Charitable Giving

Today we look at the following passages:
Matthew 19:21

 21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Matthew 10:8

 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

With the arrival of All Saints Day, many of us begin looking toward the holiday season. Christmas is on its way and with it all the commercialism and stress that tends to accompany it.

It was not until I dedicated my life to God that I came to realize what this season of giving is really about: a miracle. Why do we give gifts at Christmas? It's not just because the wise men gave gifts to Jesus. The tradition is more than that. Gift giving at this time is about sharing our abundance with those who have less. It's about helping others to stock up for winter and be comfortable. It's about giving gifts in love. (Keep in mind, when Jesus was born there was no Wal-Mart around the corner to pick up preserved food every week.)

In light of that concept-giving in love-ask yourself: why do we give at this time? As a recipient of God's grace I want to share that all the time. For the last nine months that's about all I've been able to share due to our tight budget. Now, at this magical time of the year, I want to share more. I want to go out and share God's message through any means I can. But I don't want to stop after December. The people we give to for Christmas, whether they be homeless, abused, poor, or otherwise needy, still need that support after the holidays. Many of us forget then and move on with our comfortable lives.

Jesus told us to sell our possessions and give to the poor. What do you have that you don't need anymore? Imagine what you could do with the money from selling a few things. It might only amount to a meal or two for someone less fortunate, or maybe more. Jesus said, "freely you have received, freely give." How much clearer can it get? God gives us his grace freely. He answers our prayers because He wants to, not because we deserve it. We can't earn our way into heaven. But we CAN help someone else see that love that God shares with us.

So my challenge to you this year is to make a list of causes that are close to your heart. Research ways to give to those causes. It might be money, might be time, or might be gifts that you give them. Maybe you can volunteer at a soup kitchen. If you have no time, donate food to the food bank. If you have no money or time, take some things you don't need and sell them or give them to a shelter.

For example, I could donate some jewelry that is in perfect shape that I don't need to a women's shelter for gifts for Christmas. Or maybe some suits that don't fit me could go to Dress For Success. There are many ways to make this kind of commitment. But I encourage you to make it a year-long commitment. Don't just volunteer one day. Find a way to volunteer each month. Or join a sponsorship program where you give a monthly donation if time is your commodity.

If you're not sure how you can give or to whom-pray about it. God will help you find the charitable outlet that needs you.