The Christmas season reminds us that generosity is still valued highly in our culture. Many of us buy Christmas presents for family and friends, we write cards to express appreciation and love, and several of us engage in acts of charity and philanthropy this time of the year. We’re reminded by culture that giving to loved ones and to those who are in need is a good thing, and it’s absolutely true; the bible teaches that we must give generously to those who are in need and that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7; Rom. 12:13).
In light of the spirit of giving during this season, let’s reflect on the best gift we could possibly offer to this world—and that’s the gift of Jesus who brings perfect hope, peace, joy, and love. First, this world is a needy place; it’s a broken place. It desperately needs Jesus. We are sent as messengers and ambassadors of Christ to deliver the good news to this world that needs Jesus. Second, we ought to love this broken world because that’s what our God did: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” (John 3:16a, emphasis mine). So, if we ought to love this world and we agree that it’s desperately in need, should we not give the gift of Jesus to this broken world? Should we not give the gift of light into this darkness?
Here’s the important thing—if we’re serious about giving this gift of Jesus, we ought to give sacrificially. You may ask yourself, “I understand why I must be a cheerful giver, but why do I have to be sacrificial?” History teaches us that the Holy Spirit works powerfully when believers give sacrificially (Acts 2:45, 4:34; Ex. 36:5; 1 Kgs. 17:13; Mt. 26:7; Lk. 21:4). When Jesus followers gave their material goods, time, and even their lives sacrificially, the early church exploded with powerful growth. Conversely, when the church became selfish and consumeristic, even though it had fancy buildings and powerful influence on government, the church saw corruption and did not experience the power of the Holy Spirit in ways that the early church did. This is true because Jesus leads the way by exemplifying sacrifice as a means of giving this gift of love. Jesus sacrifices by leaving the glories of heaven and coming to be born in a manger—to put on flesh. He sacrifices Himself on the cross and offers Himself to the world as a gift. Thus, giving must be sacrificial. If we desire to participate in sharing the most precious gift of Jesus with our community, we must give sacrificially because that’s how Jesus led the way. He tells us to take up our cross and follow Him in giving ourselves sacrificially to this world. And this is exciting because upon the foundation of Jesus’ sacrifice and our participation in His sacrifice, I believe we will be able to give the gift of Jesus to our South Delta community. Please join my family in giving joyfully and sacrificially this season!
Blessings,
Paul Park
Login To Leave Comment