GIVING TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST IN THE NEW YEAR

As a new year opens before us, the Lord places His finger gently upon one of the most revealing areas of the heart—our giving. Money, so tightly bound to trust and desire, becomes in the hands of Christ a holy instrument of love. The question is never how much we possess, but who possesses us.

Our Savior spoke plainly and tenderly: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and decay consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Giving is the quiet confession of where the heart truly dwells.

Christian giving is not loss but fellowship—sharing in the very purposes of God. When we give to the causes of Christ, we step into His own generosity toward the world. The apostle reminds us that giving is never detached from grace: “But this I say: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously will also reap generously. Let each one give as he has purposed in his heart, not with reluctance or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Heaven does not measure the coin, but the love and faith with which it is released.

The new year will bring opportunities—some planned, others unexpected—to advance the Gospel, relieve suffering, and strengthen the work of Christ’s kingdom. God does not ask us to give what we do not have, but to place all we have at His disposal. Th Word assures the trusting heart: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The open hand never empties itself into poverty; it opens itself to the faithfulness of God.

Let this year be marked by deliberate generosity—giving that flows from prayer, gratitude, and confidence in the Father’s care. As we loosen our hold on earthly things, we find our grip strengthened on eternal realities. To give for Christ is not merely to support His work; it is to declare that He Himself is our treasure.

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Lord Jesus, free my heart from fear and self-reliance; teach me to give gladly and faithfully to Your work, trusting You to supply all that is needed for life and godliness. Amen.

BDD