Being Generous During Tough Times
Giving is cathartic. I can’t explain it. It does not matter when it is done. If anything, it is more of a blessing when we give out of our lack, like the widow did with her two coins. When we have plenty, we often forget to give. When we lack, we justify our not giving.
Well, God’s standards do not change with the times (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17b). Not even a recession will change anything or make Him expect less of us. Difficulties are no excuse for disobedience. Yes, it can be a little painful to give during tough times, but it is possible and in fact expected of us, just like we are expected to give during times of plenty. Sometimes we will go without our own needs, but this is what love does – it puts others first. How do we go about it? Here are a few thoughts.
Continue to give monetarily. If you are eating out during a recession, then you can probably afford to tip as well, so go ahead and do it. Tithing should not stop, either. Give an offering out of your lack – Jesus is watching you the same way He watched the widow. She had no idea that anyone would hear her story. She had no idea that about two thousand years later, two young African women would use it to demonstrate a biblical principle on a website called Yakuti. You never know who your money will help or how far it will go to promote the Great Commission. That tip might help a waitress get her next meal or pay her next bill. Even if it doesn’t, it is still a blessing.
Realize it’s not just about the money. If you don’t have money to give, you can give your time and share your resources. Encourage someone. Visit a friend. Call someone up. Volunteer. The idea is to remember that it’s not about you. That time that you are tempted to spend worrying about a tomorrow that only God holds can be spent blessing one of His children and even sowing a seed towards that very tomorrow.
Be discerning. Having gone through very tough financial times recently, I can state from experience that very few people will ask for money straight up, even if they really need it. Sometimes a person is tempted to ask, but thinks you probably have your own drama to deal with. Discern if the Lord is asking you to share, and share, even if you want to do it anonymously. Watch and listen and be a friend. If your friend says she has no idea how she is going to get something done and you know it is something you can help with, don’t wait to be asked. Consult the Lord and move to touch a life for His glory. I was brought to tears several times when people offered to help, and I know for sure that I can never repay them as they should be repaid but God will reward them in His own special way.
Make giving a joyous, everyday activity. Giving, like worship and everything else that the Christian life entails, is not just limited to Sundays when the basket comes down the pew. You can give in many ways when you realize that, as stated above, it is not about the money. Give when nobody will see it and give when you don’t feel like it. It will all come back to you one day.
Lastly, work hard. Times are challenging, financially. You still have things you need to do; bills to pay and so on. Remember that whosoever shall not work, should also not eat. Working encourages giving because if you continue to earn that money and seek God about why He has blessed you with it, He will continue to show you ways in which you can use it for His glory.
I know that we become more sensitive to the needs of others if we have experienced those same needs. I want to encourage you to refuse to take on a defeated mentality if you read this and feel you have not been doing enough. Encourage yourself in the Lord, remembering that He will be a Forgiver for as long as we have shortcomings in this realm. Do not do anything out of guilt or obligation, but rather out of a willing heart that is so blessed by what God has done that it just cannot help but reach out and praise Him in your actions.
Shalom!
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