A Different Approach to Giving
Our world faces a growing gap between the wealthy and the less fortunate. Society calls for justice and equality.
Some propose redistributing wealth, like Robin Hood, taking from the rich to give to the poor. However, this approach raises questions of fairness, especially when considering those who earned their wealth through hard work.
As Christians, shouldn’t we take personal responsibility for caring for our neighbors instead of relying solely on the government?
A Bold Idea: Giving It All Away
To demonstrate the joy of giving, I had an idea: we would collect the Sunday morning offering as usual, but the following Sunday, we would give it all away.
After discussing it with our church leadership, we received an offering of just over $1600. The next Sunday, we prepared 80 envelopes with $20 each and gave one to everyone who attended; if you were old enough to walk, you got an envelope!
Biblical Foundation of Giving
I shared a message on giving, focusing on Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Impact of Secret Giving
We challenged our congregation to secretly give the $20 to someone in need. Stories soon emerged: some used the money to provide meals for families, others bought groceries for those struggling.
One young boy secretly gave his $20 to an elderly woman in a grocery store. The impact of these acts of kindness was profound.
Rewards of Generosity
While giving away the offering seemed impractical at the time, God more than compensated for what we gave.
As followers of Jesus, we are Ambassadors of His Kingdom. We are called to demonstrate His love, not delegate it to a broken government.
Practical Ways to Practice Generous Giving
Here are some practical ways to start practicing generous giving:
Simple Acts of Kindness
- If you can afford to dine out, consider setting aside a larger tip to bless your server; perhaps nearly as much as your dinner bill.
- Pray for guidance to identify a family in need and then follow through with a blessing.
Thoughtful Gifts
- Place one or two hundred dollar bills in a “Thinking of You” card with a simple message of encouragement; and and an ambassador of Jesus; sign His Name to the card.
The Gift of Time
Remember, your time is also valuable. Offering friendship and support can be a priceless blessing too.
Conclusion: Be an Ambassador of Generosity
As ambassadors of Christ, we have the authority to act in His name.
Embrace generosity and experience the joy of blessing others.
Be a blessing, and you will be blessed.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
- Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
- Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
- Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!