Give to Those Who Ask

Reposted from Rooted Thinking.

In Matthew 5:42, Jesus said, “Give to the one who asks of/begs from you.” This command of Jesus is not an easy one to apply. Christ’s words are straightforward: we must respond to those who, in their poverty, ask help from us.

Discussion

Barna Research: The Deeply Personal Reasons People Give Financially

Body

“One of the most defining attributes of U.S. adults’ giving, it seems, is that it is local—indeed, nearly half (48%) say this true, while just 17 percent share that their giving is global. They lean toward describing their giving as proactive (47%) and private (42%), but are largely neutral (45%) on whether their giving could be called sacrificial or convenient. ” - Barna

Discussion

Should Pastors Know What Congregants Give?

Body

“We asked a variety of pastors this difficult question. They all emphasized that every church situation is unique and that there is no single ‘right’ answer. But here’s how fellow leaders from across the country approach this issue in their own church contexts.” - CToday

Discussion

Churches, nonprofits optimistic about giving in 2022

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“In its 2021 State of Giving report released Monday, the ECFA … showed that while cash giving to member churches dipped slightly amid the pandemic and lockdowns in 2020, giving to other types of ministries increased.” - CPost

Discussion

Online giving sees slower growth than online worship

Body

“In 2017, Lifeway Research found 30% of churches offered a giving option on their website. In April 2020, 48% of churches said they were continuing to offer online giving, while 16% said their church had added it since the pandemic began.” - Lifeway

Discussion

Could You Use Some Joy Today?

Body

“we do not need to be Christians for long before we learn that the greatest joy connected to wealth does not come from gaining but from giving. Hoarding wealth for ourselves gives far less lasting satisfaction than contributing wealth to God’s causes.” - Challies

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