Ways to Give This Christmas (without involving money) – Dale Black

If you are a follower of Jesus you are probably familiar with the concept of giving. You’re aware that Jesus gave His life for you and all of mankind, so that we could be saved. You’re likely aware that the Bible instructs you to tithe to the source of your spiritual food (Malachi 3:10). But if you think that giving only refers to finances, then you are probably missing out. All around us…every day…there are ways you and I can give that don’t involve money. Here are a few:

1. Invest Into the Lives of People Around You

Galatians 6:7-10 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Every day we have the choice to give, or sow, good things into the lives of those around us. You can sow seeds of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). When you invest into the lives of those around you, you help them see Jesus. You are His feet, His hands, His voice. You help them see the difference that a relationship with Him can make. It can be powerful and life-changing to put God’s love into action.

2. Giving Your Time

Most people admit that our lives are busy. We are busy with family, work, church, school, grand-kids, soccer practices, PTA and more. For some, giving their time can be even more difficult than writing a check. But keep in mind that each time you give your time and energy into helping someone else in their time of need, you are indeed giving.

Here are a few ideas in which you can give your time:

• Volunteer at your church
• Volunteer at the local senior center, hospital, homeless shelter or airport chapel.
• Make regular phone calls to friends and family and ask them how you can pray for them. Then pray on the phone with them. Make this a personal ministry for the long haul.
• Organize a coat drive for the homeless in winter.
• Collect food for a food pantry.
• Deliver meals to the elderly or disabled.
• Hand out water to the homeless during the summer.

These are just a few of the ways you can give your time to make a difference in God’s Kingdom. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23).

3. Give Words of Encouragement

Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” The words you speak have the ability to build up or tear down.

I believe that never before in this generation, are more people in need of a word of encouragement, spoken with faith in the heart. They need to know how much God cares for them and you can be His voice in your world. You can play a vital part in letting them know how much He cares for them, and how their lives can be changed through faith in Him.

How can you give a word of encouragement? Here are just a few suggestions:

• Eat lunch with a new co-worker or neighbor.
• Introduce yourself to (and get to know) a visitor at your church.
• Call a distant family member.
• Pray for those who are hurting.
• Send a card to a friend.
• Give an encouraging note to someone in need.

Opportunities to give are all around us… which doesn’t have to involve money. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

As you go through your week, purpose to give to those around you. Ask the Lord to bring opportunity to your heart and mind and then be alert to respond to His nudging. Perform small acts of kindness. Give of your time and words of encouragement. It needs to cost you nothing more than your attention! And you’ll feel great in the process.

Giving is amazingly connected to being close to God. In this following video, Dale shares ways to draw closer to God.

Dale & Paula
Let’s always remember, with God nothing is impossible.