How to Not Be a Grinch Who Steals Christmas #CheerfulGiving
“7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ”
The Lord calls us to give with a gleeful heart. Yet, that doesn’t exclusively refer to monetary value. Last Sunday, our lead pastor, Pastor Wale, ushered us into a sanctuary of the season, all while bringing us to our feet with his unearthly rendition of “O Holy Night.” He began a month-long series related to this magical season, and kicked it off with a biblically sourced guide of how not to be a Grinch who steals Christmas. Similar to one of my previous posts about selfless giving, Christmas is one of those seasons meant for just that. Christmas is symbolic of the night that God gave us His most precious gift: His son.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (NKJV).
Christmas, at its core, should remind us of the importance of selfless giving. As Pastor Wale recanted, the Grinch was the greenest creature in Whoville because he never experienced the type of love, and seasonal cheer that he believed he deserved. One can fall into the mindset of the Grinch by prioritizing personal wants, over exterior needs - the needs of others. Gift giving represents that spirit.
In simplest terms, the Bible informs us that God loves a cheerful giver. That doesn’t mean that God rewards the largest tithers, or He shuns those who give a lesser offering. In fact, nowhere is it specified that God only values monetary almsgiving. There’s plenty more to give in life, aside from the tangible. As someone whose love language is quality time, I quite frequently observe that the misconception is overtly common. Our pockets may be tight at times, and the budget may not always be there; alternatively, you can opt for these plentiful alternatives, instead:
TIME, INSTEAD OF MONEY
A PROMISE ON YOUR WORD
FULFILLING A FAVOR
ACCOMPLISHING NEEDED tasks
donation of goods or services
When I think about selfless giving, I don’t think about what’s convenient for me. Being a cheerful giver doesn’t mean we’re always going to be happy about it. It may be a stretch at times, and ultimately, it may involve thinking outside of yourself. Giving without grudge, nor feeling the plight of necessity is when you find yourself in that sweet spot: giving what you can with the purest of intention. If, at the end of the day, after all of your selfless giving, you’re still not happy - it may be time to check your heart posture.
As I always say: it’s not about you. Giving is not tit for tat. There’s a greater gift in store for us. Giving time, crafts, goods, and promises to those around us is always a positive addition to the season, and if you can designate cash in your wallet for the less fortunate, that’s a blessing, too. Giving is not measured by the magnanimity of the deed, but by the willingness of your heart.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV)
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
King Herod: The Grinch Who Almost Stole Christmas (Bible Version) by PWal