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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
The race is on! You are now officially on the countdown to Christmas. Are you shopping the black Friday deals right now? Trying to finish all your shopping in advance of your next holiday celebration? Sales on this one day are expected to reach $10 billion dollars. Yes, billion. The rush of endorphins that come from this touted day of deals can be fun, but how can you show compassion this season as you prepare to give to others? Rather than a quick rush, can you turn this feeling into a long-lasting seasonal glow?
Let’s take a moment and orient ourselves to a biblical view on giving.
First, it is the Lord who gives us power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). We are called to steward what God gives us in God’s way, not our own. Even Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve God and money. What would happen to these $10 billion dollars if even 10%—a tithe—went to things that God cares about? That would be $1 billion dollars! References about tithing can be found in Numbers 18:26, Malachi 3:10, and Deuteronomy 14:22.
God gives us wealth; he reminds us we cannot serve him and money and tells us to bring our first fruits to him.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).
Now, let’s think of who God asks us to show compassion to. Jesus is our greatest example of showing compassion.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me (Matthew 25:35-36).
God is good to give us a list of suggestions.
As you shop on black Friday, are there deals that could help you buy gifts for children in need? Local giving trees make it easy to know what to buy. Many communities also have ways you can sponsor food for those in need or give toward a coat drive for those of our listeners in colder climates.
