What is Giving Tuesday?
In a world where consumerism and focus on self is the status quo, Giving Tuesday has gained a significant amount of momentum in recent years. According to their website, Giving Tuesday is a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”
Since its beginning just seven years ago, the Giving Tuesday movement has catapulted hundreds of millions of people to thoughtfully consider how they can “give generously” to others. And what better timing to set a day aside to do so than in between a holiday reserving for gratitude (Thanksgiving) and the time of year where we do the most shopping (Christmas)?
Why Does Generosity Matter?
Miriam Webster defines generous as “characterized by a noble or kindly spirit.”
This may be our favorite definition as it speaks to the fact that generosity directly links to our hearts. The Gospel of Matthew says that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21) indicating that where we invest our treasures (time and money) can actually guide our hearts.
The holiday season can be exhausting and overwhelming for many. A time of year meant to be cheerful and jolly can often contrast against a backdrop of pain, hurt, emotional, and spiritual needs. This is one of the many reasons that LCI is passionate about providing training and support to key church leaders and help prepare them for the care of others. (Learn more about our mission.)
“…Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:6b
On the reciprocal, those who give are often “receivers” of blessing themselves. We know (and get to see first hand) through our lay counselors that “a generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
What Does the Bible say about Generosity?
Jesus exemplified the greatest act of generosity by paying the debt we owe— by taking on our sins directly and conquering them through the cross—so that we can live in perfect relationship with God. He generously gave up His life, so we can have eternal life (John 10:10).
In addition to Jesus’ example, there are many scriptures throughout the Bible regarding generosity:
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Psalm 112:5
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Consider Giving to LCI
This year Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2019, and we invite you to participate in the blessing of being generous with the Lay Counselor Institute. Will you consider giving to our mission to prepare believers for the care of others?
Want to read some of the stories of people impacted by the Lay Counselor Institute? Read Testimonials
Want to learn more about what LCI does? Read What is Lay Counseling and Why is It Important for the Local Church.