Give What Matters: The Joyful Impact of Purposeful and Sacrificial Giving

Discover how to give what truly matters this holiday season as a Christian author shares meaningful ways to make a positive impact on others through purposeful, sacrificial, joyful, and impactful giving.

As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of buying gifts, decorating the house, and planning get-togethers with family and friends. But as Christians, we know that Christmas is about so much more than just these things. It's a time to reflect on the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to share that love with others. One of the ways we can do this is by giving what truly matters. In this article, we'll explore what that means and how we can put it into practice.

Giving with Purpose

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus teaches us that the two greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the foundation of giving with purpose. When we give, we should do so out of love for God and love for others, not out of a sense of obligation or to impress others.

One way to ensure that our giving is purposeful is to pray about it. Ask God to show you where your gifts can make the most impact and how you can use your resources to bless others. Consider supporting organizations that align with your values and have a track record of making a positive difference in the world.

Giving with Sacrifice

In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes a poor widow who gives two small coins to the temple treasury. He points out that while others had given large amounts, she had given all she had to live on. This is an example of giving with sacrifice – giving not just out of our abundance, but out of our need.

Now, this doesn't mean that we should give until we have nothing left. God wants us to be good stewards of the resources He's given us, and we need to take care of our own needs and the needs of our families. But it does mean that we should be willing to make sacrifices in order to bless others. Maybe that means giving up a luxury item or cutting back on expenses in order to donate to a worthy cause. Or maybe it means giving our time and talents to serve others, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Giving with Joy

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "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 with joy means giving with a willing heart and a spirit of generosity. It means being grateful for what we have and using it to bless others, rather than hoarding it for ourselves.

When we give with joy, it not only blesses the recipient but also brings joy to our own hearts. It's a reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves – a community of believers who are called to love and serve one another. And it's a reflection of the joy and generosity of our heavenly Father, who gave us the greatest gift of all in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Giving with Impact

Finally, giving what matters means giving with impact. It means using our resources in a way that makes a real difference in the lives of others. This could mean supporting a local charity that provides food or shelter to those in need. It could mean donating to a global organization that works to eradicate poverty or provide medical care to those in underserved communities. It could mean volunteering our time and skills to mentor a young person or serve at a homeless shelter.

Whatever form our giving takes, we should strive to make it impactful and meaningful. We should seek out opportunities to partner with others in making a positive difference in the world, and we should measure our success not in terms of the size of our gifts but in the impact they have on the lives of others.

FAQs

1. Is it wrong to give gifts at Christmas?

No, it's not wrong to give gifts at Christmas. In fact, giving gifts can be a way to express love and appreciation for others, as long as it's done in a spirit of generosity and not out of obligation or materialism.

2. How much should I give to charity?

There's no set amount that you should give to charity. It's a personal decision that depends on your financial situation and your priorities. Some people give a percentage of their income, while others give a set amount each year. The important thing is to give what you can with a willing heart.

3. Can I give my time instead of money?

Absolutely! Giving your time and talents can be just as impactful as giving money. There are many volunteer opportunities available, from serving at a soup kitchen to mentoring a young person. Look for ways to use your skills and passions to make a difference in the lives of others.

4. How can I ensure that my donations are going to a legitimate charity?

Before donating to a charity, do your research to make sure it's a legitimate organization. Look for reviews and ratings on websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar, and check to see if the charity is registered with the IRS. You can also contact the charity directly to ask about their programs and how your donation will be used.

5. Should I only give to Christian charities?

While it's certainly appropriate to support Christian charities, there are many secular organizations that do important work as well. The most important thing is to support organizations that align with your values and have a track record of making a positive impact in the world.