Over the last week, we’ve had Black Friday, the time of the year when retailers are supposed to move from operating ‘in the red’ (at a loss) to operating ‘in the black’ (making a profit). Then we’ve had Cyber Monday, encouraging us to spend online. It seems everyone is after our money. Then we’ve had Giving Tuesday. Now we can move away from consumerism as the focus is on giving to a good cause. That makes me feel better – or does it?
I love the concept of generosity, but if I’m honest, there are times when I’m reluctant to be generous and find it hard to give my hard-earned resources to those in need, which can lead me to feel guilty.
As a Christian, I am called to be generous, not to assuage my guilt or to be a ‘good person’, but because it reflects the heart and character of God who gave his one and only Son so we could have eternal life Over the last week, we’ve had Black Friday, the time of the year when retailers are supposed to move from operating ‘in the red’ (at a loss) to operating ‘in the black’ (making a profit). Then we’ve had Cyber Monday, encouraging us to spend online. It seems everyone is after our money. Then we’ve had Giving Tuesday. Now we can move away from consumerism as the focus is on giving to a good cause. That makes me feel better – or does it?
I love the concept of generosity, but if I’m honest, there are times when I’m reluctant to be generous and find it hard to give my hard-earned resources to those in need, which can lead me to feel guilty.
As a Christian, I am called to be generous, not to assuage my guilt or to be a ‘good person’, but because it reflects the heart and character of God who gave his one and only Son so we could have eternal life (John 3:16)
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In a week where we’ve been encouraged to snap up the latest bargain, why not also think about those less fortunate? When we choose to give, we connect with the heart of God and the need of humanity – now that’s a good deal.
Have a giving week,
Pastor Barry