talked before you give. We give to worship God and to meet needs in the kingdom. It is manipulative to give heavily to a minister who makes spurious promises of sudden breakthroughs and miracle money yet your local church has needs unmet and your pastor or field missionaries are in need. So bad!
Study all the scriptures in this series and let the Holy Spirit minister to you.