Seth Udinski, FISM News
Today, November 29, is a day known as Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 in New York City as a global movement to encourage and celebrate generosity. Every year, millions of people around the world give billions of dollars to charities and organizations of their choice.
The day comes at a crucial time in the year — at the beginning of the Christmas season when generosity seems to be more present in hearts and minds than at other times of the year.
Furthermore, the day comes on the heels of the Black Friday weekend, which, in the last two generations, has grown into something of a mad rush of greed, as shoppers look to find the best deals on Christmas gifts. Giving Tuesday seems to offer an appropriate counter-balance, reminding people of the virtue of generosity, following a weekend full of unbridled spending.
Author’s Biblical Analysis
For Christians, giving Tuesday provides a golden opportunity to follow the example of Jesus Christ and give sacrificially. Indeed, there is no greater example of generosity than Jesus Christ, who gave the greatest gift of all to anyone who would simply repent and believe in His name — salvation from sin and eternal life with God.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
The Lord Jesus did this with complete selflessness. At great cost to Himself, He gave His very life in our place so that we might become the children of God. What magnificent news for sinners like you and me!
Therefore, an encouragement for today is simply to give generously, following the example of Jesus Christ.
When a believer gives sacrificially it opens up amazing opportunities to spread the gospel. Selflessness is something that much of the world simply does not understand. Even the most generous among us is tempted to selfishly gain something from being generous, even if it is simply a “good feeling.”
It is my belief that Christians have before us fertile ground for gospel growth when we are able to give without any pretense, out of a heart of gratitude for all Christ has given to us.
So believer, look for opportunities to give sacrificially today. Pray for conversations to happen, where nonbelievers may take notice and ask why. If the Holy Spirit provides the opportunity for such a conversation, be ready with an answer (1 Peter 3:15): “I did this because I have been given the greatest gift of all. May I tell you about it?”
Believer, do not shy away from the opportunity to share the love of Christ. If you ask for it, God will provide. And if you ask for the courage and boldness to speak when the time comes, God will also provide.
So give generously, not simply to be nice, or to “make a difference,” or feel good about yourself. Give generously, because have received the greatest gift of all.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! – 2 Corinthians 9:15
Author’s Note
There are many organizations, much more than can be listed here, that are doing great things for the kingdom of God and are worthy of donations on this day. However, if you are encouraged to give but do not already have an organization already in mind, below are some suggestions of places that I urge you to consider:
The first and most important way you can give is to your church. If it is a toss-up between giving to your local church and giving to any organization, no matter how noble it is, you must choose your church, so long as that church is faithful to God, and faithfully preaches the gospel and the whole counsel of God. Give to your local church before you give anywhere else.
Secondly, consider giving to our ministry, Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries. We believe God has called us to proclaim truth to a world that desperately needs it, and we cannot do that without you.
If the Lord leads you in that way, follow this link and give to FISM today.
We also have several ministry sponsors that have come alongside us to help us in our goal of sharing the truth of the gospel in this way. We come alongside them in turn by encouraging our viewers, listeners and readers to support them. Like FISM, these ministries are faithful to the whole counsel of God, and we believe it would be a magnificent use of your money to bless them with a financial gift today.
Below are links for several of our ministry partners if the Lord leads you to give to their work:
The AFA Foundation: The AFA Foundation exists to help individuals and families leave a legacy that lasts for generations through bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and wills. Your charitable gifts help AFA continue its forty plus year effort to stem the tide of secularism in our culture and to rebuild our Christian foundations. Give to AFA Foundation here.
India Partners: India Partners is an international and humanitarian organization providing life-changing care to children and families living in extreme poverty in India. For over 35 years, India Partners has helped to meet the needs of people suffering without food, education, shelter, medical care, and more. We serve all regardless of caste, religion, gender, or creed. Give to India Partners here.
Pre-Born!: Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. Pre-Born! is designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through prayer initiatives, providing resources such as ultrasound equipment for pregnancy centers, and equipping staff to share the gospel with mothers in moments of distress. Give to Pre-Born! here.