Nougat 28

How many times have we given of ourselves and felt that no one noticed? And when it happened, did we feel just a little guilty because we didn’t give to get accolades, but we acknowledge to ourselves that it would be good to be recognized by someone even once? If you answered once or more, then please prayerfully consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Your ministry of this service to God’s people isn’t only fully meeting their needs but it is also multiplying in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. They will give honor to God for your obedience to your confession of Christ’s gospel. They will do this because this service provides evidence of your obedience, and because of your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Giving as Ministry

Some 11 years ago, a YMCA leader in New York advanced the idea of Giving Tuesday. This is a radical concept of global giving that invites others to give, often with matching donations. The concept was endorsed by United Nations Foundation and BLK SHP (Black Sheep) and has since become viral, to the extent that this Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become one of the most important fundraising moments for nonprofit organizations.

While this may seem counter to the teaching of our nougat, I believe that Mr Henry Timms was convinced that within each human is the capacity to give. What was needed was motivation and/or encouragement to do so. And that’s what the Corinthian church was receiving – encouragement for their giving. It was the kind of giving that was transforming lives over and beyond material needs to the extent that the glory was being given to God.

Some would argue that the comment in the letter does not constitute a full response from the recipients; but it certainly qualifies as an acknowledgment of services rendered and appreciated. The Corinthian church’s attitude towards the needs of the Macedonians was so tangible that others had been inspired to be equally generous. Further, we recognize that from their gifts of service a whole movement of Thanksgiving was birthed.

Of course we also recognize that there is need for discernment in our giving and service. It is only too easy for us to cast our pearls to swine, given the plethora of scams that currently exist. We must not allow ourselves to become so jaded and jaundiced by counterfeits that our willingness to give dries up. Giving is a divine mandate. It is included in the principles of gleaning in Leviticus 19, which provided for the destitute to be fed each harvest. And we recall the outcry for Tabitha by the people of Joppa in Acts 9. Her generous nature spoke for her and resulted in the act of resurrection over her life.

We don’t give for the sake of resurrection. All who believe have been assured of eternal life.

We give in recognition that God’s love was so all encompassing that God died for our access to eternity.

We give in acknowledgment of the reality that we don’t actually OWN anything – it’s ALL God’s.

We give in the sure and certain knowledge that what we give is returned – pressed down, shaken up and overflowing.

We give because we have proven that giving to the poor is lending to God (see Proverbs 19:17). And God is no one’s debtor.

This Giving Tuesday, what shall we give to others?

—

May all we seek be found in Christ