Give in Radical Generosity
December is often the time when people give based on where their hearts are. Think about this: it is estimated that over $800 billion dollars will be spent on Christmas gifts in 2021. Read that again: $800 BILLION. Wow.
I’m all for giving gifts to others. I absolutely love to give gifts each Christmas. I love to see the gifts under the tree and to see my family and friends open them. Giving gifts is a tangible way to show that God blesses us so that we can be a blessing. So let’s continue to give!
But I want to encourage us to consider this question as we give this Christmas: Are we giving in radical generosity?
In other words, are our hearts open to give in ways that challenge us? Are our hearts open to give to others in ways we never considered before? Are our hearts open to give –not just of our material wealth – but of our time and talents as well?
As you continue to plan for your own patterns of joyful, radical generosity, here are just three ways that you can GIVE:
- Tithe your MEALS. What do we mean? Take one out of every 10 meals you’ll have over the next month and plan to share them with someone who is different than you. Share your stories. Then spend a lot of time listening and learning from them.
- Tithe your TIME.What do we mean? Take one day out of every 10 days this next month to be completely available to serve and bless others. Don’t fill your schedule with events and “to-do” lists focused on you. Create space for the Spirit to use you in any way he wants.
- Tithe your GIFTS.We do we mean? Give one gift out of every 10 gifts you plan on giving to those you know and love to those who are in substantial need. Maybe you know them. Maybe you don’t. Ask God to reveal to you who this might be.
If you want to know a bit more on how we think of giving in radical generosity, check out our latest Forward by Faith podcast where we dig into this practice. In the episode we consider the fact that God so loved that world that he gave. And because God gave, we give (you can listen to our podcasts through the FBC app, through Apple podcasts, or Spotify).
And as I think of radical generosity flowing from our lives, can I say thank you FBC family? Your continual giving to FBC helps us continue to fund the work of the gospel both locally and globally, as well as equipping leaders to serve the body of Christ so that all will find and follow Jesus.
We give in radical generosity – not because we are obligated – but, like God – we give because we love. May we be a people of joyful, generous, and sacrificial giving as we follow Jesus with our head, heart, and hands. What could that look like this year for you?
Following Jesus with you!
-Pastor Wade
