Many people find the holidays difficult. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest times of the year, and the stress can be overwhelming. The thought of giving is on everyone’s mind, but we all have limited time and resources.
If giving and serving during the holidays is overwhelming, I encourage you to step away from the hustle and bustle momentarily. To say yes to giving, you must say no to something else. This is what makes the act of giving an act of service. When you donate or volunteer in any capacity, now or throughout the year, you must sacrifice something else to give to whatever cause pulls your heartstrings.
Imagine for a minute your community without the church you attend or the charities serving others who just need a little bit of help. Do this so you can have a strong conviction in your heart to make sure none of these amazing nonprofits go away. Giving so your community will have a church or so that nonprofits who help the community don’t have to close their doors is being a good neighbor.
Here is how Christians can donate and help the less fortunate this Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Tithe First
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38 (WEB)
God is generous, and giving in any capacity to serve others is just one way we can serve Him. There was never a time in the Bible when people who were chosen by God were called to indulge in the blessings they had received. If we hold onto money, gifts, and talents and do not find a way to provide through these avenues, then we are disobedient to God.
Over the last several years, my heart for giving and tithing has grown so much. I used to give out of obedience, and sometimes, I still do. However, through personal trials of my own, I started giving more because I didn’t want anyone to go through what I went through.
If you are not tithing, I would encourage you to begin your giving right here, tithing to your local church. They are the missionaries who live in your backyard. If you do not belong to a church, I would encourage you to search for one until you find the right fit. Until then, you can tithe to the church that has impacted someone close to you.
Find A Local Charity And Commit To Giving Regularly
“God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.” – Billy Graham
I know that fundraising campaigns can seem overwhelming this time of year. The fact is that everything takes money to run. The charities and churches we love so dearly need to pay the bills to keep their lights on and to keep doing what they are doing within your community.
Your regular donation, no matter how small you think it might be, will bring stability to charities that often rely on grants and donations just to keep going. You will make a difference even if you give just $5-$25 monthly.
Take the time to pray and do your research. Local charities and nonprofits are gearing up for Giving Tuesday and looking for new donors like you to make a one-time donation or a monthly donation. Make it your goal to find a nonprofit you can commit to giving to regularly by December 3rd.
Again, it doesn’t have to be a large donation that will break the bank or ruin your budget. Most people can afford a monthly donation if they give up small luxuries like eliminating one trip to Starbucks or eating at home more often. Giving regularly is about overcoming the heart issue that stops you from giving. Whether it be fear or not being able to find a charity you align with, it’s not really about the money.
Join A Giving Circle
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
I have recently been introduced to small communities of people who donate their membership fee. These communities pool everyone’s donations and find charities to donate to.
The membership fees can vary and are often $100- $1000, but the amount people give to these nonprofits can be what keeps the organization afloat or allows it to expand and reach more people. I have found that there are local and national clubs that people can join to band together and make a difference within their community.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Here are just a few giving circles or giving clubs you could join this Thanksgiving and holiday season:
- Grapevine hosts a collection of giving circles around the United States.
- Philanthropy Together has over 4,000 giving circles listed.
- 100 Woman Who Care has several giving circles around the world.
- The Impact 100 Global Network is where 100 women donate $1,000 and donate to charity.
- CharityVest is a platform for donor-directed giving.
Your Giving Matters To Your Community
I do believe Jesus is the hope of the world. The longer I am a Christian and the more times I have to lean on my faith because life happens, the stronger my conviction of this truth is. With that conviction, my heart toward giving remains steadfast.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)
It is important for believers to practice charity regularly. Finding opportunities to give sacrificially is a lifestyle. I know that during this time of year, requests can be overwhelming, but you have the power to quiet the noise and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit on where to give and how much to give.
“The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation.” Peter Marshall
If you are really looking for ways to make this season more meaningful, then I would encourage you to find ways to give. Time and money are limited for everyone, and it really isn’t how much you can provide. Most importantly, you choose to find ways to give that are within your capacity. Giving more will always require you to stretch yourself and change your mindset. Do not give out of compulsion, and look to God when you are ready to move forward with your giving.
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